WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF LAWYERS

This event is hosted by DC Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers and co-sponsored by the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center. Join us for a DC Superior Court Open House where Jenadee Nanini, Managing Attorney at the DC Bar Pro Bono Center, will introduce you to the Domestic Relations Branch – one of the Court’s highest-volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed in child custody cases. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with Superior Court Judges, and learn how you can help expand access to justice in our community. Pro bono counsel may represent custodial parents, non-custodial parents, or third-party caregivers in child custody matters. They also serve as guardians ad litem (GALs), 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. 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.

Discover the role of impact litigation in advancing access to justice and expanding the scope of pro bono legal services. Join us in exploring how impact litigation compares to other forms of pro bono work, as well as the key factors that legal services organizations and law firms consider before pursuing these types of cases. At a time when law firms and legal practices face increasing public scrutiny, this candid discussion aims to deepen understanding across different sectors of the pro bono and public interest community. Panelists will also highlight practical opportunities for collaboration and offer strategies for integrating impact litigation into pro bono portfolios—along with potential solutions to common challenges. Bring your lunch and your questions! Thanks to the generosity of Fried Frank cookies/brownies and drinks will be provided. We welcome pro bono coordinators from law firms, corporations, legal services providers, nonprofits, and government agencies from DC and across the country.

Post-graduate fellowships are a unique way to realize your ideal public interest job. Fellowships allow new lawyers to gain hands-on experience, develop project management skills, and pursue their passions for promoting justice. But the application process is complicated and the programs are competitive. We're here to help you make sense of the process. Our expert panel will walk you through all the steps of the application procedures for the various programs and give you concrete tips for maximizing your chances of landing the fellowship of your dreams. Then, we will discuss PSJD and other online resources for finding fellowships. Finally, there will be plenty of time for individualized questions. This event is for law students at every stage of their career as well as judicial clerks and LLM students. For 3L students we will discuss the current fellowship application cycle. For 1L and 2L students, we will discuss the best ways to position yourself to receive a post graduate fellowship. We will also discuss law clerks and LLM students' eligibility for fellowship positions.  Join the conversation on social media #Fellowships101.

For many, making a big career shift is on the horizon, and now is the time to pivot! You may be changing positions, you've chosen to go in a different direction, or you are at the beginning of your career and need to rethink your career goals. Whatever your situation, the idea of transitioning to a completely different job or an unfamiliar sector can be daunting. How do you even begin? And what are the practical steps to leaving your position? This career-advice panel will discuss all this and more. We've gathered a panel of experienced career professionals to explore your options and how to think about your skills and experiences to translate them to a different sector. Then, we'll focus on how to revise your resume, rework your network, strategize your career goals, research new options, and retool your narrative. Finally, we'll discuss the practical considerations to think about and plan for as a part of the transition including: how to find help at your organization, what your ethical obligations are, how to transfer your responsibilities, what should your "out of office say", what you can and can't take with you, and much more. Our panelists include: Alessandro Terenzoni - former government lawyer Paul Lee - law firm representative Camille Thompson - law school career development professional Mary Giovagnoli - government employee, former legal services lawyer, and policy professional This program is a Zoom webinar, so only presenters will be visible to attendees. You can ask questions through the Q&A function and may ask those questions anonymously. We will leave time at the end for questions if you wish to come on camera or off mute to interact with the panelists. This discussion will not be recorded, nor may attendees record this session. We know this is an unprecedented shift in employment! We are here to help with the practical transition and ensure your mental health and well-being remain intact during the process.

This event is hosted by D.C. Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers and co-sponsored by DC Volunteer Lawyers Project. Join us for a D.C. Superior Court Open House where Aída Vindell, Co-Legal Director with DC Volunteer Lawyers Project,  will introduce you to the Domestic Violence Division – one of the Court’s highest-volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with judges, and learn how you can help expand access to justice in our community. The Open House will focus on pro bono opportunities to represent petitioners seeking Civil Protection Orders (CPOs). A person can file 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 in CPO cases, you’ll help someone seeking protection from domestic and/or sexual violence, as well as enhance your professional skills. 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.

