WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF LAWYERS

The need for pro bono attorneys to represent tenants facing eviction in Washington, DC has never been greater. Join this comprehensive training, led by Legal Aid DC, designed to provide the fundamentals of DC Landlord-Tenant Law and equip pro bono attorneys with the practical knowledge needed to advocate effectively for tenants. The need for legal assistance is urgent. New eviction filings continue to rise, creating a critical access-to-justice gap for vulnerable residents at risk of losing their homes. Yet fewer than 15% of tenants facing eviction proceedings have legal representation, while approximately 95% of landlords appear with counsel. Whether you are new to housing law or looking to expand your pro bono practice, this training will provide the foundational tools, resources, and confidence needed to represent tenants effectively. Learn how you can help clients maintain safe and affordable housing, protect their legal rights, and make a meaningful impact in our community. By volunteering your legal skills, you can play a vital role in advancing housing stability, promoting fairness in the courts, and expanding access to justice for DC residents facing one of the most consequential legal challenges of their lives. This event is best suited for attorneys interested in representing tenants in eviction defense cases. Spread the word and join the conversation using #DCProBono26.

As part of D.C. Pro Bono Week, the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center’s Advocacy & Justice Clinic welcomes attorney volunteers to take on full representation cases in family law, housing, and public benefits. Join attorneys across the country as part of the ABA's National Celebration of Pro Bono and take a case this fall! This opportunity allows volunteers to make a meaningful difference for a client while building valuable legal skills and experience. No prior experience in these practice areas is required—we provide training, mentorship, and support throughout your case. By signing up, volunteers will provide full representation to a pro bono client. The initial client meeting will be held at the Pro Bono Week Clinic on October 29, 2026, with client appointment times at 5:15 PM and 6:15 PM. During the clinic, volunteers will meet with clients and begin working together on the case. Following the clinic, volunteers will represent their clients until a final resolution of the matter.

Our How To Series is kicking off with how to do pro bono as a government attonrhey! This is the perfect opportunity to learn about doing pro bono work as a government lawyer. Pro bono work can be a rewarding part of a government career; you just need to be familiar with the resources, policies, and strategies that allow you to do the work effectively. At this lively discussion, you’ll learn about established pro bono programs for government lawyers, in both the local and federal government spheres. Our pro bono experts will share why pro bono work is meaningful to them, tips for managing your schedule and finding the support you need, and info about the many different types of pro bono work available to government lawyers The government lawyer panelists will share their experiences from their personal perspectives in their individual capacities, and will not be speaking on behalf of their agencies. The panel will be moderated by Bryan Concepcion, Government Attorney, Department of Housing and Urban Development Anthony Scerbo, DC Office of Open Government, Board of Ethics and Government Accountability Annie Bonfiglio, Government Attorney, Department of Labor Acacia Bellamy, Government Attorney, appearing in personal capacity Lara Eilhardt, Federal Government Pro Bono Program Manager, Department of Justice Join us to find out how you can dive into pro bono work as a government lawyer! Spread the word and join the conversation #DCProBono26!

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act also known as IDEA, is a complex law that provides necessary resources for infants, toddlers, children, and youth. Knowing exactly how to use it successfully can make all the difference in setting children up for success in school. This presentation will guide families, attorneys, and others concerned with securing the rights of disabled children to special education and related services. About the speaker: William B. Jaffe has been practicing law for over 30 years. Bill spent seven years as a lawyer for the D.C. Public Schools in their Office of General Counsel. He is now the Founder and Principal of the Law Office of William B. Jaffe, a civil rights law firm. Bill also worked at the DC Attorney General’s Office, the New York Attorney General’s Office, the Justice Department, and elsewhere.

