Graphic: Purple background with transparent bubbles text at top in gold says Washington Council of Lawyers a gold medal in the middle says 2026 Justice Impact Awards and above the medal in line green says Nominations Now Open!

Nominate a Pro Bono Champion for our Justice Impact Awards! 2026 DRAFT

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. Each year, we also honor exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and deserve special recognition. Help us recognize the outstanding advocates who make extraordinary contributions to the pro bono and public-interest community while bringing our larger community together. Our legal services recipient is a dynamic legal services lawyer who represents low-income clients or thinks creatively to solve complex legal problems. Our government recipient is a dedicated government lawyer who also volunteers time to organize pro bono efforts or represent low-income clients. Our law firm recipient is a law firm lawyer who has made significant contributions to pro bono service. Our corporate pro bono recipient is a legal department lawyer who is committed to increasing pro bono representation by corporate counsel. All our award recipients work hard to improve access to justice. The focus of their work should be closing the access to justice gap for District residents. Nomination materials are due by 5:00 pm ET on Friday, October 9, 2026.  Nomination Criteria Legal Services Lawyers Selection Criteria: The legal services award recipient will display qualities such as: An advocate who has not previously been widely, publicly recognized for their work, and whose work benefits low-income or otherwise marginalized clients in the Greater DC Metro Region; An individual who supports the DC public-interest community in improving access to justice for those who cannot afford a lawyer; An advocate who has endeavored to bring together the public-interest, pro bono, and government legal communities to improve the quality and availability of free legal services for those in need; and Someone who has gone above and beyond the normal requirements of their job to assist persons in need or has demonstrated outside-the-box thinking about how to resolve difficult legal issues. Government Lawyers Selection Criteria: The government award recipient will be a government attorney who has made significant pro bono contributions. The pro bono work performed may include, but is not limited to, activities such as: Participating regularly in pro bono clinics, pro bono client representation, or other pro bono efforts; Involvement in establishing or implementing an agency pro bono program; Increasing the level of pro bono service by agency attorneys through promotion or facilitation of pro bono opportunities; Mentoring or training agency lawyers handling pro bono matters, litigating cases, or providing non-litigation legal services to low-income people or entities; or Law Firm Lawyers Selection Criteria: The law firm award recipient will be a law firm attorney who has made significant pro bono contributions. The recipient will display qualities such as: An advocate who has not previously been widely, publicly recognized for their work, and whose work benefits low-income or otherwise marginalized clients in the Greater DC Metro Region; An individual who supports the DC public-interest community in improving access to justice for those who cannot afford a lawyer; Addressing a critical legal need and/or particularly vulnerable community/target group; Mentoring or training law firm lawyers handling pro bono matters, litigating cases, or providing non-litigation legal services to low-income people or entities; or Participating regularly in pro bono clinics, pro bono client representation, or other pro bono efforts. Corporate/In-House Lawyers Selection Criteria: The corporate legal department award recipient will be committed to increasing pro bono representation by corporate counsel. The pro bono work performed may include, but is not limited to, activities such as: Participating regularly in pro bono clinics, pro bono client representation, or other pro bono efforts; Involvement in establishing or implementing a legal department pro bono program; Increasing the level of pro bono service by legal department attorneys through promotion or facilitation of pro bono opportunities; Creating or expanding collaboration with legal services and/or law firms to improve the quality and availability of free legal services for those in need; or Demonstrating outside-the-box thinking about how to resolve difficult access to justice issues through pro bono. Please note that the above lists of pro bono activities are not exhaustive. We will gladly consider nominations of attorneys who have performed other kinds of pro bono service that positively impact DC residents. The nominee may reside outside the DMV, but their nominated work must directly impact DC residents. The nominee may also have retired or left the position from which they did the recognized work. Please nominate the person in the category that best describes the employer entity at the time of the project or work. Nomination Instructions  Nominations should describe the nominee’s relevant professional activities, including: (1) a description of the legal services and/or other efforts upon which the nomination is based; (2) an explanation of the impact of that work on clients, other advocates, and/or others; and (3) the time period covered by the activities. Nomination materials (no longer than 6 pages in total) should include the nomination, resume, and any other supporting documents, such as letters of recommendation, news articles, etc. Please submit nomination materials as a single PDF to info@wclawyers.org. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with our Executive Director, Christina Jackson, at cjackson@wclawyers.org or 202.451.8129. Deadline  ​ All nominations must be received by 5:00 pm ET on Friday, October 9, 2026. Learn…

2026 DC Pro Bono Week: Introduction to DC Landlord- Tenant Law

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.

2026 DC Pro Bono Week: DC Bar Pro Bono Center: Advocacy & Justice Clinic

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.

