At age 17, a veteran enlisted in the Marine Corps as a Rifleman. During a deployment to Afghanistan, he engaged in firefights and conducted daily foot patrols in areas mined with improvised explosive devices. For his service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he earned the prestigious Combat Action Ribbon.
This event is hosted by DC Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers, and co-sponsored by Volunteer Legal Advocates. Join us for a DC Superior Court Pro Bono Open House! Alissa Osberg from Volunteer Legal Advocates will introduce you to the Domestic Violence Division – one of the Court’s high-volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed. The Open House will focus on representing petitioners in securing Civil Protection Orders (CPOs) against someone who has committed or threatened to commit domestic and/or sexual violence against them. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with judges, and find out how to get involved. Register today to learn more about how you can help someone seeking protection from violence and enhance your professional skills through pro bono representation. Please note this event involves a moderate amount of standing and walking. The meet up location for the tour is the 1st floor just past security on the right. If attendees have accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@dccsystem.gov.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act also known as IDEA, is a complex law that provides necessary resources for infants, toddlers, children, and youth. Knowing exactly how to use it successfully can make all the difference in setting children up for success in school. This presentation will guide families, attorneys, and others concerned with securing the rights of disabled children to special education and related services. About the speaker: William B. Jaffe has been practicing law for over 30 years. Bill spent seven years as a lawyer for the D.C. Public Schools in their Office of General Counsel. He is now the Founder and Principal of the Law Office of William B. Jaffe, a civil rights law firm. Bill also worked at the DC Attorney General’s Office, the New York Attorney General’s Office, the Justice Department, and elsewhere.
The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) will present a one hour training on discharge upgrades and NVLSP’s limited scope discharge upgrade file review project. This limited scope pro bono opportunity enables volunteers to review and screen the files of veterans who have applied to NVLSP for pro bono assistance with a discharge upgrade. NVLSP’s Lawyers Serving Warriors discharge upgrade program assists veterans in applying to upgrade their characterization of service, for example from “Other Than Honorable” to a more favorable characterization such as “Honorable” or “General (Under Honorable Conditions).” A discharge upgrade may help veterans receive Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and health care, improve employment opportunities, and restore reputation and self esteem. Many veterans served through this project have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injuries, or other mental health conditions that are related to military service. Many veterans served through this program are survivors of Military Sexual Trauma. NVLSP screens every applicant to its discharge upgrade program before referring the matter to a pro bono partner for full representation. The file review project tasks volunteers with conducting a preliminary screen by reviewing and analyzing the files of clients who have applied for a discharge upgrade, so that NVLSP screening attorneys are able to review the files more efficiently. This project is primarily administrative in nature. Pro bono volunteers will create a Word table or Excel spreadsheet cataloging the client files and return the file review work product to NVLSP within one month of accepting the matter. The project is remote and can be completed from any location. Pro bono volunteers will agree to abide by the NVLSP confidentiality agreement. The estimated time commitment is ten to fifteen hours per project, and volunteers may work in teams. NVLSP’s DC Pro Bono Week presentation is open to all. However, only attorneys are eligible to accept file review matters, and government attorneys may not accept NVLSP discharge upgrade file review matters. NVLSP discharge upgrade file review pro bono opportunities are limited.
Hosted by Children’s Law Center and D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center. Please join us for a lively panel discussion on the need for pro bono representation in cases impacting families. This panel will discuss challenges individuals face in securing representation and dispel myths about who our clients are. Panelists will share their experiences representing parents, third-party caregivers, and the best interests of children. In addition to child custody matters, we’ll discuss family preservation and safety planning, immigrant family preparedness matters, and representing respondents in civil protection matters. Come learn why access to justice in family law means everyone has a lawyer. Attendees will receive information about how they can get involved, ranging from limited scope to extended representation. This event is suited for attorneys interested in representing families through pro bono. Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono26.
