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. People swept up by ICE are disappearing into detention centers thousands of miles from their families — most without a lawyer. Federal workers are losing their jobs without due process. Environmental justice organizations are watching the funding dry up that made it possible for them to protect their communities. Transgender youth are navigating a legal landscape that feels more hostile by the day. The legal needs are urgent. The window to act is now. Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a network of over 125,000 lawyers, law students, and legal professionals mobilizing pro bono power across the country. Since our founding in 2016, we’ve leveraged more than $150 million in pro bono legal services — and in 2025 alone, our volunteers contributed over 72,000 hours and $50 million worth of legal work. Our work spans three core pillars: Rule of Law & Democracy — Defending the institutions, norms, and people that keep government accountable. Civil & Human Rights — Fighting for immigrants, transgender individuals, and communities whose reproductive rights and health equity are under attack. Climate Change & Environmental Justice — Standing alongside frontline communities to defend environmental protections and the funding that makes their work possible. Most opportunities are fully remote. Whether you can offer a brief consultation, legal research, or full litigation support, there’s a role for you. L4GG provides malpractice insurance, Westlaw access, secure communications, and training and mentorship — so you can show up ready L4GG exists because lawyers, mobilized together, can move history. Join us: Fill out our volunteer interest form at org/Volunteer Subscribe to L4GG’s Impact Docket, our weekly newsletter with actions lawyers can take right now in defense of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law If you have any questions, contact Laura Klein, Senior Manager of Pro Bono Initiatives, at lklein@L4GG.org
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.
2026 Summer Forum Preview: Keynote
We are thrilled to welcome Liz Oyer as our 2026 Summer Pro Bono & Public Interest Forum keynote speaker. Ms. Oyer served as the U.S. Pardon Attorney through two administrations until she was abruptly fired in March 2025. She spent most of her career in public service and now educates the public about threats to the rule of law, focusing on issues related to the courts, the criminal justice system, and presidential power through her Lawyer Oyer platform and guest contributions to network programming, podcasts, and national news publications.
2026 D.C. Bar Candidate Endorsements
Washington Council of Lawyers endorses these 2026 candidates, listed alphabetically, and not in order of preference.
Please be sure to vote! Then share our endorsements widely with your networks!
2025 Justice Impact Awards Photo Album
10 December 2025 Blog, Featured
Thank you for joining us for a wonderful evening of inspiration and fellowship. A special thanks to our award recipients for all you do for our community! Enjoy these special memories.
2025 Justice Impact Awards Government: Acacia Bellamy
20 November 2025 Blog, Featured
Acacia Bellamy is an Attorney-Advisor at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In her position at HUD and throughout her legal career, Acacia, has demonstrated a deep commitment to her community and colleagues through her pro bono service and leadership.
2025 Justice Impact Awards Law Firm: Kate St. Romain
20 November 2025 Blog, Featured
When it comes to pro bono service, Kate St. Romain, Partner at Fried Frank, exemplifies using her legal tools in direct representation and systemic advocacy to defend and protect her clients and community members at every level. Her incredible ability to help those in her community through innovative legal strategy is paralleled by her compassion, judgement, and leadership. While her representation has spanned across many areas of law, she works tirelessly to support survivors of domestic violence through direct representation and aims to strengthen the legal framework that protects women and families through systemic advocacy.
2025 Justice Impact Awards Corporate Legal Counsel Award: Justin Loffredo
19 November 2025 Blog, Featured
Throughout his career, Justice Loffredo, Senior Principal Intellectual Property Legal Counsel at Medtronic PLC, has shown an unparalleled dedication to pro bono service. Justin’s career illustrates what it means to lead with compassion, integrity, and a resolute commitment to expanding access to justice.