WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF LAWYERS

Hosted by DC Refers One year after our original conversation, “To AI or not to AI: Legal Practicalities and Ethical Conundrums of Using AI,” join us again for as we reconvene a panel of legal experts to examine how the landscape has evolved. This timely discussion will explore how AI is currently shaping legal services—from efficiencies gained to new ethical complexities—and what has changed over the past year. We’ll discuss emerging best practices, privacy concerns and how to ensure that innovation continues to support, rather than hinder, access to justice. [Description generated by AI, refined by humans] The conversation will be moderated by Laura Possessky, Chair Emeritus of the Science & Technology Law Section of the American Bar Association. Our panelists include: David Greisen, DC Refers Board Member & Chief Executive Officer & Founding Board Member of Open Law Library Michael Lukens, Executive Director of Amica Center for Immigrant Rights & Washington Council of Lawyers Board Member Angela Tripp Program, Officer for Technology III, Legal Services Corporation This event is appropriate for folks from law firms, legal service organizations as well as government attorneys, law students, and non-legal support staff!

DC Pro Bono Week is about celebrating pro bono and learning about the many opportunities available to do pro bono service! A fantastic opportunity that has been a pillar of pro bono in our community is the DC Bar Pro Bono Center’s Advice & Referral Clinic! All experience is welcome! You don’t need to be an expert in any area of law. D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center staff and expert mentors will be on hand to answer any questions and help you provide brief advice and referrals to individuals who would otherwise be left to navigate the complex legal system alone. As a volunteer lawyer, you’ll answer questions about consumer law, family law, housing law, public benefits, bankruptcy, and other topics. Steet parking is available. A brief orientation takes place at 9:00 am, and volunteers are asked to stay until the last client is seen, usually at least 3:00 pm. There’s no time commitment beyond the clinic itself. The clinic is held from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the DC Bar (901 4th St NW). Important: If you are currently a law student and would like to volunteer please contact Rachel Lawrence at lawrencera@cua.edu. Thank you!

Hosted by the Housing Right to Counsel Project Legal Aid DC will introduce you to the Landlord and Tenant Branch, one of D.C. Superior Court’s high-volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed to help tenants assert their rights and defenses in eviction cases. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with judges, and learn how you can help tenants maintain safe and affordable housing and expand access to justice in our community. We look forward to welcoming you and having you join us in advancing racial and housing justice. Join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono25!

This event is hosted by D.C. Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers. Join us for a DC Superior Court Open House where our guides 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.

This event is hosted by DC Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers. Join us for a DC Superior Court Open House where our guides 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.

Join fellow justice-loving individuals on Thursday, October 23, 2025, for an afternoon of community, education, and fun! Walkers will follow a route showcasing views of Nationals Park and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. And it doesn't stop there! After the Walk, participants will celebrate with a finish line party with food, drinks, and music at Centerfield Plaza inside Nationals Park Stadium.  The DC Walk for Justice 5K aims to raise $325,000 for the District’s pressing civil legal needs. All proceeds from the DC Walk for Justice 5K benefit the DC Bar Foundation, which works to make civil legal aid more accessible for all District residents through grantmaking, network coordination, community engagement, and more. The DC Bar Foundation is committed to transforming the District’s civil legal aid network so that all residents have a fair and equal legal experience. The Foundation has three goals for the Walk: to increase community awareness of the significant civil legal aid needs in the District of Columbia, to expand the network of lawyers, judges, and community members committed to supporting legal aid, and to raise at least $325,000 for the Foundation's transformative work. Whether you sponsor, made a donation, or join a fundraising team, your generosity will have a direct impact on District residents needing civil legal services.

Kids in Need of Defense's (KIND’s) Policy team will provide a briefing on the current state of unaccompanied children’s rights and an update on recent legislative and policy changes that place children directly in harm’s way.  The briefing will be followed by a discussion on KIND’s strategies for navigating the current landscape and creative pro bono responses to help unaccompanied children through the many challenges they are facing in their immigration proceedings. Join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono25.

This year, Pro Bono Week’s national theme is Supporting Communities. We thank you for joining us in this mission for our exceptional community in Washington, DC. From the invention of go-go music to the best Ethiopian food this side of the Atlantic, Washington, DC is a rich community deserving of agency, stability, and joy.  We join in celebrating our community by showcasing its strength and ingenuity against the unique barriers we face in the Nation’s Capitol. Join us at this year’s Hot Topics panel to discuss how to improve the material condition of people’s lives, affirm every individual’s power, and increase community power. This event is best suited for lawyers working in private practice, legal services, the government, or as in-house or corporate counsel. We also encourage law students, non-lawyer professionals, and members of the community to join. Join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono25.  

