2024 Summer Forum Preview: Environmental Justice Panel
Environmental law issues impact residents in D.C. and across the country in a variety of unforeseen ways. People in poverty and communities of color are more likely to live in environmentally unhealthy places. Climate change motivates immigration all over the globe. Join us for a summer forum panel discussion about the many ways environmental justice implicates human rights and racial justice. We are excited to hear how legislative advocacy, individual representation, class action and other tools can bring us closer to achieving environmental justice. Learn more about these important topics at our 2024 Summer Forum Panel on Environmental Justice Panel on Wednesday, June 26 from 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET.
2024 Summer Forum Preview: Criminal Law & Death Penalty Panel
The criminal legal system remains at the forefront of national discourse, especially concerning the pervasive issues of abusive policing, mass incarceration, and the death penalty. These systemic problems not only undermine individual liberties but also perpetuate cycles of injustice and inequality within our communities. Addressing these challenges requires a deep examination of current practices and the implementation of transformative reforms to protect fundamental human rights and ensure equitable justice for all. Learn more about these important topics at our 2024 Summer Forum Panel on Criminal Law & Death Penalty Panel on Wednesday, June 26 from 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET.
Join Our Board!
Applications for the 2024-2025 board year are now open! Serving on our board is both professionally and personally rewarding and a great way to become more involved with our organization and the DC public-interest community. Here is a peek at what’s involved:
2024 D.C. Bar Candidate Endorsements
The leadership of the D.C. Bar focuses on priorities and sets the tone for the largest unified bar association in the country. Since Washington Council of Lawyers is devoted to promoting pro bono service and public-interest law, we think it is essential that D.C. Bar leaders understand firsthand the importance of, and have a demonstrated commitment to, increasing access to justice in our community. Washington Council of Lawyers endorses the following 2024 candidates, listed alphabetically, and not in order of preference.
2023 Justice Impact Awards: Photo Album
22 January 2024 Blog, Featured
Thank you so much to everyone that came to the 2023 Justice Impact Awards Ceremony! We enjoyed a beautiful evening with everyone and are glad to share these memories! A special thanks to our award winners and all they do for our community
Racial Justice Series: Ending the School to Prison Pipeline: Changing Outcomes and Creating Paths for Success Recap
17 November 2023 Blog, Featured
On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, panelists discussed the ongoing consequences of the “School to Prison Pipeline.” We broke down the narrative, highlighted the ongoing and significant effects on students of color, particularly those with disabilities, and laid out action steps for students, educators, and legal professionals to promote systemic change and end disparate discipline practices.
2023 Justice Impact Awards Corporate Counsel: Pat McGlone
09 November 2023 Blog, Featured
Patrick McGlone exemplifies the values of excellence, commitment to justice, and dedicated community service. He is a worker, a joiner, and a true trailblazer in the legal world. For his leadership and inspiration to the legal profession and the DC community, we are proud to recognize Pat with the 2023 Justice Impact Awards Corporate Counsel Award.
2023 Justice Impact Awards Law Firm: Ted Howard
09 November 2023 Blog, Featured
Ted Howard is the quietest legend you will ever meet. To speak with him, you would not know of the thousands of hours he’s personally dedicated to pro bono service or the hundreds of lawyers he’s mentored and supported as Wily Rein’s Pro Bono Partner. What you will hear and feel is his passion for closing the access to justice gap and his commitment to serving his neighbors. He is a leader in our community, and we are proud to loudly announce Ted as the distinguished recipient of our 2023 Justice Impact Award for Law Firm Lawyers.
2023 Justice Impact Awards Government: Chris Jennison
09 November 2023 Blog, Featured
Chris Jennison, a lawyer at the U.S. Department of Transportation, goes above and beyond in his commitment to pro bono service and his dedication to encouraging others to make pro bono service part of their career. For his strong and steady commitment to doing pro bono work and the many ways he has encouraged other government lawyers to do pro bono work, Chris is the recipient of the 2023 Justice Impact Award for Government Lawyers.