The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) will present a one hour training on discharge upgrades and NVLSP’s limited scope discharge upgrade file review project. This limited scope pro bono opportunity enables volunteers to review and screen the files of veterans who have applied to NVLSP for pro bono assistance with a discharge upgrade. NVLSP’s Lawyers Serving Warriors discharge upgrade program assists veterans in applying to upgrade their characterization of service, for example from “Other Than Honorable” to a more favorable characterization such as “Honorable” or “General (Under Honorable Conditions).” A discharge upgrade may help veterans receive Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and health care, improve employment opportunities, and restore reputation and self esteem. Many veterans served through this project have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injuries, or other mental health conditions that are related to military service. Many veterans served through this program are survivors of Military Sexual Trauma. NVLSP screens every applicant to its discharge upgrade program before referring the matter to a pro bono partner for full representation. The file review project tasks volunteers with conducting a preliminary screen by reviewing and analyzing the files of clients who have applied for a discharge upgrade, so that NVLSP screening attorneys are able to review the files more efficiently. This project is primarily administrative in nature. Pro bono volunteers will create a Word table or Excel spreadsheet cataloging the client files and return the file review work product to NVLSP within one month of accepting the matter. The project is remote and can be completed from any location. Pro bono volunteers will agree to abide by the NVLSP confidentiality agreement. The estimated time commitment is ten to fifteen hours per project, and volunteers may work in teams. NVLSP’s DC Pro Bono Week presentation is open to all. However, only attorneys are eligible to accept file review matters, and government attorneys may not accept NVLSP discharge upgrade file review matters. NVLSP discharge upgrade file review pro bono opportunities are limited.

Hosted by Children’s Law Center and D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center. Please join us for a lively panel discussion on the need for pro bono representation in cases impacting families.  This panel will discuss challenges individuals face in securing representation and dispel myths about who our clients are.  Panelists will share their experiences representing parents, third-party caregivers, and the best interests of children. In addition to child custody matters, we’ll discuss family preservation and safety planning, immigrant family preparedness matters, and representing respondents in civil protection matters.  Our conversation will be joined by the Honorable Danny Lam Nguyen is confirmed to join the panel to offer a judicial perspective from D.C. Superior Court's Family Court. Come learn why access to justice in family law means everyone has a lawyer.  Attendees will receive information about how they can get involved, ranging from limited scope to extended representation. This event is suited for attorneys interested in representing families through pro bono. Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono26.

Volunteer Legal Advocates is teaming up with community partners and local volunteer attorneys to hold five legal clinics serving survivors of domestic and gender-based violence throughout DC Pro Bono Week. There are in-person and remote options available. Depending on the clinic, volunteers may provide legal advice on civil protection order, custody, and divorce matters to survivors of domestic violence or empower immigrant survivors of gender-based violence with the information they need to secure immigration relief. Volunteer Legal Advocates has training resources available to get volunteers up to speed on the legal issues, and there will be Volunteer Legal Advocates supervising attorneys available during each shift to provide guidance. For remote opportunities, volunteers will meet with clients over the phone and supervising attorneys will provide volunteers with case assignments by email and guidance by phone. Opportunities: October 26: Remote Domestic Violence & Family Law Clinic – 1-5PM October 27: Remote Civil Protection Order Clinic – 10:30AM-3:30PM October 28: In-person Immigration Clinic – 1-4PM at the Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library October 30: Remote Domestic Violence & Family Law Clinic – 10AM-1PM October 30: In-person Immigration and Family Law Clinic – 9:30AM-12:30PM at Children's National in Columbia Heights Spread the word and join the conversation using #DCProBono26!

Join Us for an In-Person Limited Scope Expungement Clinic Please join us for an in-person limited scope expungement clinic to help DC residents with sealing eligible criminal records on October 29 from 9 am -12 pm at Fried Frank. A criminal record can create significant barriers to employment, education, housing, and overall well-being. Record sealing offers individuals a critical opportunity for a fresh start by reducing the long-term consequences of past convictions. At the clinic, volunteers will partner with clients referred by Christian Legal Aid of DC (CLADC) to gather background information to be included in their motions. We will provide training on the morning of the clinic, and CLADC staff will be available throughout the day to provide guidance and support. We welcome participation from attorneys, paralegals, and law students. All non-lawyer volunteers will be paired with a licensed attorney. Join the conversation on social media #DCProBono26