Volunteer Legal Advocates is teaming up with community partners and local volunteer attorneys to hold five legal clinics serving survivors of domestic and gender-based violence throughout DC Pro Bono Week. There are in-person and remote options available. Depending on the clinic, volunteers may provide legal advice on civil protection order, custody, and divorce matters to survivors of domestic violence or empower immigrant survivors of gender-based violence with the information they need to secure immigration relief. Volunteer Legal Advocates has training resources available to get volunteers up to speed on the legal issues, and there will be Volunteer Legal Advocates supervising attorneys available during each shift to provide guidance. For remote opportunities, volunteers will meet with clients over the phone and supervising attorneys will provide volunteers with case assignments by email and guidance by phone. Opportunities: October 26: Remote Domestic Violence & Family Law Clinic – 1-5PM October 27: Remote Civil Protection Order Clinic – 10:30AM-3:30PM October 28: In-person Immigration Clinic – 1-4PM at the Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library October 30: Remote Domestic Violence & Family Law Clinic – 10AM-1PM October 30: In-person Immigration and Family Law Clinic – 9:30AM-12:30PM at Children's National in Columbia Heights Spread the word and join the conversation using #DCProBono26!
Join Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) to learn how you can leverage your legal expertise to support seniors in DC facing rising utility costs. Over the past year, residents across DC have seen our utility costs rise exponentially. Seniors, often on restricted incomes, can have a hard time keeping up with these increases while also maintaining all their other financial obligations. This virtual training will prepare you for the opportunity to take a case with LCE's Pro Bono Access to Justice program, but participants will not be automatically placed with a client following the training. LCE welcomes private practice and federal government attorneys. Volunteers must be DC Bar members, in good standing. There are no limitations or parameters on the areas of practice for the pro bono attorneys, a variety of experience is welcomed. Attorneys that take a case with the Pro Bono Access to Justice practice group will be provided with mentoring as requested and/or needed. Join the conversation using #DCProBono26!
Join Us for an In-Person Limited Scope Expungement Clinic Please join us for an in-person limited scope expungement clinic to help DC residents with sealing eligible criminal records on October 29 from 9 am -12 pm at Fried Frank. A criminal record can create significant barriers to employment, education, housing, and overall well-being. Record sealing offers individuals a critical opportunity for a fresh start by reducing the long-term consequences of past convictions. At the clinic, volunteers will partner with clients referred by Christian Legal Aid of DC (CLADC) to gather background information to be included in their motions. We will provide training on the morning of the clinic, and CLADC staff will be available throughout the day to provide guidance and support. We welcome participation from attorneys, paralegals, and law students. All non-lawyer volunteers will be paired with a licensed attorney. Join the conversation on social media #DCProBono26
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.
This panel discussion will focus on the criminal justice pro bono opportunities available to lawyers in Washington, DC. Panelists will share insights into the pressing legal needs in our community, the types of pro bono projects available, and how attorneys can get involved. Whether you’re new to criminal justice work or looking to deepen your engagement, this session will offer valuable guidance and inspiration. This event is suited for lawyers working in a law firm, legal services organization, with the government, or as a solo practitioner. We also welcome law students and non-lawyer legal professionals. Spread the word and join the conversation using #DCProBonoWeek26.
This year, Pro Bono Week's national theme is Serving Justice. Strengthening Democracy. This theme recognizes the essential role pro bono attorneys play in ensuring that legal problems do not prevent people from participating fully in civic life. We see the need for legal support in our immigrant communities and know pro bono attorneys ensure families and communities stay whole so we may all participate in life fully. Thank you for joining us in understanding how we can continue and improve pro bono support of immigrant communities. Our panel includes an overview of the immigration needs in the country generally as well as a specific focus on how to mobilize lawyers around the country so they can provide pro bono support to immigrant communities. We know the DC legal community is large and we want to mobilize them to support immigration needs around the country. This panel will focus on how best we can accomplish this goal. This event is suited for lawyers working in a law firm, legal services organization, with the government, or as a solo practitioner. We also welcome law students and non-lawyer legal professionals. Spread the word and join the conversation using #DCProBonoWeek26.
Join the Environmental Law Institute for a special edition of our Community Lawyering for Environmental Justice series in celebration of DC Pro Bono Week. This installment will highlight different types of environmental pro bono programs in the United States. Panelists will discuss the wide array of opportunities to engage with environmental pro bono projects. Speakers will also share their personal experiences with pro bono work and answer audience questions. This event is suited for lawyers. We also welcome law students. It is free and open to anyone who wishes to register. Spread the word and join the conversation using #DCProBono26!
