WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF LAWYERS

AILA’s 19th Annual Citizenship Day event will take place on (or around) September 21, 2024. Citizenship Day is a single-day, nationwide event at which AILA chapters across the country partner with grassroots organizations to provide free or low-cost assistance to eligible lawful permanent residents who wish to apply for U.S. citizenship. We encourage you to be a part of this effort by signing up to volunteer.   There is a need for both attorney and non-attorney volunteer at all events. If you are interested, register below. Please contact ailadccitizenship@gmail.com with any additional questions Clinics this year: Friday, September 13, 2024 hosted by United Community & Progreso 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 325, Alexandria, VA 22309 10:00AM-12:00PM, 1:00PM-3:00PM Saturday, September 14, 2024 hosted by Office of Community Partnerships and the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center Gaithersburg Regional Library 18330 Montgomery Village Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879 9:30AM-3:00PM Saturday, October 19, 2024 hosted by the DC Pro Bono Center and Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School 1100 Harvard Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009 10:00AM -3:00PM

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). You must register to volunteer by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 9! Important: If you are currently in a federal 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!

Hosted by Children’s Law Center at the Children’s Health Center – Anacostia This event will provide participants with an opportunity to meet and engage in our client community. CLC staff will discuss their legal services work east of the Anacostia River and the importance of pro bono in serving D.C. neighbors. Participants will hear about CLC’s medical-legal partnership, how lawyers can address non-medical barriers to health, the benefits of co-locating legal services with non-lawyer professionals, and how you can get involved. Space is limited. This event is appropriate for folks from law firm and legal service organizations, as well as government attorneys, law students, and non-legal support staff. Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono24.  

Washington Council of Lawyers invites you to support the inaugural DC Walk for Justice 5K on October 24, 2024! Join fellow justice-loving individuals 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 $250,000 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 $250,000 for the Foundation's transformative work. The Walk is patterned after the London Legal Walk, which raises more than $1 million annually for civil legal aid needs in London. Other communities in the UK, Australia, and the United States host annual legal walks. Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono24.

This event is cosponsored by the Superior Court Committee on Pro Bono & Affordable Counsel and the Housing Right to Counsel Project. Join us during Pro Bono Week for a special D.C. 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. Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono24.

An election always brings change. If the incumbent wins, they may feel they have the freedom to push policy agendas in a second term. If the challenger wins, they may feel they’ve been handed a mandate to pursue their differing policies. In a presidential election, the stakes are higher and the policies reach further. Regardless of the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, there will be issues on which the public-interest and pro bono community will need to mobilize quickly. In this discussion, our panelists will discuss the most pressing issues of this election and how we as advocates and legal professionals can use our skills and resources to respond to potential results of the election. Our panelists include: Emily Martin, Chief Program Officer, National Women's Law Center Laurie Ball Cooper, Vice President, U.S. Legal Programs, International Refugee Assistance Project We invite lawyers, law students, legal professionals, community partners, social service organizations, and anyone whose work will be affected by the results of the election. Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono24.

Join us during DC Pro Bono Week for a timely panel discussion on election protection and how you can make a difference in the upcoming election. Our panel of experts will explore the legal challenges surrounding election integrity and the vital role pro bono volunteers play in safeguarding voters' rights. Learn how to get involved in this critical work and provide legal assistance to protect the democratic process. Don't miss this chance to contribute to fair and accessible elections! Our panelists include: Sylvia Albert, Democracy and Representation Policy Counsel, Common Cause Angie Pitha, Project Lead, Election Official Legal Defense Network Nick Gothard, Senior National Coordinator, Lawyer's Committee The panel will be moderated by Ashley Erickson, Senior Director of Network Advancement, American Constitution Society Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono24.

Hosted by Children’s Law Center, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Legal Aid DC, and Mother’s Outreach Network. 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. We’ll also be joined by D.C. Superior Court Judge Becker who will share her view from the bench. 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. Registrants will receive a Zoom link in advance of the event. Our discussion will be moderated by Jen Masi (Children’s Law Center) and participants will hear from the below panelists: Jenadee Nanini (D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center) Meridel Bulle-Vu (Legal Aid DC) Melody Webb (Mother’s Outreach Network) The Honorable Julie Becker (D.C. Superior Court) This event is appropriate for folks from law firm and legal service organizations, as well as government attorneys, law students, and non-legal support staff. Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCPBW24.

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” (OTH) to a more favorable characterization such as “Honorable” or “General (Under Honorable Conditions)”. A discharge upgrade may help veterans receive VA benefits and health care, improve employment opportunities, and restore reputation and self-esteem. Many veterans served through this project have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), 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 quickly. This project is primarily administrative in nature and can be completed by attorneys or non-attorneys alike. Pro bono volunteers create a Word table or Excel spreadsheet cataloging the client files and return the file review work product to NVLSP within about one month of acceptance of the matter. The project is remote and can be completed anywhere. Pro bono volunteers will agree to abide by the NVLSP confidentiality agreement. The estimated time commitment is 10-15 hours per project, and volunteers may work in teams. NVLSP’s DC pro bono week presentation is open to all. However, government attorneys may not accept NVLSP discharge upgrade file review matters and NVLSP discharge upgrade file review pro bono opportunities are limited. Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCPBW24.

Join us in launching our DC Pro Bono Week 2024 celebration and catch up with colleagues and friends! We’ll share a wealth of information about innovative and creative collaborations between legal services providers and pro bono counsel and ideally give you some fresh ideas to kick off the fall season. Don’t miss this chance to learn about how our legal services and pro bono communities are working together to address the most pressing legal needs in our community. Mark your calendar! Spread the word! Invite a colleague or two! This event is appropriate to law firm/private practice, legal services, non-profit, and government attorneys, as well as law students and non-legal support staff. Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono24.

This event is cosponsored by the Superior Court Committee on Pro Bono & Affordable Counsel, Children’s Law Center, and DC Bar Pro Bono Center. Join us for a D.C. Superior Court Open House where representatives from legal services organizations will introduce you to the Family Court’s 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. 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. 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. Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono24.

This event is cosponsored by the Superior Court Committee on Pro Bono & Affordable Counsel, Children’s Law Center, and DC Bar Pro Bono Center. Join us for a D.C. Superior Court Open House where representatives from legal services organizations will introduce you to the Housing Conditions Court– one of the Court’s high-volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed to help tenants obtain needed repairs and remediation of housing code violations. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with judges, and learn how you can help tenants ensure safe housing for them and their families, and expand access to justice in our community. The Housing Conditions Court -- within the Court’s Civil Division -- allows tenants to sue their landlords to obtain needed repairs and ensure that their landlords comply with the D.C. Housing Code. The calendar is intended to be a “problem-solving court” – limited by design and only available to tenants living in rental units who are seeking to enforce compliance with the housing code. 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. Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono24.

This event is cosponsored by the Superior Court Committee on Pro Bono & Affordable Counsel, DC Volunteer Lawyers Project, and Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC). Join us for a D.C. Superior Court Open House where representatives from legal services organizations 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 survivors who are seeking protection orders and expand access to justice in our community. The 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. Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono24.

Join us for "To AI or not to AI: Legal Practicalities and Ethical Conundrums of Using AI," where a panel of legal experts will delve into the role of AI in modernizing the delivery of legal services. This session will explore the balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and innovation in legal practice and navigating the ethical and legal challenges that come with it, ensuring AI enhances rather than compromises access to justice. [Description generated by AI, refined by humans] This event is appropriate for folks from law firms, legal service organizations as well as government attorneys, law students, and non-legal support staff! Spread the word and join the conversation on social media using #DCPBW24.