TZEDEK DC: Legal Help for People in Debt
30 July 2019 Blog, East River of the River Profiles, Featured
Tzedek DC is a relatively new organization, but its mission draws on a very old Jewish teaching: “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” meaning “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” While Tzedek DC only opened its doors in February 2017, volunteers had already spent two years interviewing DC residents about the barriers to economic and social stability. They found that debt collection issues, including lawsuits and impaired credit, were major hurdles for an overwhelming number of residents, especially in Wards 7 & 8. Founder Ariel Levinson-Waldman explains that debt-related crises — and the fact that income debt collection lawsuits are filed disproportionately against African-American and Latinx households — contribute to the deep stratification of wealth along racial lines in DC. He notes that, according to the Urban Institute, white households in DC have a net worth 81 times greater than Black households. Tzedek DC seeks to help change these trends by addressing debt issues through a civil rights lens and by engaging in three strategies to increase access to assistance navigating financial problems.
Thank you and good luck to our summer intern Lydia Kotowski
While the summer isn’t technically over, we do say good-bye to our summer intern Lydia Kotowski this week. She has been a wonderful addition to our team and has brought a new perspective to our work. We are exceedingly grateful for all the ways Lydia has helped move our mission forward this summer. Thank you, Lydia!
A Conversation with Justice Elena Kagan and Dean William Treanor (July 18, 2019)
Washington Council of Lawyers was honored to host A Conversation with Justice Elena Kagan and Dean William Treanor of Georgetown University Law Center on Thursday, July 18, 2019. The conversation began with a discussion about the career of the late Justice John Paul Stevens, whose seat Justice Kagan filled after Justice Stevens retired. Justice Kagan praised Justice Stevens both in his role as a Supreme Court Justice and as an extraordinarily kind man and mentor. Speaking to an audience largely comprised of law school students, public-interest lawyers, and pro bono advocates, Justice Kagan commented on Justice Steven’s commitment to continued learning on the job and his fierce independence.
2019 Summer Forum Preview: Pro Bono to Aid People Who Experience Poverty
06 June 2019 Blog
Individuals living at or below the federal poverty level can
encounter all manner of legal issues and are least likely to be able to afford legal representation. Lawyers practicing in this area must have a wide array of tools in their kit and an ability to meet a variety of challenges. The Poverty Law panel will explore the myriad ways lawyers help low-income residents including court matters with issues of housing, family, and consumer law; transactional matters such as public benefits; and
policy work to ensure the defense and safeguarding of everyone’s rights regardless of position or power. #SumFo19
2019 Summer Forum Preview: Pro Bono Outside the Courtoom
Pro bono work does not always involve litigation; in fact, among the most important contributions pro bono attorneys can make is to help individuals and organizations avoid the need to resort to judicial processes. Find out how at this panel. #SumFo19
2019 Summer Forum Preview: Ethics, Transparency & Accountability: Suing the Federal Government
29 May 2019 Blog, Featured | Tags: accountability, ethics, federal government, pro bono, public interest, transparency
The political climate has not cooled, so we’re bringing back the panel that addresses the cutting-edge issues of government ethics, transparency and accountability. The panel will touch on a lot of interesting issues and practical tips. It is not one you will want to miss! #SumFo19
D.C. Council Helps Low-Income Workers Keep More of Their Money
Introduced by Council member Elissa Silverman, the Wage Garnishment Fairness Amendment Act of 2018 protects from garnishment weekly wages up to 40 times the District’s minimum wage (currently $13.25 per hour, and rising in July to $14 per hour). The law’s effective date is April 11, 2019, and its protections will likely begin to apply on October 1, when the District’s new fiscal year begins.
Safe Sisters Circle: A Welcoming Place
28 May 2019 Blog, East River of the River Profiles, Featured | Tags: EOTR, LegalServices, SafeSistersCircle, Ward 7, Ward 8
“The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” Those are the words of Malcolm X, spoken in 1962. And it is the sentiment that motivated Alana Brown to found The Safe Sisters Circle. Founded in 2018, The Safe Sisters Circle is an organization that provides support and healing to black women survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.