The Veterans Consortium: Legal Advice and Referral Clinic (In-Person) In celebration of Pro Bono Week, The Veterans Consortium (TVC) is partnering with local volunteers and DC area law students to hold one-day pop-up legal clinics to serve the civil legal needs of veterans. This is an in-person event. Advice & Referral Clinic for Veterans – In-Person Friday, October 23 10:00 am – 2:30 pm ET Washington, DC VA Medical Center (50 Irving St NW) To volunteer, reach out to Hayley at hayley.wolf@vetsprobono.org. The Veterans Consortium: Legal Advice and Referral Clinic for Women Veterans (Virtual) In celebration of Pro Bono Week, The Veterans Consortium (TVC) is partnering with local volunteers and DC area law students to hold one-day pop-up legal clinics to serve the civil legal needs of veterans. This is a virtual event. Due to the nature of this clinic, we request women and women-identifying volunteers. Advice & Referral Clinic for Women Veterans – Virtual Tuesday, October 27 10:00 am – 2:30 pm ET To volunteer, reach out to Hayley at hayley.wolf@vetsprobono.org. The Veterans Consortium: Legal Advice and Referral Clinic (Virtual) In celebration of Pro Bono Week, The Veterans Consortium (TVC) is partnering with local volunteers and DC area law students to hold one-day pop-up legal clinics to serve the civil legal needs of veterans. This is a virtual event. Advice & Referral Clinic for Veterans – Virtual Friday, October 30 10:00 am – 2:30 pm ET To volunteer, reach out to Hayley at hayley.wolf@vetsprobono.org.
DC Walk for Justice 5K – hosted by the DC Bar Foundation Join hundreds of justice advocates, community leaders, families, and friends on Thursday, October 22, 2026 (4 pm) at Nationals Park for an unforgettable afternoon of community, purpose, and celebration at the DC Walk for Justice 5K. Participants will enjoy a scenic route featuring the iconic Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, breathtaking views of Nationals Park, and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. Whether you're walking with colleagues, friends, or family, every step helps expand access to justice for District residents. After crossing the finish line, celebrate at an exclusive party on Centerfield Plaza inside Nationals Park, featuring food, drinks, music, and activities for all ages. The Justice Partner Village in the Centerfield Plaza will showcase DC Bar Foundation grantee partners and organizations that are part of the DC Social Justice Transformations Network. The DC Walk for Justice 5K seeks to raise $500,000 to support civil legal aid in the District of Columbia. All proceeds benefit the DC Bar Foundation, the leading funder and advocate for civil legal aid in DC. Through grantmaking, network coordination, community partnerships, and innovative initiatives, the Foundation works to ensure that all District residents can access the legal help they need to resolve critical issues involving housing, family safety, employment, immigration, public benefits, and more. This family-friendly event includes face painting, appearances by Nationals Park Racing President Teddy Roosevelt, music, and complimentary ballpark food. Everyone is welcome, including lawyers and non-lawyers, adults and children, first-time walkers and long-time supporters. Participant safety is a top priority. The event is conducted in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department; the 5K route is wheelchair accessible, and shorter course options are available.