Join us for a special Pro Bono Open House where you’ll be introduced to the DC Courts and the wide variety of pro bono opportunities available in both the Superior Court and the Court of Appeals. Each year thousands of people appear in the DC Courts without a lawyer. They may be at risk of eviction, involved in a child custody dispute, seeking safety through a civil protection order, or appealing the denial of unemployment insurance benefits —but can’t afford legal representation. While legal aid groups work hard to help, they have limited resources and can’t serve everyone who needs assistance. That’s where you come in. Your skills and experience can help people in our community gain access to justice and improve efficiency in the courts. The Pro Bono Open House will feature an interactive panel discussion with judges sharing their insights from both sides of the bench. The judges will talk about the pro bono work they did earlier in their careers and how those experiences shaped their professional development and path to the bench.  They’ll also share their current perspectives from the bench about how pro bono lawyers make a positive impact both in and out of the courtroom. Following the panel discussion, you’ll have the option of choosing among several court observation opportunities, including a chance to debrief with legal services lawyers who practice every day in the DC Courts. We look forward to welcoming you! This event is geared toward lawyers working in private practice, legal services, government, or as in-house or corporate counsel. We also encourage retired lawyers and law students to join. Spread the word and join the conversation using #DCProBono26.

This panel discussion will focus on the criminal justice pro bono opportunities available to lawyers in Washington, DC. Panelists will share insights into the pressing legal needs in our community, the types of pro bono projects available, and how attorneys can get involved. Whether you’re new to criminal justice work or looking to deepen your engagement, this session will offer valuable guidance and inspiration. This event is suited for lawyers working in a law firm, legal services organization, with the government, or as a solo practitioner. We also welcome law students and non-lawyer legal professionals. Spread the word and join the conversation using #DCProBonoWeek26.

This year, Pro Bono Week's national theme is Serving Justice. Strengthening Democracy. This theme recognizes the essential role pro bono attorneys play in ensuring that legal problems do not prevent people from participating fully in civic life. We see the need for legal support in our immigrant communities and know pro bono attorneys ensure families and communities stay whole so we may all participate in life fully. Thank you for joining us in understanding how we can continue and improve pro bono support of immigrant communities. Our panel includes an overview of the immigration needs in the country generally as well as a specific focus on how to mobilize lawyers around the country so they can provide pro bono support to immigrant communities. We know the DC legal community is large and we want to mobilize them to support immigration needs around the country. This panel will focus on how best we can accomplish this goal. This event is suited for lawyers working in a law firm, legal services organization, with the government, or as a solo practitioner. We also welcome law students and non-lawyer legal professionals. Spread the word and join the conversation using #DCProBonoWeek26.

Join the Environmental Law Institute for a special edition of our Community Lawyering for Environmental Justice series in celebration of DC Pro Bono Week. This installment will highlight different types of environmental pro bono programs in the United States. Panelists will discuss the wide array of opportunities to engage with environmental pro bono projects. Speakers will also share their personal experiences with pro bono work and answer audience questions. This event is suited for lawyers. We also welcome law students. It is free and open to anyone who wishes to register. Spread the word and join the conversation using #DCProBono26!

The Veterans Consortium: Legal Advice and Referral Clinic (In-Person) In celebration of Pro Bono Week, The Veterans Consortium (TVC) is partnering with local volunteers and DC area law students to hold one-day pop-up legal clinics to serve the civil legal needs of veterans. This is an in-person event. Advice & Referral Clinic for Veterans – In-Person Friday, October 23 10:00 am – 2:30 pm ET Washington, DC  VA Medical Center (50 Irving St NW) To volunteer, reach out to Hayley at hayley.wolf@vetsprobono.org. The Veterans Consortium: Legal Advice and Referral Clinic for Women Veterans (Virtual) In celebration of Pro Bono Week, The Veterans Consortium (TVC) is partnering with local volunteers and DC area law students to hold one-day pop-up legal clinics to serve the civil legal needs of veterans. This is a virtual event. Due to the nature of this clinic, we request women and women-identifying volunteers. Advice & Referral Clinic for Women Veterans – Virtual Tuesday, October 27 10:00 am – 2:30 pm ET To volunteer, reach out to Hayley at hayley.wolf@vetsprobono.org. The Veterans Consortium: Legal Advice and Referral Clinic (Virtual) In celebration of Pro Bono Week, The Veterans Consortium (TVC) is partnering with local volunteers and DC area law students to hold one-day pop-up legal clinics to serve the civil legal needs of veterans. This is a virtual event. Advice & Referral Clinic for Veterans – Virtual Friday, October 30 10:00 am – 2:30 pm ET To volunteer, reach out to Hayley at hayley.wolf@vetsprobono.org.

