2024 Justice Impact Awards Legal Services recipient Amy Nelson

2024 Justice Impact Awards Legal Services: Amy Nelson

Amy Nelson, Director of Legal Services for Whitman-Walker Health, has spent her career working for justice and improving the lives of low-income people and those impacted by structural barriers. Amy deeply cares about people – her clients, her team, all relationships. She leads with humanity and enthusiasm.  She centers everyone’s unique needs and feelings as she works to lead, support her team, reduce structural barriers, and improve access by truly seeing the person. Colleagues use words like kind, brilliant, and persistent. Amy is a deeply respected leader in our community who always seeks ways to increase access to justice for marginalized individuals. She is a mentor, supporter, collaborator and innovator. Most importantly she is tireless in pursuing justice for her clients and building networks to multiply her impact. For these reasons and more, we are pleased to honor Amy Nelson with the 2024 Justice Impact Awards Legal Services award.

Graphic: Kathi Westcott recipient of the 2024 Corporate Legal Department Justice Impact Award

2024 Justice Impact Awards Corporate Legal Department: Kathi Westcott

Kathi has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities in the legal profession to all, through her active leadership of the Chapter’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and many other initiatives. Kathi is a visionary leader who has shown a remarkable commitment to justice in our legal community. She is a force multiplier, not only providing legal services directly to clients, but encouraging and inspiring others to do so as well. We are thrilled to recognize Kathi Westcott with our 2024 Justice Impact Awards Corporate Legal Department award.

Graphic: 2024 Justice Impact Award Law Firm recipient Jessica Hough

2024 Justice Impact Awards Law Firm: Jessica Hough

Jessica Hough, Skadden partner and global head of the firm's regulatory practices, is a champion of pro bono work at Skadden, in the DC community, and beyond — leading by example and continually ensuring that pro bono is an integral part of the DC office’s culture. We are thrilled to recognize Jessica Hough as the 2024 Justice Impact Award Law Firm recipient for her unwavering dedication and as a shining example of the vital role volunteers need to play in non-litigation pro bono.

DC Pro Bono Week 2024: Recap

DC Pro Bono Week 2024 is a wrap, but the inspiration to make a difference in our community and the celebration of pro bono service continues. We know the need for pro bono lawyers doesn’t stop and as lawyers, we have a duty and obligation to help bridge the access to justice gap. Whether it’s by taking on a pro bono case, volunteering for an advice and referral clinic, contributing to systemic advocacy, or financially supporting a legal services organization, we can all do something for the public good.

Volunteer! DC Bar Pro Bono Center Advice & Referral Clinic (November 2024)

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!

DC Pro Bono Week Profiles: Partnership to Freedom: Supporting Maryland Lifers in Access to Justice through Parole

The Prison Policy Initiative projects that Maryland incarcerates 475 persons per every 100,000 people in the state. Maryland’s exceptionally high rate of incarceration stands out on an international scale, outpacing several NATO-member nations. See id.  As the State’s Attorney General recently acknowledged, Maryland’s prisons are among the worst in the nation for their racially disparate incarceration of Black people. The disparities are particularly extreme among the more than 2,000 people serving life-with-parole sentences: about 77% of Maryland lifers are Black, in a state that is about 31% Black. For those who were children at the time they were first incarcerated, the numbers are even more stark – 84%.

DC Pro Bono Week Profiles: Tim Cordova: A Commitment to Helping the Disabled

Tim Cordova, an associate in the Health Care Group at Alston & Bird, has built a reputation for his meticulous work in health care legislative and regulatory compliance matters. But beyond his daily practice, Tim's has established a commitment to pro bono work, particularly in helping disabled individuals secure much-needed Social Security disability benefits and health care coverage. Tim has become an advocate for those who need it most, working tirelessly to assist clients through difficult appeals processes and ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

DC Pro Bono Week Profiles: Strengthening Support for Immigrant Survivors: The Power of Medical-Legal Partnerships

In Washington, D.C., the collaboration between La Clinica Del Pueblo and the Tahirih Justice Center is significantly impacting the lives by—Latiné* immigrant survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). This medical-legal partnership represents a crucial lifeline for communities often excluded from traditional healthcare and legal support, particularly for those within the Latiné immigrant population. By combining the expertise of La Clinica Del Pueblo in providing culturally appropriate health services with the legal advocacy strength of the Tahirih Justice Center, this initiative provides an integrated and holistic approach to the complex challenges faced by these individuals.

DC Pro Bono Week Profiles: Empowering Progress: Volunteer Lawyers Changing Lives with DCVLP

Nonprofits play a critical role in serving low-income, historically underserved communities. In Washington, DC, the DC Volunteer Lawyers Project fills these gaps by recruiting, training, and supervising pro bono attorneys who in turn represent clients in family law, child advocacy, and immigration matters. DCVLP and its volunteers focus on serving survivors of domestic violence, survivors of gender-based violence, and vulnerable children. Volunteer attorneys donated 48,000 pro bono hours in 2023 alone. Two of these volunteers are Anne (Annie) Bonfiglio and Sarah Tunney.