DC Pro Bono Week 2026 Schedule of Events Registration is now open for most events! We hope to see you there! Law Student Pro Bono Service: Pathways & Projects Thursday, October 15; 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET Virtual Register DC Walk For Justice Thursday, October 22; 3:00 – 7:00 pm National’s Park (1500 S Capitol St SE) Set up your Walking Team now! The Veterans Consortium: Legal Advice & Referral Clinic (In-Person) Friday, October 23; 10:00 am - 2:30 pm Washington, DC VA Medical Center (50 Irving St NW) To volunteer, reach out to Hayley at hayley.wolf@vetsprobono.org. DC Bar Pro Bono Center: Advice & Referral Clinic Saturday, October 24; 9:00 am – 3:00 pm DC Bar (901 4th St NW) This clinic is at volunteer attorney capacity. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity. Community Lawyering for Environmental Justice: Environmental Pro Bono Opportunities in the DC Region Monday, October 26; 11:00 am - 12:30 pm ET Virtual Register It Takes a Village: The Impact of Pro Bono Family Law Representation Monday, October 26; 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET Virtual Register Volunteer Legal Advocates: Domestic Violence & Family Law Clinic Monday, October 26; 1:00 - 5:00 pm ET Virtual Register The Veterans Consortium: Legal Advice and Referral Clinic for Women Veterans (Virtual) Tuesday, October 27 10:00 am – 2:30 pm ET Virtual To volunteer, reach out to Hayley at hayley.wolf@vetsprobono.org. Volunteer Legal Advocates: Civil Protections Order Clinic Tuesday, October 27; 10:30 - 3:30 pm Virtual Register National Veterans Legal Services Program Discharge Upgrade File Review Training Tuesday, October 27; 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET Virtual Register Hot Topics Panel: Effective Pro Bono & Response Techniques in Immigration Law Tuesday, October 27; 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET Virtual Register Criminal Justice Pro Bono Opportunities: Panel Discussion Wednesday, October 28; 9:00 – 10:00 am Crowell & Moring (1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW) Register Legal Aid DC Basic Housing Law Training Wednesday, October 28; 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm ET Virtual Register DC Courts Pro Bono Open House Wednesday, October 28; 12:30 – 2:30 pm DC Superior Court, Moultrie Building (500 Indiana Ave., NW, 3rd Floor Jurors Lounge) Register Volunteer Legal Advocates: Immigration Clinic Wednesday, October 28; 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library (3160 16th St NW) Register Expungement Clinic Thursday, October 29; 9:00 – 12:00 pm Fried Frank (801 17th St NW) Register How to do Pro Bono as a Government Attorney Thursday, October 29; 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm ET Virtual Register Seniors Facing Rising Utility Cost Training Thursday, October 29; 1:30 - 2:30 pm ET Virtual Register IDEA Explained: Advocating for a Child in Need of Specialized Education and Related Services Thursday, October 29; 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET Virtual Register Volunteer Legal Advocates: Immigration & Family Law Clinic Friday, October 30; 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Children's National in Columbia Heights (641 S St NW) Register The Veterans Consortium: Legal Advice & Referral Clinic (Virtual) Friday, October 30; 10:00 – 2:30 pm ET Virtual To volunteer, reach out to Hayley at hayley.wolf@vetsprobono.org. Volunteer Legal Advocates: Domestic Violence & Family Law Clinic Friday, October 30; 10:00 am - 1:00 pm ET Virtual Register Bridging the Justice Gap with Limited Scope Representation: Ethics, Authority, and Practice Friday, October 30; 12:00 - 1:15 pm ET Virtual Register DC Superior Court Pro Bono Open House: Landlord/Tenant Branch Wednesday, November 4; 12:00 – 1:30 pm DC Superior Court, Building B (510 4th St NW, 1st Floor) Register
Legal aid, public interest, and pro bono attorneys often balance overwhelming caseloads with limited administrative support, making effective organization essential to serving clients well. This practical session focuses on reducing the stress and inefficiencies of high-volume practice by equipping participants with tools and strategies to better manage the work behind the work. We will discuss best practices for calendaring, case management, communication platforms, and workflow organization to help stay on top of deadlines, client needs, and competing priorities. Participants will leave with practical, immediately applicable techniques to improve efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and create sustainable systems that support both effective advocacy and personal well-being. Learning Objectives: How to build administrative routines that work for you within your team and organization How to navigate information overload and prioritize workflow How to be solution forward in communicating painpoints This training will benefit attorneys, advocates, and legal professionals including paralegals and intake specialists seeking a stronger personal organization skills or a more organized approach to managing your workflow within a team. All experience levels are welcome. Scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of the D.C. Bar Foundation. If your organization is a DC Bar Foundation grantee, please apply for a scholarship by completing this online scholarship form.
This year, before DC Pro Bono Week even begins, we are having a conversation with and for law students so you are ready to jump in and learn! We will discuss what DC Pro Bono Week is, what we are celebrating, and how law students can get involved. You will then hear from organizations that host and highly value student pro bono opportunities, along with a current law student who can share the impact doing pro bono has had on their law school experience. Join us for Pro Bono for Law Students to learn more about programs that welcome law student involvement, the kinds of work law students can do through pro bono service, as well as how to balance pro bono involvement with academic commitments. We will discuss where you can learn more about pro bono projects and provide tips to make the most of an opportunity – along with pitfalls to avoid. This event is open to law students and law school professionals. We welcome folks at every stage of their law school career! Join the conversation on social media #DCProBono26!
