Graphic: Best Practices in Pro Bono The State of Pro Bono includes date, time, and location

Best Practices in Pro Bono: The State of Pro Bono – What Has Actually Changed?

Join us to discuss the current state of pro bono.  What does pro bono look like right now?  What has actually changed?  What assumptions do we need to check?  Our shared commitment to access to justice continues, and we do our best work together.  Let’s connect in person to hear what has and hasn’t changed across pro bono and public interest partners. Panelists will discuss their office’s current pro bono work, share ways to continue serving local pro bono needs, and discuss tips for channeling coordinator and volunteer energy into productive pro bono opportunities. This session will be moderated by Jen Masi, Pro Bono Director at Children’s Law Center.  Panelists include: Kate Barry, Pro Bono Counsel, Kirkland & Ellis LLP Paul Lee, Pro Bono Partner, Steptoe Jacob Lichtenbaum, Immigration & Pro Bono Staff Attorney, Ayuda Sylvia Soltis, Pro Bono Program Director, Legal Aid DC Gwendolyn M. Washington, Pro Bono Counsel, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP This session will not be recorded or offered virtually. Bring your lunch and your questions! Thanks to the generosity of Fried Frank, cookies/brownies and drinks will be provided. We welcome pro bono coordinators from law firms, corporations, legal services providers, nonprofits, and government agencies from DC and across the country.  

DC Superior Court Open House: Domestic Relations Branch

This event is hosted by DC Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers and co-sponsored by the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center and Children's Law Center. Join us for a DC Superior Court Open House where Jenadee Nanini, Managing Attorney at the DC Bar Pro Bono Center, and Jen Masi, Pro Bono Counsel at Children's Law Center, will introduce you to the Domestic Relations Branch – one of the Court’s highest-volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed in child custody cases. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with Superior Court Judges, and learn how you can help expand access to justice in our community. Pro bono counsel may represent custodial parents, non-custodial parents, or third-party caregivers in child custody matters. They also serve as guardians ad litem (GALs), representing the “best interests” of the children involved. Whether representing a party or serving as a GAL in a custody case, you’ll be helping to secure stability for a family with limited means, as well as enhancing your professional skills. Please note this event involves a moderate amount of standing and walking. If attendees have accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@DCCSystem.gov. There is limited space for this event. Pre-registration is required. If you do not receive a separate confirmation email, you are not registered for this event. We will not have space to accommodate anyone who did not pre-register and did not receive a registration confirmation. If you are on the waitlist and have been moved off it, you will receive a separate confirmation email. If you do not receive a separate confirmation email, we will not be able to accommodate you at the Open House.

Graphic: DC Superior Court Open House Domestic Violence Division includes date and time

DC Superior Court Open House: Domestic Violence Division

This event is hosted by D.C. Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers and co-sponsored by Volunteer Legal Advocates and Volare. Join us for a DC Superior Court Open House where Alissa Osberg from Volunteer Legal Advocates and Angla Tingler from Volare will introduce you to the Domestic Violence Division – one of the Court’s highest-volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with judges, and learn how you can help expand access to justice in our community. The Open House will focus on pro bono opportunities to represent petitioners seeking Civil Protection Orders (CPOs). A person can file for a CPO against someone who has committed or threatened to commit an intrafamily offense, sexual assault, sexual abuse, or sex or labor trafficking against them. By providing pro bono representation in CPO cases, you’ll help someone seeking protection from domestic and/or sexual violence, as well as enhance your professional skills. Please note this event involves a moderate amount of standing and walking. If attendees have accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@DCCSystem.gov.

Graphic: Join our board with a round table and chairs below.

Join Our Board!

Washington Council of Lawyers is powered by our (all-volunteer) Board of Directors. Our working board plans and executes a range of advocacy efforts,  education and training programs, social and fundraising events, and communication initiatives. We'd love for you to join us! We're now accepting applications to join our board. Please submit your application by 5:00 pm on Monday, June 2, 2025.

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