DC Walk for Justice 5K – hosted by the DC Bar Foundation Join hundreds of justice advocates, community leaders, families, and friends on Thursday, October 22, 2026 (4 pm) at Nationals Park for an unforgettable afternoon of community, purpose, and celebration at the DC Walk for Justice 5K. Participants will enjoy a scenic route featuring the iconic Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, breathtaking views of Nationals Park, and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. Whether you're walking with colleagues, friends, or family, every step helps expand access to justice for District residents. After crossing the finish line, celebrate at an exclusive party on Centerfield Plaza inside Nationals Park, featuring food, drinks, music, and activities for all ages. The Justice Partner Village in the Centerfield Plaza will showcase DC Bar Foundation grantee partners and organizations that are part of the DC Social Justice Transformations Network. The DC Walk for Justice 5K seeks to raise $500,000 to support civil legal aid in the District of Columbia. All proceeds benefit the DC Bar Foundation, the leading funder and advocate for civil legal aid in DC. Through grantmaking, network coordination, community partnerships, and innovative initiatives, the Foundation works to ensure that all District residents can access the legal help they need to resolve critical issues involving housing, family safety, employment, immigration, public benefits, and more. This family-friendly event includes face painting, appearances by Nationals Park Racing President Teddy Roosevelt, music, and complimentary ballpark food. Everyone is welcome, including lawyers and non-lawyers, adults and children, first-time walkers and long-time supporters. Participant safety is a top priority. The event is conducted in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department; the 5K route is wheelchair accessible, and shorter course options are available.  

Hosted by the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program In celebration of Pro Bono Week, The Veterans Consortium (TVC) is partnering with local volunteers and DC area law students to hold two, one-day pop-up legal clinics to serve the needs of veterans. These clinics will be held via a virtual platform. Advice & Referral Clinic for Veterans - In-Person Friday, October 24 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. And join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono25!

Hosted by DC Refers One year after our original conversation, “To AI or not to AI: Legal Practicalities and Ethical Conundrums of Using AI,” join us again for as we reconvene a panel of legal experts to examine how the landscape has evolved. This timely discussion will explore how AI is currently shaping legal services—from efficiencies gained to new ethical complexities—and what has changed over the past year. We’ll discuss emerging best practices, privacy concerns and how to ensure that innovation continues to support, rather than hinder, access to justice. [Description generated by AI, refined by humans] The conversation will be moderated by Laura Possessky, Chair Emeritus of the Science & Technology Law Section of the American Bar Association. Our panelists include: David Greisen, DC Refers Board Member & Chief Executive Officer & Founding Board Member of Open Law Library Michael Lukens, Executive Director of Amica Center for Immigrant Rights & Washington Council of Lawyers Board Member Angela Tripp Program, Officer for Technology III, Legal Services Corporation This event is appropriate for folks from law firms, legal service organizations as well as government attorneys, law students, and non-legal support staff! Join for the conversation on social media #DCProBono25!