The Fall marks an important time of transition for the pro bono community as new law firm associates start, recent grads begin fellowships, and the community kicks off and celebrates pro bono with many events. This Best Practices conversation will discuss how our community can intentionally welcome and engage incoming associates while building momentum for new pro bono activity and reinvigorating existing projects. The conversation will focus on how law firms and legal services alike can prepare to leverage the energy, expertise, and time of new associates and fellows. We will explore practical approaches to orientation, including trainings, case introductions, and how the arrival of new associates can strengthen the overall pro bono pipeline. What cases should be ready for assignment? What projects are best suited for newer attorneys? How can we create opportunities that provide meaningful assistance while also helping associates develop their skills and build connections within the pro bono community? In addition, this Best Practices will aim to provide a space for collective strategic planning. Rather than responding to opportunities or developing practices individually, as a pro bono community we can develop thoughtful plans together for the fall. By sharing information about firm calendars, trainings, litigation schedules, holidays, and other periods of limited capacity, we can coordinate more effectively and avoid unnecessary redundancies. As a community we can prepare to connect incoming associates with pressing community needs and creates pathways for sustained participation. Together, let's turn the arrival of new associates into a catalyst for renewed pro bono energy, stronger partnerships, and meaningful work throughout the fall.
This event is hosted by DC Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers, and co-sponsored by the Children’s Law Center and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center. Join us for a DC Superior Court Pro Bono Open House! Jen Masi from the Children’s Law Center and Jenadee Nanini from the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center will introduce you to the Domestic Relations Branch – one of the Court’s high-volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed in child custody cases. The Open House will focus on representing parents and third-party caregivers in child custody cases. We’ll also highlight opportunities to serve as a guardian ad litem (GAL) representing the best interests of the children involved. Register today to learn more about how you can help a family with limited means achieve stability and enhance your professional skills through pro bono representation. 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.
When life is pulling you in every direction, it's important to know who is on your team! That's why every fall we start our Board Year by bringing the team together! Joins us at our annual Fall Kickoff to meet our Board members, other members of the public interest and pro bono community and see who is on your team! Join us for food, drink, and the chance to build a stronger public-interest community. At this casual happy hour, you can learn about how to get involved in our work, meet our new board members, and mingle with other members of the pro bono and public-interest community. This event is open to legal and non-legal staff in the public interest and pro bono space as well as law students and those interested in learning more about Washington Council of Lawyers! Don’t miss this chance to see old friends and make new public-interest connections, including our new board members! You also can join one of our standing committees, learn about our trainings and programs, and sign up for upcoming events. Our Fall Kickoff is free, thanks to our hosts Goodwin Procter. We hope you will attend, and invite friends to join you! Spread the word! #FallKickoff26 Are you excited for the Fall Kickoff and wondering how else to get involved? Join our Mentoring Program! Our Fall Kickoff is also where we do our Meet Your Mentor Event. Check out our Mentoring Program Page to learn more and sign up!
Join Washington Council of Lawyers, DC Caribbean Bar Association, Hispanic Bar Association, Iranian American Bar Association, Native American Bar Association, and Washington Bar Association to celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month! Now, we know BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month is July and we are celebrating in August but we wanted to avoid the high heat and celebrate the end of the summer together by amplifying our joy as a community. Connect, unwind, and celebrate the resilience of the BIPOC public interest legal community. Our Social Hour is after our Community Walk. We will meet at Hi-Lawn to enjoy a community social hour! Washington Council of Lawyers is providing appetizers. Drinks will be on a personal purchase basis. Join us for both or just one part of the evening! We are excited to celebrate our community together. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Join Washington Council of Lawyers, DC Caribbean Bar Association, Hispanic Bar Association, Iranian American Bar Association, Native American Bar Association, and Washington Bar Association to celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month! Now, we know BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month is July and we are celebrating in August but we wanted to avoid the high heat and celebrate the end of the summer together by amplifying our joy as a community. We will be starting the event at the Alethia Tanner Park and walk to Union Market via the Metro Branch Trail! In honor of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month we want to come together as a community, move our bodies, and decompress through a low strain walk! Meet new people and step into a more connected you at the community walk! We will then end at Union Market where we will celebrate our resilience as a community at Hi-Lawn for our Community Social Hour! Please checkout the separate event page to learn more about the social hour! Registration is encouraged but not required! Join us an d bring a friend!