Trying to find a way to fit pro bono service into your schedule? Join us for a rewarding day of service, where your skills can make a significant difference in the lives of those seeking legal guidance and support! Volunteer on Saturday, February 22nd to gain experience in serving the D.C. community in a variety of matters! At the clinic, you’ll provide brief advice (and referrals) to people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to legal help. We meet at Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School (2427 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020). Street parking is available. Please arrive at 9:00 am, a brief orientation takes place at 9:15 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. As a volunteer attorney, you’ll answer questions about consumer law, family law, housing law, public benefits, bankruptcy, and other topics. You don’t need to be an expert in these areas of law: D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center staff and expert mentors will be on hand to help. You do need to be a member of the D.C. Bar, or a federal government attorney barred in another state to participate. We are currently looking for volunteers in private practice, including solo practitioners and those at firms. If you are currently in a government position and would like to volunteer please contact Lara Eilhardt at Lara.Eilhardt@usdoj.gov. If you are currently a law student and would like to volunteer please contact Rachel Lawrence at lawrencera@cua.edu. Thank you!

Join us for three educational days of Trial Advocacy from Wednesday, May 7 to Friday, May 9. We are using a new hybrid format! The first and third days will be virtual, the second day will be fully in person. View the 2025 Litigation Skills Series Trial Advocacy Schedule. If you have any questions about the schedule, please email Chris Marin at cmarin@wclawyers.org. We will focus on the four fundamental trial skills: Opening Statements, Direct Examinations, Cross-Examinations, and Closing Arguments.  Each topic will begin with a lecture by an expert trainer and a demonstration by skilled litigators showing how to put the lesson into practice. Then, we will move to small group breakout rooms where each attendee will get up and practice the skill of the day. Breakout room facilitators will offer individualized, constructive feedback to each participant. Attendees should plan to spend some time between each session to prepare for the on-your-feet breakout sessions. We are excited to try the new hybrid format. We are building on past feedback to make sure you can get the most from the training while ensuring you can still manage your busy schedule. Our fact pattern features a Landlord and Tenant case, but you need not know anything about substantive law in this area to benefit from the training. For Washington Council of Lawyers members, this comprehensive Trial Advocacy training costs just $165. For non-members, the cost is $265. (Join Washington Council of Lawyers to take advantage of the discounted member rates.) Scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of the D.C. Bar Foundation. To apply for a scholarship, please complete this online scholarship form. CLE credits are pending for this training for CA, NY, NJ. This session always sells out. Save your seat today! Registration closes Friday, April 25 at 5:00 pm ET.

In this skills-based training, you will obtain the skills necessary to draft effective declarations. We will provide you with the tools and tips you need to understand: how and when to use a declaration to tell your client’s story. how to assist clients with language access needs and those experiencing trauma. Additionally, we will cover a range of advocacy and style considerations when drafting a persuasive declaration.  We will draw on examples from immigration, family law, and housing cases, but the skills and information will be applicable to other legal services practices. During this session, you will have a chance to draft a declaration, collaborate with peers, and receive feedback in order to build your skillset. Our conversation will be led by: Andrea Mangones, Managing Attorney, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) Jenadee Nanini, Family Law Staff Attorney, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Scholarships are available due to the generosity of the D.C. Bar Foundation. To apply for a scholarship, please complete this online scholarship form.

Litigation Skills Series: Impeachment has been postponed due to weather and is rescheduled for Tuesday, March 4. Knowing how to impeach a witness can be a pivotal skill, influencing case outcomes and elevating your trial advocacy. This training features a blend of expert-led presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and dynamic workshops, enabling participants to explore the finer points of impeachment techniques. Experienced trial attorneys will share insights, best practices, and real-life examples, guiding you on how to: Identifying opportunities for impeachment Utilizing prior inconsistent statements, bias, and credibility challenges Cross-examination tactics to discredit witnesses Admissibility of impeachment evidence Effective use of exhibits and demonstrative aids Our faculty for this training are trial experts Greg Lipper, Lipper Law PLLC, and Gwen Washington, Pro Bono Attorney at Cleary Gottlieb. This training takes place on Tuesday, March 4 from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Arnold & Porter (601 Massachusetts Ave NW). We will provide the drinks, cookies, and answers! You come with your lunch and questions! Scholarships are available due to the generosity of the D.C. Bar Foundation. To apply for a scholarship, please complete this online scholarship form. The following CLE credit is available for this training: 2.5 CA general, 2.9 NJ general, and 2.5 NY skills (newly admitted and experienced).

Knowing when and how to object is critical not only to winning at trial, but also to making sure that issues are preserved for appeal. Our next installment of our Litigation Skills Training will focus on the skills and tactics of an effective objection. Litigation Skills Series: Objections will be led by Daria Zane (Adjunct Professor at George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School; former Magistrate Judge at the Court of Federal Claims) and Sharon Goodie (Judge, DC Office of Administrative Hearings; former prosecutor, DC Attorney General's office). This award-winning training offers both demonstrations and a Jeopardy-style game so that you can learn the rules and how to apply them. Scholarships are available due to the generosity of the D.C. Bar Foundation. Please fill out this online scholarship form. Bring your lunch and get ready to object!