Presented by Volunteer Legal Advocates Join Volunteer Legal Advocates (and wear purple) as we come together to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month and further our work to support survivors and children in our community. This Purple Thursday, all are invited to join Volunteer Legal Advocates for a meaningful gathering, featuring a timely conversation with The Honorable Laura E. Crane, Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and Alissa Osberg, Esq., Volunteer Legal Advocates’ Fellow. Learn about the impact of pro bono emergency legal services for domestic violence survivors in our community and how you can support this essential work. Lunch will be provided

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. Our panelists include: Sheily Virella, Christian Legal Aid of DC Naida Henao, Volare Abraham Sisson, DC Court of Appeals Maggie Birkel,  Second Look DC Join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono25!

We are continuing our kickoff celebration with a special event just for law students! Join us for Pro Bono for Law Students to learn more about programs that welcome law student involvement, the kinds of work law students complete through pro bono service, as well as how to balance pro bono experience with your academic commitments. We will discuss where you can learn more about pro bono projects at your school. We will also dive into pro bono programs with opportunities for law students so you can get a better sense of what work you'll do with the program as well as what you'll be able to observe and learn. 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 #DCProBono25!

Join the Environmental Law Institute and ELI’s Pro Bono Clearinghouse for a special edition of our Community Lawyering for Environmental Justice series in celebration of DC Pro Bono Week. This installment will focus on how lawyers in the DC region can get involved with local environmental pro bono activities. Panelists will discuss the wide array of opportunities to engage with law school clinics and nonprofit organizations on environmental pro bono projects. Speakers will also share their personal experiences with pro bono work and answer audience questions. This event is best suited for lawyers working in any sector. We also encourage law students and members of the community to join. Note: There will be no CLE available for this program.

Host by Legal Counsel for the Elderly This panel will explore key public benefit programs including Social Security, SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, and the EPD Waiver. Panelists will discuss the challenges clients face in accessing these benefits and the critical role pro bono attorneys can play in helping individuals navigate complex systems. Whether it’s advocating during administrative hearings, assisting with applications, or supporting appeals, pro bono attorneys are essential in ensuring vulnerable populations receive the support they need. This event is best suited for lawyers working in private practice, legal services, the government, or as in-house or corporate counsel. We also encourage law students, non-lawyer professionals, and members of the community to join.

Hosted by the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program In celebration of Pro Bono Week, The Veterans Consortium (TVC) is partnering with local volunteers and DC area law students to hold two, one-day pop-up legal clinics to serve the needs of veterans. These clinics will be held via a virtual platform. Clinics: Advice & Referral Clinic for Veterans - Virtual Tuesday, October 21 10:00 am – 4:30 pm ET Advice & Referral Clinic for Veterans - In-Person Friday, October 24 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. And join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono25!

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.

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 23 from 9 am -12 pm at DLA Piper. 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. Please note: Space is limited. We encourage early registration and look forward to your participation in this important effort to support access to justice. Join the conversation on social media #DCProBono25

Hosted by Children's Law Center (CLC) at Children's Health Center - Shaw.  Connect with our client community and learn more about how your pro bono efforts support our neighbors. You'll hear directly from CLC staff about the powerful ways legal services are changing lives across D.C.—and why pro bono work is essential in bridging the justice gap. Discover how CLC’s innovative medical-legal partnership is breaking down non-medical barriers to health, and explore the unique advantages of co-locating legal services alongside healthcare and other support professionals. Learn how lawyers like you can play a critical role in this work—and how you can get involved. Space is limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring conversation! Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono25.

Hosted by Children’s Law Center, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Mother’s Outreach Network, and Rising for Justice. 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.  We’ll be joined by D.C. Superior Court Judge Sanchez who will share her view from the bench.  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.  Registrants will receive a Zoom link in advance of the event. Our discussion will be moderated by Jen Masi (Children’s Law Center) and participants will hear from the below panelists: Jacob Lemon-Strauss  (Rising for Justice) Jenadee Nanini (D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center) The Honorable Veronica Sanchez (D.C. Superior Court) Melody Webb (Mother’s Outreach Network) Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono25.

Join us for a special fireside chat with D.C. Court of Appeals Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby and D.C. Superior Court Chief Judge Milton C. Lee, Jr. as we kick off our D.C. Pro Bono Week 2025 celebration! D.C. Bar President Sadina Montani will moderate the engaging conversation. You won’t want to miss this chance to hear directly from the Chief Judges about the most pressing pro bono needs across the D.C. Courts and how we all can play a part in filling the gaps in access to justice for D.C. residents. We hope you’ll leave the event feeling (more) energized to get involved in local pro bono! Please arrive at 8:30 a.m. for refreshments and engaging activities to share your pro bono spirit with others before we start the fireside chat. Pro Bono Goes Local is free to attend, but advance registration is required. Invite your colleagues and friends! This event is best suited for lawyers working in any type of practice setting, as well as retired lawyers, law students, and non-lawyer professionals.