2026 DC Pro Bono Week: How to do Pro Bono as a Government Attorney

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!

NVLSP and Williams & Connolly Discharge Upgrade Success Story

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.

DC Superior Court Pro Bono Open House: Domestic Violence Division

This event is hosted by DC Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers, and co-sponsored by Volunteer Legal Advocates. Join us for a DC Superior Court Pro Bono Open House! Alissa Osberg 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. The Open House will focus on representing petitioners in securing Civil Protection Orders (CPOs) against someone who has committed or threatened to commit domestic and/or sexual violence against them. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with judges, and find out how to get involved. Register today to learn more about how you can help someone seeking protection from violence and enhance your professional skills through pro bono representation. Please note this event involves a moderate amount of standing and walking. The meet up location for the tour is the 1st floor just past security on the right. If attendees have accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@dccsystem.gov.

IDEA Explained: Advocating for a Child in Need of Specialized Education and Related Services

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.

2026 DC Pro Bono Week: National Veterans Legal Services Program Discharge Upgrade File Review Training

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.

It Takes a Village: The Impact of Pro Bono Family Law Representation

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 Clinics

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!

2026 DC Pro Bono Week: Expungement Clinic

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

2026 DC Pro Bono Week: DC Courts Pro Bono Open House

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.

2026 DC Pro Bono Week: Criminal Justice Pro Bono Opportunities: Panel Discussion

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.

2026 DC Pro Bono Week: Hot Topics Panel: Effective Pro Bono & Response Techniques in Immigration Law

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.

Community Lawyering for Environmental Justice: Environmental Pro Bono Opportunities in the DC Region

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 Opportunities

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.

2026 DC Pro Bono Week: Walk for Justice

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.  

Graphic with 9 squares. Starting in the upper left-hand corner and moving clockwise - dark teal square with logo in white on top, Millicent Newhouse, Andrea Mangones, Ira Coats, light teal square with 2026 in medium teal, Dana Foster, Alana Brown, Jenn Mellott. In the middle a medium teal square with the text Welcome New Board Members

Welcome Our New Board Members!

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!

Lawyering Skills Series: Managing the Mission: Administrative Strategies for High-Volume Public Interest Practice

Legal aid, public interest, and pro bono attorneys often balance overwhelming caseloads with limited administrative support, making effective organization essential to serving clients well. This practical session focuses on reducing the stress and inefficiencies of high-volume practice by equipping participants with tools and strategies to better manage the work behind the work. We will discuss best practices for calendaring, case management, communication platforms, and workflow organization to help stay on top of deadlines, client needs, and competing priorities. Participants will leave with practical, immediately applicable techniques to improve efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and create sustainable systems that support both effective advocacy and personal well-being. Learning Objectives: How to build administrative routines that work for you within your team and organization How to navigate information overload and prioritize workflow How to be solution forward in communicating painpoints This training will benefit attorneys, advocates, and legal professionals including paralegals and intake specialists seeking a stronger personal organization skills or a more organized approach to managing your workflow within a team. All experience levels are welcome. Scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of the D.C. Bar Foundation. If your organization is a DC Bar Foundation grantee, please apply for a scholarship by completing this online scholarship form.

2026 DC Pro Bono Week: Law Student Pro Bono Service: Pathways & Projects

This year, before DC Pro Bono Week even begins, we are having a conversation with and for law students so you are ready to jump in and learn! We will discuss what DC Pro Bono Week is, what we are celebrating, and how law students can get involved. You will then hear from organizations that host and highly value student pro bono opportunities, along with a current law student who can share the impact doing pro bono has had on their law school experience. Join us for Pro Bono for Law Students to learn more about programs that welcome law student involvement, the kinds of work law students can do through pro bono service, as well as how to balance pro bono involvement with academic commitments. We will discuss where you can learn more about pro bono projects and provide tips to make the most of an opportunity – along with pitfalls to avoid. This event is open to law students and law school professionals. We welcome folks at every stage of their law school career! Join the conversation on social media #DCProBono26!

Best Practices in Pro Bono: Preparing to Launch Careers with Purpose: New Associates as Drivers of Pro Bono Engagement

