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.
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.