Trying to find a way to fit pro bono service into your schedule? Join us for a rewarding day of service, where your skills can make a significant difference in the lives of those seeking legal guidance and support! Volunteer on Saturday, November 16th to gain experience in serving the D.C. community in a variety of matters! At the clinic, you'll provide brief advice (and referrals) to people who otherwise wouldn't have access to legal help. We meet at DC Bar Office, 901 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20001. Street parking is available. Please arrive at 9:00 am, a brief orientation takes place at 9:15 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. As a volunteer attorney, you'll answer questions about consumer law, family law, housing law, public benefits, bankruptcy, and other topics. You don't need to be an expert in these areas of law: D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center staff and expert mentors will be on hand to help. You do need to be a member of the D.C. Bar, or a federal government attorney barred in another state to participate. The deadline to volunteer is Tuesday, November 12 by 5:00 pm ET. Once you register to attend, our Program Director and volunteer coordinator, Chris Marin, will be in touch with additional details. We are currently looking for volunteers in private practice, including solo practitioners and those at firms. If you are currently in a government position and would like to volunteer please contact Lara Eilhardt at Lara.Eilhardt@usdoj.gov. If you are currently a law student and would like to volunteer please contact Rachel Lawrence at lawrencera@cua.edu. Thank you!

If you represent a client pro bono in a family law or domestic violence case in Superior Court, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll be litigating against a self-represented party. In cases where one side is represented by counsel and the other side is self-represented, the dynamic necessarily impacts the judge’s perspective from the bench. Join this candid conversation with Superior Court judges about what considerations come into play when litigating against self-represented parties. The judges will share their perspectives on topics ranging from discovery and related sanctions to the preference for making decisions on the merits, as well as their ethical responsibility to facilitate all parties being fairly heard in a proceeding. Judge Carmen G. McLean will moderate the conversation with: Judge Julie Becker Judge Adrienne J. Noti Judge Stephen Rickard Judge Ebony Scott Thank you for joining us for this series! If you have questions for our panel, you can submit them ahead of time when you register!

It’s true -- pro bono work in D.C. Superior Court primarily involves litigation. Yet every lawyer, no matter their type of practice or area of expertise, will benefit from the experience of handling matters in Superior Court. Join this interactive discussion with Superior Court judges about how you can use pro bono work in D.C. Superior Court to positively impact your professional development and career trajectory. The judges will share their perspectives on the transferable skills-building opportunities that pro bono work offers whether your routine practice involves litigation, transactional work, or administrative law. You’ll also learn about ways you can help expand access to justice in the D.C. Courts without necessarily taking on a case for representation. This discussion will be moderated by Judge Carmen G. McLean. Our panelists include: Judge Laura E. Crane Judge Deborah J. Israel Judge Carl Ezekiel (“Zeke”) Ross Judge Steven Wellner Please submit any questions you have ahead of time using the Questions section on the registration page. Register for the final session now! Session 3: Litigating Against Self-Represented Parties: What Judges Want You to Know April 1, 2025; 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET Register

You may have heard about the staggering numbers of individuals trying to navigate their way in the civil branches of D.C. Superior Court without representation -- simply because they cannot afford a lawyer: 88% of tenants face eviction proceedings without a lawyer, while 95% of landlords are represented; over 80% of plaintiffs and 90% of respondents in child custody and divorce cases don’t have a lawyer; 88% of petitioners and 95% of respondents in civil protection order cases are self-represented. Join this engaging conversation with Superior Court judges about how pro bono counsel – no matter their area of expertise or level of experience --make a critical difference in the administration of justice, particularly in the busiest courtrooms. The judges want to see you in court! And you’ll hear what the court is doing to help encourage pro bono counsel to keep “coming back.” Judge Carmen G. McLean will moderate a conversation with: Judge Robert Okun Judge Judith Pipe Judge Kenia Seoane López Judge Darlene M. Soltys And we encourage you to submit your questions for the judges in advance on the event registration page. Register for the next sessions right now- Session 2: Ramp Up Your Skills with Pro Bono: It’s Not Just for Litigators! January 28, 2025; 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET Register Session 3: Litigating Against Self-Represented Parties: What Judges Want You to Know April 1, 2025; 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET Register