2026 DC Pro Bono Week: DC Courts Pro Bono Open House
Join us for a special Pro Bono Open House where you’ll be introduced to the DC Courts and the wide variety of pro bono opportunities available in both the Superior Court and the Court of Appeals.
Each year thousands of people appear in the DC Courts without a lawyer. They may be at risk of eviction, involved in a child custody dispute, seeking safety through a civil protection order, or appealing the denial of unemployment insurance benefits —but can’t afford legal representation. While legal aid groups work hard to help, they have limited resources and can’t serve everyone who needs assistance. That’s where you come in. Your skills and experience can help people in our community gain access to justice and improve efficiency in the courts.
The Pro Bono Open House will feature an interactive panel discussion with judges sharing their insights from both sides of the bench. The judges will talk about the pro bono work they did earlier in their careers and how those experiences shaped their professional development and path to the bench. They’ll also share their current perspectives from the bench about how pro bono lawyers make a positive impact both in and out of the courtroom.
Following the panel discussion, you’ll have the option of choosing among several court observation opportunities, including a chance to debrief with legal services lawyers who practice every day in the DC Courts.
We look forward to welcoming you!
This event is geared toward lawyers working in private practice, legal services, government, or as in-house or corporate counsel. We also encourage retired lawyers and law students to join. Spread the word and join the conversation using #DCProBono26.