DC Pro Bono Week is about celebrating pro bono and learning about the many opportunities available to do pro bono service! A fantastic opportunity that has been a pillar of pro bono in our community is the DC Bar Pro Bono Center’s Advice & Referral Clinic! All experience is welcome! You don’t need to be an expert in any area of law. D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center staff and expert mentors will be on hand to answer any questions and help you provide brief advice and referrals to individuals who would otherwise be left to navigate the complex legal system alone. As a volunteer lawyer, you’ll answer questions about consumer law, family law, housing law, public benefits, bankruptcy, and other topics. Steet parking is available. A brief orientation takes place at 9:00 am, and volunteers are asked to stay until the last client is seen, usually at least 3:00 pm. There’s no time commitment beyond the clinic itself. The clinic is held from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the DC Bar (901 4th St NW). Important: If you are currently a law student and would like to volunteer please contact Rachel Lawrence at lawrencera@cua.edu. Thank you!

Join us during Pro Bono Week for a special DC Superior Court Open House in the Landlord and Tenant Branch, cosponsored by the city–wide Housing Right to Counsel Project – a coalition of legal services providers and law firms that guarantee representation to certain tenants who are at particular risk of not only being evicted from their home, but possibly losing a critical housing subsidy, as well. Representatives from legal services organizations and the Housing Right to Counsel Project will introduce you to the Landlord and Tenant Branch – one of the Court’s high-volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed to help tenants assert their rights and defenses in eviction cases. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with judges, and learn how you can help tenants maintain safe and affordable housing and expand access to justice in our community. The Landlord and Tenant Branch – within the Court’s Civil Division – has limited jurisdiction and only adjudicates eviction cases filed by landlords against tenants. Fewer than 15% of tenants facing eviction proceedings have legal representation, while 95% of landlords are represented. Are you ready to learn more? We look forward to welcoming you! Please note this event involves a moderate amount of standing and walking. If attendees have accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@DCCSystem.gov. This event is best suited for lawyers working in private practice, legal services, government, or as in-house or corporate counsel. We also encourage retired lawyers and law students to join. Join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono25!

This event is cosponsored by the Superior Court Committee on Pro Bono & Affordable Counsel and Volunteer Legal Advocates. Join us for a DC Superior Court Pro Bono Open House where Aída Vindell from Volunteer Legal Advocates will introduce you to the Domestic Violence Division – one of the Court’s high- volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed in civil protection order (CPO) cases. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with judges, and learn how you can help expand access to justice in our community. The Pro Bono Open House will focus on pro bono opportunities to represent petitioners seeking CPOs. A person can file a petition for a CPO against someone who has committed or threatened to commit an intrafamily offense, sexual assault, sexual abuse, or sex or labor trafficking against them. By providing pro bono representation, you can help protect a petitioner from harm, as well as enhance your professional skills. Are you ready to learn more? We look forward to welcoming you! Please note this event involves a moderate amount of standing and walking. If attendees have accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@DCCSystem.gov. This event is best suited for lawyers working in private practice, legal services, government, or as in-house or corporate counsel. We also encourage retired lawyers and law students to join. There is limited space for this event. Pre-registration is required. If you do not receive a separate confirmation email, you are not registered for this event. We will not have space to accommodate anyone who did not pre-register and did not receive a registration confirmation. If you are on the waitlist and have been moved off it, you will receive a separate confirmation email. If you do not receive a separate confirmation email, we will not be able to accommodate you at the Open House.

This event is cosponsored by the Superior Court Committee on Pro Bono &  Affordable Counsel, Children’s Law Center, and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center. Join us for a DC Superior Court Pro Bono Open House where Jen Masi from the Children’s Law Center and Jenadee Nanini from the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center will introduce you to the Domestic Relations Branch – one of the Court’s high-volume branches where pro bono representation in child custody cases is greatly needed. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with judges, and learn how you can help families achieve stability and expand access to justice in our community. The Pro Bono Open House will focus on representing custodial and non-custodial parents, as well as third-party caregivers in child custody matters. You’ll also learn about opportunities to serve as a guardian ad litem (GAL), representing the “best interests” of the children involved. Whether representing a party or serving as a GAL in a custody case, you’ll be helping to secure stability for a family with limited means, as well as enhancing your professional skills. Are you ready to learn more? We look forward to welcoming you! Please note this event involves a moderate amount of standing and walking. If attendees have accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@DCCSystem.gov. This event is best suited for lawyers working in private practice, legal services, government, or as in-house or corporate counsel. We also encourage retired lawyers and law students to join. There is limited space for this event. Pre-registration is required. If you do not receive a separate confirmation email, you are not registered for this event. We will not have space to accommodate anyone who did not pre-register and did not receive a registration confirmation. If you are on the waitlist and have been moved off it, you will receive a separate confirmation email. If you do not receive a separate confirmation email, we will not be able to accommodate you at the Open House.

