Best Practices in Pro Bono: Navigating Vicarious Trauma in Pro Bono Cases: Supporting Volunteers Before, During, and After Trauma‑Intensive Work Recap
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. Our panelists included: Moderator: Jen Masi, Pro Bono Director, Children’s Law Center Rena E. Cutlip-Mason, Pro Bono Immigration Attorney, AkinB Tracy Davis, Managing Attorney, Bread for the City Niki L. Irish, LICSW, Outreach and Education Coordinator, Lawyer Assistance Program, District of Columbia Bar Ingrid Rosales Zavala, Deputy Director, Psychosocial Training & Technical Assistance, KIND The discussion began by distinguishing between vicarious trauma and burnout, two terms that are often used interchangeably but are quite distinct. The panelists explained that vicarious trauma develops through repeated exposure to the traumatic experiences of others and can fundamentally change how attorneys view their work, relationships, and the world around them. Burnout, on the other hand, is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of accomplishment, and can affect professionals regardless of whether their work involves trauma. While the two experiences are distinct, the panelists emphasized that prolonged exposure to trauma and frustration with difficult systems can contribute to burnout over time. The panelists then reflected on the challenges they are currently experiencing within their organizations. Several speakers acknowledged that changing legal landscapes have made the work increasingly demanding, and the outcomes less favorable than before. The panelists discussed how this can directly affect a legal team’s perspective and be quite a jarring process to some. While outcomes may not always be favorable, the discussion emphasized that attorneys continue to make a meaningful difference simply by advocating for clients and ensuring they are not navigating difficult circumstances alone. The panel also highlighted the importance of recognizing small victories and the resilience of clients and attorneys. It can be challenging but remembering that even when a case is unsuccessful, an attorney’s advocacy can still have a lasting impact on a client’s experience. Attorneys focus on the legal issue but beyond it there is a life with big and small milestones alike where clients and attorneys show their resilience through celebrating, relaxing, and enjoying life. Even as the system presents increasing barriers we as people in community together can make Another major theme of the discussion was creating healthy workplace cultures that acknowledge the emotional realities of trauma-intensive work. The speakers encouraged organizations to normalize conversations about mental health, recognize that individuals respond to stress differently, and create environments where attorneys feel comfortable asking for support. Establishing healthy boundaries, understanding one’s own capacity, and maintaining open communication with supervisors and colleagues were identified as important ways to reduce the long-term effects of vicarious trauma and burnout. The panel also shared practical tools and resources available to attorneys. Participants were encouraged to utilize assistance programs, such as the DC Bar Lawyer’s Assistance Program (LAP), counseling services, and peer support as ways of proactive action, rather than reaching a breaking point and reacting to built up trauma or burn out. DC LAP provides 12 free sessions to every member of the DC Bar, these sessions are confidential. DC LAP can also connect you with someone that has been through a similar situation to you through their peer support program. Communication with the peer support person is considered attorney-client privilege and is also confidential. Learn more using the links below. The speakers also discussed the importance of intentionally “completing the stress cycle” through practices such as physical movement, meaningful social connection, creative expression, laughter, mindfulness, and other activities that help the body recover after periods of prolonged stress. These strategies not only benefit attorneys but also help ensure they can continue providing thoughtful and effective representation for their clients. To conclude the discussion, the panelists reminded participants that resilience is built through connection. Whether through supportive colleagues, mentors, wellness resources, or simply taking time to celebrate small successes, prioritizing personal well-being ultimately strengthens the ability to serve clients. By recognizing the effects of trauma, setting healthy boundaries, and supporting one another, attorneys can build more sustainable careers while continuing to advocate effectively for those they represent. Thank you to our panelists for sharing their experiences, insights, and practical guidance. We appreciate everyone who joined us for this important discussion and look forward to continuing conversations that support the well-being of the public interest legal community. Resources: DC Lawyer’s Assistance Program DC LAP Compassion Fatigue Resource Hub Burnout: The secret to solving the stress cycle by Emily & Amelia Nagosaki – this 6:58 video explains completing the stress cycle and introduces the full book by the Nagosaki sisters.
Summer Forum 2026: Non-Litigation Pro Bono Panel Preview
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!
Say Hello to our 2026 Summer Intern!
Please join us in welcoming Emily Herter as our 2026 Summer Intern. Read on to find out more.
Summer Forum 2026: Poverty Law Panel Preview
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!
Summer Forum 2026: Immigration and Human Rights Panel Preview
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!
Pauli Murray – Civil Rights Trailblazer, Legal Scholar, Theorist and Poet
Happy Pride Month! Read more about Pauli Murray a civil rights trailblazer, legal scholar, theorist, and poet!
Join Lawyers for Good Government: The Legal Force the Country Needs Right Now
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.
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 8, 2026.
Best Practices in Pro Bono: Exploring Opportunities in Appeals: Appellate Practice for Public Interest and Pro Bono Attorneys Recap
We hosted Best Practices in Pro Bono: Exploring Opportunities in Appeals: Appellate Practice for Public Interest and Pro Bono Attorneys on Wednesday, April 22, from 12:00–1:30 p.m., with generous support from Fried Frank.
The goal of this discussion was to encourage participants to think broadly about pro bono opportunities in appellate practice. The conversation explored the wide range of appeals in which pro bono representation is needed, particularly in poverty law, and highlighted the many ways attorneys and non-attorneys can contribute to appellate advocacy. We also examined pipeline challenges in matching interested volunteers with cases and discussed strategies for incorporating appeals into pro bono programs.