WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF LAWYERS

At age 17, a veteran enlisted in the Marine Corps as a Rifleman. During a deployment to Afghanistan, he engaged in firefights and conducted daily foot patrols in areas mined with improvised explosive devices. For his service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he earned the prestigious Combat Action Ribbon.

We are delighted to welcome our newest board members and grateful for the expertise, perspective, and commitment they bring to our organization. We look forward to working together and are excited about all we can accomplish in the year ahead. Click to find out more!

DC Pro Bono Week 2026 Schedule of Events Registration is now open for most events! We hope to see you there! Law Student Pro Bono Service: Pathways & Projects Thursday, October 15; 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET Virtual Register DC Walk For Justice Thursday, October 22; 3:00 – 7:00 pm National’s Park (1500 S Capitol St SE) Set up your Walking Team now! The Veterans Consortium: Legal Advice & Referral Clinic (In-Person) Friday, October 23; 10:00 am - 2:30 pm Washington, DC VA Medical Center (50 Irving St NW) To volunteer, reach out to Hayley at hayley.wolf@vetsprobono.org. DC Bar Pro Bono Center: Advice & Referral Clinic Saturday, October 24; 9:00 am – 3:00 pm DC Bar (901 4th St NW) This clinic is at volunteer attorney capacity. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity.  Community Lawyering for Environmental Justice: Environmental Pro Bono Opportunities in the DC Region Monday, October 26; 11:00 am - 12:30 pm ET Virtual Register It Takes a Village: The Impact of Pro Bono Family Law Representation Monday, October 26; 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET Virtual Register Volunteer Legal Advocates: Domestic Violence & Family Law Clinic Monday, October 26; 1:00 - 5:00 pm ET Virtual Register The Veterans Consortium: Legal Advice and Referral Clinic for Women Veterans (Virtual) Tuesday, October 27 10:00 am – 2:30 pm ET Virtual To volunteer, reach out to Hayley at hayley.wolf@vetsprobono.org. Volunteer Legal Advocates: Civil Protections Order Clinic Tuesday, October 27; 10:30 - 3:30 pm Virtual Register National Veterans Legal Services Program Discharge Upgrade File Review Training Tuesday, October 27; 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET Virtual Register Hot Topics Panel: Effective Pro Bono & Response Techniques in Immigration Law Tuesday, October 27; 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET Virtual Register Criminal Justice Pro Bono Opportunities: Panel Discussion Wednesday, October 28; 9:00 – 10:00 am Crowell & Moring (1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW) Register Pro Bono Attorney Training: Introduction to DC Landlord-Tenant Law Wednesday, October 28; 9:30 - 11:00 am ET Virtual Register DC Courts Pro Bono Open House Wednesday, October 28; 12:30 – 2:30 pm DC Superior Court, Moultrie Building (500 Indiana Ave., NW, 3rd Floor Jurors Lounge) Register Volunteer Legal Advocates: Immigration Clinic Wednesday, October 28; 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library (3160 16th St NW) Register Expungement Clinic Thursday, October 29; 9:00 – 12:00 pm Fried Frank (801 17th St NW) Register How to do Pro Bono as a Government Attorney Thursday, October 29; 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm ET Virtual Register Seniors Facing Rising Utility Cost Training Thursday, October 29; 1:30 - 2:30  pm ET Virtual Register IDEA Explained: Advocating for a Child in Need of Specialized Education and Related Services Thursday, October 29; 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET Virtual Register DC Bar Pro Bono Center: Advocacy and Justice Clinic Thursday, October 29; 5:15 - 6:15 pm DC Bar (901 4th St NW) Register Volunteer Legal Advocates: Immigration & Family Law Clinic Friday, October 30; 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Children's National in Columbia Heights (641 S St NW) Register The Veterans Consortium: Legal Advice & Referral Clinic (Virtual) Friday, October 30; 10:00 – 2:30 pm ET Virtual To volunteer, reach out to Hayley at hayley.wolf@vetsprobono.org. Volunteer Legal Advocates: Domestic Violence & Family Law Clinic Friday, October 30; 10:00 am - 1:00 pm ET Virtual Register Bridging the Justice Gap with Limited Scope Representation: Ethics, Authority, and Practice Friday, October 30; 12:00 - 1:15 pm ET Virtual Register  

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 2026 Summer Forum Panel on Criminal Law & Death Penalty Panel on Thursday, July 9. Register here to join us!

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. 

Join us for an insightful panel event focusing on civil rights and civil liberties through the lens of public interest law and pro bono service. This event brings together distinguished legal experts and dedicated advocates who will share their experiences and perspectives on safeguarding fundamental freedoms and promoting social justice. Discover how pro bono efforts are making a significant impact in the fight for equality and learn about the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the realm of civil rights advocacy.  Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leaders in the field and deepen your understanding of these critical issues. The Civil Rights & Civil Liberties Panel at the Summer Forum on Thursday, July 9. Register here to join the conversation.

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! 

Please join us in welcoming Emily Herter as our 2026 Summer Intern. Read on to find out more.

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!

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!

Happy Pride Month! Read more about Pauli Murray a civil rights trailblazer, legal scholar, theorist, and poet!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

In this past year, our neighbors and people all around the country have faced unprecedented attacks on their civil rights. Thanks to the leadership of Kaitlin Banner, the Deputy Legal Director at the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC), they did not need to take on that battle alone.  

For more than twenty-three years, the name Laura Klein has been synonymous with government pro bono.  No one has had a greater or more sustained impact on the ability of federal attorneys to provide volunteer legal services.  Throughout her long career, Laura has exemplified the ideal of serving “for the public good.” Laura first received the Government Pro Bono Award from the Washington Council of Lawyers in 2004. It is fitting that at the conclusion of her distinguished federal career, she receives our 2025 Presidents’ Award, honoring her exceptional leadership, profound impact, and the generous spirit that has inspired—and continues to inspire—so many in the pursuit of justice.

Each year, we recognize outstanding lawyers who make exceptional contributions to the pro bono and public-interest community and celebrate the hundreds of public-interest and pro bono professionals who dedicate time, expertise, finances, and compassion to helping their neighbors. We are thrilled to honor our 2025 Justice Impact Awards recipients! Read on to find out more.

Annually, Washington Council of Lawyers is thrilled to celebrate us! – the hundreds of public-interest and pro bono professionals who dedicate time, expertise, finances, and compassion to helping their neighbors. Our Justice Impact Awards is a time for us to come together, recharge our collective batteries, celebrate our accomplishments, commiserate on our challenges, and be inspired. Read on to find out how to nominate a pro bono champion.

Our recent discussion on Best Practices in Pro Bono: Keeping the Commitment: Structures to Make Full Representation Work for Everyone brought together leaders from across the legal services, corporate, and law firm communities to explore how to make sustained, high-quality representation both achievable and rewarding for volunteers. Panelists included representatives from law firms, corporate legal nonprofit, and legal services organizations, each offering insights into what it takes to provide full representation—from the first client meeting to case resolution.

With so many federal government employees struggling during the shutdown, we've collected links to and summaries of resources available to federal employees who are furloughed. From free food to free CLE programs, many groups are trying to support those affected by the shutdown.