Thank you to everyone that participated in DC Pro Bono Week this year!! From our fabulous speakers, to our clinic organizers, to our wonderful community for showing up and showing out! This week is not possible without all your efforts. Find resources from all the events this week inside!
We have compiled a list of resources and pro bono opportunities that may be of interest to law students. There are several in election protection - an opportunity that only comes up around election season! Check them out and sign up today so you don't miss out! From the speakers at our Law Student Pro Bono Pathways & Program Event: If you didn't get the chance to attend, check out the recording here, passcode: #T7Tg80+ American Bar Association Commission on Immigration Internships: Spring 2027 Legal Internships Court Observation & Awareness Project Course Country Conditions Teachable Safe City Initial Intake Volunteer Training Washington Lawyers’ Committee’s Workers’ Rights Clinic: Training link Information: https://www.washlaw.org/get-involved/ The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program Law Students & Law Clinic Partners (Note: page will be updated next month with applications for our summer internship program) Volunteer Info (Law Students & Law Clinic Partners drop down) Court of Appeals, Veterans Claims Oral Argument Live Stream Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Volunteer on the Election Protection Hotline Find a pro bono democracy project Join Virginia Election Protection as a Legal Advocate (pro bono eligible): https://www.protectthevoteva.org/LCCRUL or find other opportunities at https://protectthevote.net/volunteer/ Additional Resources and Opportunities: DC Election Accessibility Monitoring Disability Rights DC is seeking volunteers to survey DC vote centers and mail ballot drop boxes for accessibility during early voting and through Election Day. Volunteers will use a short checklist to review accessibility features for voters with disabilities. Date: November 3, 2026 Location: Washington, DC To Sign Up: Review the 2026 General Election Voting Access Sign Up spreadsheet, choose the vote center or ballot drop box you would like to survey, then email Elizabeth Myerholtz at emyerholtz@uls-dc.org. Phone: 202-547-0198 ext. 102 Training: A brief 12-minute training video will be provided after volunteers confirm their participation. Maryland Pro Bono Resource Center Organization Location: Across Maryland Office location: 1500 Union Avenue, Suite 2400, Baltimore, MD 21211 Links: https://probonomd.org/volunteers/ Information: Connects lawyers and advocates to pro bono opportunities based on interest and location. Non-lawyers can assist with interpretation, clinic support, and more. Contains training and matching opportunities. Offers statewide opportunities. Court Watch Montgomery County Organization Location: 8720 Georgia Avenue, Suite 30, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Volunteer activities for the most part take place in all three of Montgomery County's courthouses Links: https://courtwatchmontgomery.org/court-monitoring/ Information: Volunteers begin by observing and filling out data forms in protective order and domestic violence criminal dockets. Volunteers observe judges, interpreters, bailiffs and clerks in each case on the protective order docket. A separate team of volunteers monitors domestic violence criminal cases. Pro Bono Virginia Organization Location: Statewide Platform Links: https://probonovirginia.org/ Information: Offers pro bono trainings with its Pro Bono Academy Matching tools to assist and pair volunteers with opportunities based on skills, experience, interests, and availability Legal Services of Northern Virginia Organization Location: Throughout Northern Virginia Links: https://lsnv.org/volunteer/non-attorney-volunteers/ Information: Opportunity for interpreters, legal clerks to assist with case management and administrative tasks, and paralegal interns to support attorneys. Offers a volunteer questionnaire to match opportunities Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service Organization Location: Based in Baltimore, 201 North Charles Street, Suite 1400, Baltimore, MD 21201 Links: https://mvlslaw.org/ Information: Offers law students hands-on public interest experience, networking, and career support Offers opportunities such as: Community Advocacy Network Trainings and webinars Clinic and Event Opportunities Internships Victims Rights Center Organization Location: Boston, Massachusetts 11 Beacon Street, Suite 520, Boston, MA 02108 Link: https://victimrights.org/make-an-impact/pro-bono/ Information: Offers legal internships with tasks such as Client services Cutting-edge legal research Special projects
Take your objections skills to the next level. This practical session will provide a lecture and breakout session aimed at advancing your strategic understanding and use of objections. We will discuss how to use or withhold objections to advance your case theory. The lecture will provide common objections and how to use them at trial. Then we will dive into exceptions that could get important evidence in regardless of objections! We will end in small breakout groups where you will use a custody hypothetical to get on-your-feet practice in a mock emergency hearing. There is no requirement to understand custody or family law, the fact pattern has been reduced and additional materials provided to focus on your advocacy skills. Our faculty for this training is Barbara Butterworth, Partner at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP. The program is geared to go beyond the basics by allowing more space for practice and practical questions. Scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of the D.C. Bar Foundation. To apply for a scholarship, please complete this online scholarship form. CLE credit is pending for this training. There will be cookies and light refreshments provided, but please feel free to bring your lunch!