The criminal legal system remains at the forefront of national discourse, especially concerning the pervasive issues of abusive policing, mass incarceration, and the death penalty. These systemic problems not only undermine individual liberties but also perpetuate cycles of injustice and inequality within our communities. Addressing these challenges requires a deep examination of current practices and the implementation of transformative reforms to protect fundamental human rights and ensure equitable justice for all. Learn more about these important topics at our 2026 Summer Forum Panel on Criminal Law & Death Penalty Panel on Thursday, July 9. Register here to join us!
Our recent discussion focused on recognizing and responding to vicarious trauma and burnout in public interest law. Through a conversation with professionals representing legal services organizations, pro bono programs, and attorney wellness initiatives, participants learned how trauma-intensive legal work can affect attorneys, their clients, and the broader legal workplace. The discussion also highlighted practical strategies for maintaining well-being while continuing to provide meaningful advocacy.
Join us for an insightful panel event focusing on civil rights and civil liberties through the lens of public interest law and pro bono service. This event brings together distinguished legal experts and dedicated advocates who will share their experiences and perspectives on safeguarding fundamental freedoms and promoting social justice. Discover how pro bono efforts are making a significant impact in the fight for equality and learn about the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the realm of civil rights advocacy. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leaders in the field and deepen your understanding of these critical issues. The Civil Rights & Civil Liberties Panel at the Summer Forum on Thursday, July 9. Register here to join the conversation.
When we say pro bono, many think of assisting litigants through navigating the many ins and out of the court system, but that’s not the only place our legal system asks non-lawyers to have an understanding of the law. There are many opportunities for pro bono representation in transactional matters. From setting up businesses to providing tax advice, knowing the right forms and how to fill them out can make all the difference. Trained lawyers can draft wills for veterans, navigate uncontested divorce proceedings, research novel issues, and much more. If you want to support your community but hope to stay out of the courtroom, this is the panel for you! Learn more about the wide-ranging legal issues transactional attorneys can get involved with at our 2026 Summer Forum Panel on Non-Litigation Pro Bono Law on Thursday, July 9. Register here!
The legal hurdles faced by individuals living in poverty are vast. They often face uphill battles with issues impacting the most fundamental human needs: family stability, safe housing, food security, fair employment, and freedom from fear and violence. Representation is vital in these areas, and the need is overwhelming. These areas of law often have the highest rate of pro se litigants; when pro bono or public-interest lawyers get involved, these cases also produce some of the most life-changing outcomes for the parties involved. Pro bono lawyers who take on these cases literally can be life-savers. Learn more about the wide-ranging legal issues individuals living in poverty face and what pro bono opportunities are available in D.C. and across the country to help address these needs at our 2026 Summer Forum Panel on Poverty Law on Thursday, July 9. Register here!
The legal landscape in America has been tumultuous for immigrants, their friends, families, and communities. This year, we have seen communities torn apart by militant and, at times, illegal action - people pulled from their homes, their jobs, their schools, or even the courthouse itself. It has been a battle for immigration attorneys to stay on top of both the changes in the law and the ever mounting need for their support as more and more people face or fear being removed from their lives. Navigating a foreign legal system is always hard, but it has become treacherous in ever developing ways. This panel will give you insight into what the field of immigration law looks like today and opportunities in which you can provide assistance. Learn more about the wide-ranging legal issues immigrants face and what pro bono opportunities are available in D.C. and across the country to help address these needs at our 2026 Summer Forum Panel on Immigration and Human Rights Panel. Register here to check out this panel at the Summer Forum!
Happy Pride Month! Read more about Pauli Murray a civil rights trailblazer, legal scholar, theorist, and poet!
Democracy is only as strong as the lawyers who defend it. Your law degree is more than a credential. It's a commitment. To the Constitution, to equal justice, to the rule of law. And right now, that commitment is being tested in ways most of us never expected.