The Fall marks an important time of transition for the pro bono community as new law firm associates start, recent grads begin fellowships, and the community kicks off and celebrates pro bono with many events. This Best Practices conversation will discuss how our community can intentionally welcome and engage incoming associates while building momentum for new pro bono activity and reinvigorating existing projects. The conversation will focus on how law firms and legal services alike can prepare to leverage the energy, expertise, and time of new associates and fellows. We will explore practical approaches to orientation, including trainings, case introductions, and how the arrival of new associates can strengthen the overall pro bono pipeline. What cases should be ready for assignment? What projects are best suited for newer attorneys? How can we create opportunities that provide meaningful assistance while also helping associates develop their skills and build connections within the pro bono community? In addition, this Best Practices will aim to provide a space for collective strategic planning. Rather than responding to opportunities or developing practices individually, as a pro bono community we can develop thoughtful plans together for the fall. By sharing information about firm calendars, trainings, litigation schedules, holidays, and other periods of limited capacity, we can coordinate more effectively and avoid unnecessary redundancies. As a community we can prepare to connect incoming associates with pressing community needs and creates pathways for sustained participation. Our conversation will be lead by Andrea Mangones, Direct of Professional Skills Support at George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School. Our panelists include: Jennifer Grishkin, Managing Attorney for Pro Bono Coordination, Amica Center for Immigrant Rights Erin Mee, Senior Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney, National Veterans Legal Services Program Gwen Washington, Pro Bono Counsel, Cleary Gottlieb Danielle Moise, Pro Bono Attorney, Covington Sharmaine Heng, Director of Pro Bono & Social Impact, Nixon Peabody Together, let's turn the arrival of new associates into a catalyst for renewed pro bono energy, stronger partnerships, and meaningful work throughout the fall.

DC Superior Court Pro Bono Open House: Domestic Relations Branch

This event is hosted by DC Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers, and co-sponsored by the Children’s Law Center and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center. Join us for a DC Superior Court Pro Bono Open House! 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 is greatly needed in child custody cases. The Open House will focus on representing parents and third-party caregivers in child custody cases.  We’ll also highlight opportunities to serve as  a guardian ad litem (GAL) representing the best interests of the children involved. Register today to learn more about how you can help a family with limited means achieve stability and enhance your professional skills through pro bono representation. 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.

Fall Kickoff 2026

When life is pulling you in every direction, it's important to know who is on your team! That's why every fall we start our Board Year by bringing the team together! Joins us at our annual Fall Kickoff to meet our Board members, other members of the public interest and pro bono community and see who is on your team! Join us for food, drink, and the chance to build a stronger public-interest community. At this casual happy hour, you can learn about how to get involved in our work, meet our new board members,  and mingle with other members of the pro bono and public-interest community. This event is open to legal and non-legal staff in the public interest and pro bono space as well as law students and those interested in learning more about Washington Council of Lawyers! Don’t miss this chance to see old friends and make new public-interest connections, including our new board members!  You also can join one of our standing committees, learn about our trainings and programs, and sign up for upcoming events. Our Fall Kickoff is free, thanks to our hosts Goodwin Procter. We hope you will attend, and invite friends to join you!  Spread the word!  #FallKickoff26 Are you excited for the Fall Kickoff and wondering how else to get involved? Join our Mentoring Program! Our Fall Kickoff is also where we do our Meet Your Mentor Event. Check out our Mentoring Program Page to learn more and sign up!

BIPOC Mental Health Awareness: Community Social Hour

Join Washington Council of Lawyers, DC Caribbean Bar Association, Hispanic Bar Association, Iranian American Bar Association, Native American Bar Association, and Washington Bar Association to celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month! Now, we know BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month is July and we are celebrating in August but we wanted to avoid the high heat and celebrate the end of the summer together by amplifying our joy as a community.  Connect, unwind, and celebrate the resilience of the BIPOC public interest legal community. Our Social Hour is after our Community Walk. We will meet at Hi-Lawn to enjoy a community social hour! Washington Council of Lawyers is providing appetizers. Drinks will be on a personal purchase basis. Join us for both or just one part of the evening! We are excited to celebrate our community together. Registration is encouraged but not required.  

BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month: Community Walk

Join Washington Council of Lawyers, DC Caribbean Bar Association, Hispanic Bar Association, Iranian American Bar Association, Native American Bar Association, and Washington Bar Association to celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month! Now, we know BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month is July and we are celebrating in August but we wanted to avoid the high heat and celebrate the end of the summer together by amplifying our joy as a community. We will be starting the event at the Alethia Tanner Park and walk to Union Market via the Metro Branch Trail! In honor of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month we want to come together as a community, move our bodies, and decompress through a low strain walk! Meet new people and step into a more connected you at the community walk! We will then end at Union Market where we will celebrate our resilience as a community at Hi-Lawn for our Community Social Hour! Please checkout the separate event page to learn more about the social hour! Registration is encouraged but not required! Join us an d bring a friend!

Summer Forum 2026: Criminal Law & Death Penalty Panel Preview

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!

Best Practices in Pro Bono: Navigating Vicarious Trauma in Pro Bono Cases: Supporting Volunteers Before, During, and After Trauma‑Intensive Work Recap

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. 

2026 Summer Forum: Civil Rights & Civil Liberties Preview

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.

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