Quick Summary: Organizations connect with firms’ orientation programs to provide trainings, share client stories, and uplift pro bono superstars as a way to spark interest in pro bono. As new associates join the firm their pro bono interests are collected and are often matched with existing pro bono matters in the firm to reinforce existing teams. Firms find trainings, impact stories, and clinic opportunities a fantastic tool to spark interest in pro bono. Staying grounded in the needs of the community is the responsibility of everyone involved. Firms shared that pro bono counsel attend conferences, evolve their programs in line with the needs of the community, and maintain relationships in the community. The goal of these connections is to be able to advise the next generation on pro bono needs in the community. While the new associates starting is a great incentive to reconnect with pro bono, it may be time to look throughout the year, as the fall is full! There are so many opportunities to plug into pro bono in the community. Tune into DC Pro Bono Week, stay connected to the DC Courts, and keep an eye out for both on-demand and live trainings from legal service organizations and community partners!
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 #DCProBono26.
Throughout my life, I have cultivated a love and passion for making resources more accessible to all. In a world that moves so quickly, it can be hard to keep up and I saw what it looked like first hand when folks experienced that struggle. Through my education I learned about the systems that determine the fate of many, economic, legal, political, and more. After graduating from law school, I felt called to support as many people in the public interest legal community as possible.
Hosted by DC Refers a Network of Affordable Lawyers and Mediators This panel brings together three perspectives on unbundled legal services as a tool for expanding access to justice. Together, the panelists explore the ethical guardrails, professional authority, and day-to-day practice considerations that shape limited scope representation—and how it can be deployed responsibly to help close the gap between the need for legal help and the availability of pro bono and low bono counsel. The panel will be moderated by DC Refers Board Member Julia Pergola. Our panelists include: Maddie Fuller: Associate Investment Funds and and Capital, Goodwin Procter Washington, DC Tom Papson, Volunteer Staff Attorney Direct Legal Services at Legal Aid DC Charlie Lemley, Senior Counsel and Former Partner, Wiley This event is appropriate for attorneys from law firms, legal service organizations and law students!
We The Action recognizes volunteers who expand access to justice and deliver free legal services where they are critically needed. This month, we are proud to honor law students Kelci Dansie and Barbara Monteiro de Souza, whose partnership with Helping Ourselves to Transform has helped advance a survivor-centered bill in Maryland that could change how the legal system responds to domestic violence cases before the court.
DC Pro Bono Week Schedule of Events
Ready to volunteer? This is a list of just the volunteer opportunities this year so you can get right to rolling up your sleeves and helping the community!
The need for pro bono attorneys to represent tenants facing eviction in Washington, DC has never been greater. Join this comprehensive training, led by Legal Aid DC, designed to provide the fundamentals of DC Landlord-Tenant Law and equip pro bono attorneys with the practical knowledge needed to advocate effectively for tenants. The need for legal assistance is urgent. New eviction filings continue to rise, creating a critical access-to-justice gap for vulnerable residents at risk of losing their homes. Yet fewer than 15% of tenants facing eviction proceedings have legal representation, while approximately 95% of landlords appear with counsel. Whether you are new to housing law or looking to expand your pro bono practice, this training will provide the foundational tools, resources, and confidence needed to represent tenants effectively. Learn how you can help clients maintain safe and affordable housing, protect their legal rights, and make a meaningful impact in our community. By volunteering your legal skills, you can play a vital role in advancing housing stability, promoting fairness in the courts, and expanding access to justice for DC residents facing one of the most consequential legal challenges of their lives. This event is best suited for attorneys interested in representing tenants in eviction defense cases. Spread the word and join the conversation using #DCProBono26.
