Acacia Bellamy is an Attorney-Advisor at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In her position at HUD and throughout her legal career, Acacia, has demonstrated a deep commitment to her community and colleagues through her pro bono service and leadership.

Even before graduating from law school, Acacia has been interested in ensuring pro bono is a part of her practice. While in school, she enrolled in a Pro Bono Practice course to gain the tools to effectively managing pro bono service and received the CALI Excellence for Future Award for achieving the highest grade in the class. After transitioning to her full time legal career, Acacia maintained her commitment to pro bono through her service at the DC Bar Pro Bono Center’s Advice & Referral Clinic. At the clinic, she supported community members in a full range of legal matters including employment law, torts, consumer protection, contracts, and estate planning matters. Acacia has also volunteered with Legal Counsel of the Elderly Tax Credit and Estate Planning Clinics.

On top of the support she provides to local clinics, Acacia has showcased a commitment to her neighbors through direct representation of estate planning matters. Her passion for the law and a life well lived is reflected in the estate planning documents she drafts for her clients. Her empathy sits at the core of this pro bono service as she works tirelessly to understand each families’ personal situation and ensure they have the right action plan in place during a period of life that promises difficulty. Her commitment to her clients ensures peace of mind, that when they are no longer here, their affairs are in order and their families future needs are addressed. 

Acacia’s dedication to those in need goes beyond the legal field and extends to our most vulnerable communities. When Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit Florida, Acacia volunteered as a part of HUD and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s coordinated recovery efforts. While she couldn’t give legal advice, she was on-the-ground ensuring survivors got registered for FEMA assistance program as well as emergency food assistance, elderly services, veterans services, and tax assistance as well as referring those with legal issues to local legal service providers. During a challenging and confusing time, Acacia was there for families rebuilding their entire lives and stood by their side to start the process on strong footing.

Within the legal community, it is essential to uplift Acacia’s leadership. She serves as a co-chair for the Federal Pro Bono Book Club, an interagency book club that meets monthly with the mission of increasing pro bono involvement among federal attorneys. Recently, Acacia helped create a virtual event with author of Unbillable Hours: A True Story, Ian Graham. The well-attended event successfully cultivated a greater interest in pro bono work among attorneys and the author expressed warmth and hope that filled him after the conversation. Acacia also volunteered for the National Association for Law Placement’s Street Law Legal Diversity Pipeline Program. In 2023, she became the lead program organizer, where she promotes the program, trains mentors and volunteers, and coordinates with local high schools to create lesson plans for the students.

Through her pro bono service, community support, and leadership in the legal community, Acacia has embodied what it means to positively impact the justice system. 

Do not miss the opportunity to celebrate Acacia at the 2025 Justice Impact Awards! Get your ticket today!!