Join fellow justice-loving individuals on Thursday, October 23, 2025, for an afternoon of community, education, and fun! Walkers will follow a route showcasing views of Nationals Park and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. And it doesn't stop there! After the Walk, participants will celebrate with a finish line party with food, drinks, and music at Centerfield Plaza inside Nationals Park Stadium.  The DC Walk for Justice 5K aims to raise $325,000 for the District’s pressing civil legal needs. All proceeds from the DC Walk for Justice 5K benefit the DC Bar Foundation, which works to make civil legal aid more accessible for all District residents through grantmaking, network coordination, community engagement, and more. The DC Bar Foundation is committed to transforming the District’s civil legal aid network so that all residents have a fair and equal legal experience. The Foundation has three goals for the Walk: to increase community awareness of the significant civil legal aid needs in the District of Columbia, to expand the network of lawyers, judges, and community members committed to supporting legal aid, and to raise at least $325,000 for the Foundation's transformative work. Whether you sponsor, made a donation, or join a fundraising team, your generosity will have a direct impact on District residents needing civil legal services.

Kids in Need of Defense's (KIND’s) Policy team will provide a briefing on the current state of unaccompanied children’s rights and an update on recent legislative and policy changes that place children directly in harm’s way.  The briefing will be followed by a discussion on KIND’s strategies for navigating the current landscape and creative pro bono responses to help unaccompanied children through the many challenges they are facing in their immigration proceedings. Join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono25.

This year, Pro Bono Week’s national theme is Supporting Communities. We thank you for joining us in this mission for our exceptional community in Washington, DC. From the invention of go-go music to the best Ethiopian food this side of the Atlantic, Washington, DC is a rich community deserving of agency, stability, and joy.  We join in celebrating our community by showcasing its strength and ingenuity against the unique barriers we face in the Nation’s Capitol. Join us at this year’s Hot Topics panel to discuss how to improve the material condition of people’s lives, affirm every individual’s power, and increase community power. Our panelists include: Nia Langley, Bread for the City Brook Hill, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law Justin Hansford, Howard Law School Movement Lawyering Clinic Elie Zwiebel, Zwiebel Law This event is best suited for lawyers working in private practice, legal services, the government, or as in-house or corporate counsel. We also encourage law students, non-lawyer professionals, and members of the community to join. Join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono25.  

Presented by Volunteer Legal Advocates Join Volunteer Legal Advocates (and wear purple) as we come together to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month and further our work to support survivors and children in our community. This Purple Thursday, all are invited to join Volunteer Legal Advocates for a meaningful gathering, featuring a timely conversation with The Honorable Laura E. Crane, Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and Alissa Osberg, Esq., Volunteer Legal Advocates’ Fellow. Learn about the impact of pro bono emergency legal services for domestic violence survivors in our community and how you can support this essential work. Lunch will be provided

This panel discussion will focus on the criminal justice pro bono opportunities available to lawyers in Washington, DC. Panelists will share insights into the pressing legal needs in our community, the types of pro bono projects available, and how attorneys can get involved. Whether you're new to criminal justice work or looking to deepen your engagement, this session will offer valuable guidance and inspiration. Our panelists include: Sheily Virella, Christian Legal Aid of DC Naida Henao, Volare Abraham Sisson, DC Court of Appeals Maggie Birkel,  Second Look DC Join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono25!