Check out events from our community partners that center pro bono! This page features pro bono opportunities that offer you even more opportunities to learn about and engage with pro bono!
As part of D.C. Pro Bono Week, the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center’s Advocacy & Justice Clinic welcomes attorney volunteers to take on full representation cases in family law, housing, and public benefits. Join attorneys across the country as part of the ABA's National Celebration of Pro Bono and take a case this fall! This opportunity allows volunteers to make a meaningful difference for a client while building valuable legal skills and experience. No prior experience in these practice areas is required—we provide training, mentorship, and support throughout your case. By signing up, volunteers will provide full representation to a pro bono client. The initial client meeting will be held at the Pro Bono Week Clinic on October 29, 2026, with client appointment times at 5:15 PM and 6:15 PM. During the clinic, volunteers will meet with clients and begin working together on the case. Following the clinic, volunteers will represent their clients until a final resolution of the matter.
Our How To Series is kicking off with how to do pro bono as a government attorney! This is a great opportunity to learn how to do pro bono work as a government lawyer. Pro bono work can be a rewarding part of a government career; you just need to know the resources, policies, and strategies to do it effectively. In this lively discussion, you’ll learn about established pro bono programs for government lawyers in the DC and federal government. Pro bono program experts will share why pro bono work matters, tips for managing your schedule and finding the support you need, and information on the many types of pro bono work available to government lawyers. Please note: the government attorney panelists (pro bono volunteers) will share their personal experiences in their individual capacities and will not be speaking on behalf of their agencies. Bryan Concepcion, Government Attorney, will moderate the panel. The panelists include: Anthony Scerbo, DC Office of Open Government, Board of Ethics and Government Accountability Annie Bonfiglio, Government Attorney & Pro Bono Volunteer Acacia Bellamy, Government Attorney & Pro Bono Volunteer Lara Eilhardt, Federal Government Pro Bono Program Manager, Department of Justice Join us to find out how you can dive into pro bono work as a government lawyer! Spread the word and join the conversation #DCProBono26!
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, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center and Neighborhood Legal Services Program. 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. Our conversation will be joined by the Honorable Danny Lam Nguyen is confirmed to offer a judicial perspective from D.C. Superior Court's Family Court. 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. Our conversation will be moderated by Jen Masi, Pro Bono Director, Children's Law Center Our panel includes: Jenadee Nanini, Managing Attorney in Family Law and Immigration, DC Bar Pro Bono Center Sheryl Kay, Staff Attorney, Family Law Practice, Neighborhood Legal Services Program 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 and paralegals. All non-lawyer volunteers will be paired with a licensed attorney. This opportunity is at capacity for law student volunteers. 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 across the country. We will dive into innovative techniques to mobilize lawyers around the country so they can provide pro bono support to immigrant communities facing the greatest need. Our conversation will prepare you to take on pro bono matters to ensure people who have immigrated into this country can participate fully in civic life. This panel will be moderated by Michael Lukens, Executive Director, Amica Center for Immigrant Rights Our panel includes: Bobby Painter, Managing Immigration Attorney, Texas Immigration Law Council Jill Workman, Staff Attorney, Immigration Law Unit, Legal Aid DC Zainab Khan, Managing Attorney, Immigration Detention Project 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.
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, 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 create pathways for sustained participation. Our conversation will be led by Andrea Mangones, Director of Professional Skills Support at George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School. Our panelists include: Jennifer Grishkin, Managing Attorney for Pro Bono Coordination, Amica Center for Immigrant Rights Erin Mee, Senior Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney, National Veterans Legal Services Program Gwen Washington, Pro Bono Counsel, Cleary Gottlieb Danielle Moise, Pro Bono Attorney, Covington Sharmaine Heng, Director of Pro Bono & Social Impact, Nixon Peabody 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.