DC Pro Bono Week 2024 Affiliated Trainings

In addition to the main DC Pro Bono Week events, a series of affiliated trainings will take place before, during, and after Pro Bono Week. The full list is below: October 9 Introduction to Pro Bono Advocacy for Unaccompanied Immigrant Children 2:00-3:15 pm CT Register October 23 Family Separation Learn about the Ms. L v. ICE settlement agreement and the legal processes it provides for separated families. 12:00 - 1:00 pm  ET Register November 7 Understanding Family Law vs. Probate Law  1:00-2:00 pm ET Virtual Register  If you are hosting a training between now and the end of November, we would love to feature it on our Affiliated Trainings page! Please email Chris Marin at cmarin@wclawyers.org for more information.

DC Pro Bono Week Profiles: DLA Piper’s Knowledge Management Team Supporting DC Access to Justice Commission

Pro Bono Week profiles frequently highlight traditional client work done by lawyers, but law firms and their professional staff can also be a resource for advancing access to justice in systemic ways. For over a decade, DLA Piper has provided a range of support to the D.C. Access to Justice Commission to further its efforts to examine and address the access to justice crisis in the District.

DC Pro Bono Week Profiles: Barb Burr, Passionate Family Law Advocate

Barb Burr always wanted to help people. A certified CPA, she decided to pivot into a legal career because she missed the opportunity to engage with “people in a deep and meaningful way.” After graduating from Harvard Law School, Barb started her legal career as a civil rights lawyer, eventually falling in love with family law. Her background in civil rights and her commitment to low bono and pro bono  work reflect her original mission: “I find it really rewarding when I can help people,” Barb shares, “including people of modest means through DC Refers.”

DC Pro Bono Week Profiles: Pro Bono Partnership that Increase Capacity for Advocacy

As sponsors of one of Tzedek DC’s prior Equal Justice Works Fellows, PayPal and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP expressed interest in pro bono opportunities at Tzedek DC. Together, the organizations decided that having PayPal and Orrick employees conduct intakes would be the most helpful to Tzedek DC and provide an easy and rewarding opportunity to volunteers. When volunteers conduct intakes, Tzedek DC staff attorneys can devote more time to their other cases, increasing the capacity of Tzedek DC to assist DC residents.

Celebrating In-House Pro Bono Impact

Join us for an inspiring and insightful webinar dedicated to celebrating the transformative power of in-house pro bono work.  This engaging session will highlight the vital contributions in-house legal teams make to their communities through a diverse array of pro bono initiatives, including bite-size and long-term opportunities.  The program will showcase how corporate legal departments can support and encourage employees to do pro bono, and inspire new volunteers to participate.  Whether you're new to pro bono work or a seasoned advocate, you will learn from our panelists’ pro bono experiences and practical advice. Panelists: Bill Hayden, Chief Compliance Counsel (Microsoft Federal) & Asst. General Counsel, Microsoft Avery Pollard, Counsel, Verizon Business Group Alyssa Saunders, Director, Corporate Pro Bono, Pro Bono Institute Kathi S. Westcott, Deputy General Counsel and Senior Director, Legal Affairs, The Pew Charitable Trusts Join the conversation on Social Media using #DCProBono24

A Celebration of the Vulnerable Youth Guardianship Protection Amendment Act

Join us for an insightful panel discussion to celebrate the Vulnerable Youth Guardianship Protection Amendment Act and its impact. This event will feature a panel of dedicated legal professionals, including pro bono attorneys who have firsthand experience working on VYG cases, as well as additional experts in the field.  The discussion will explore the significance of the Act, the legal challenges surrounding vulnerable youth guardianship, and the ongoing efforts to protect the rights of at-risk youth. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from those at the forefront of legal advocacy and pro bono work, and to engage in a meaningful conversation about the future of guardianship protection. Join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono24!

DC Pro Bono Week Profiles: Shaun Boedicker and Gammon Fain

DCALF and Steptoe LLP are thrilled to profile a recent, tremendous pro bono collaboration. One of DCALF’s long-standing clients had been awaiting an asylum interview for nearly 7 years when we had the opportunity to collaborate with the Steptoe team. Shaun Boedicker and Gammon Fain, with the support of Pro Bono Partner, Paul Lee. The team quickly rallied to file a mandamus brief in federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia demanding that USCIS hear our client’s long-pending asylum case. Our client is a gay man who suffered persecution in his home country in west Africa where being gay is illegal. With Steptoe’s filing, within weeks, the 7-year wait was over - USCIS quickly scheduled him for an asylum interview and was granted asylum. Our client’s fears and anxieties are now lifted and he is able to plan for his future and continue his small business.

Perspectives from the Superior Court Bench: Litigating Against Self-Represented Parties: What do Judges Want You to Know?

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!

Perspectives from the Superior Court Bench: Ramp Up Your Skills with Pro Bono – It’s Not Just for Litigators!

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

Perspectives from the Superior Court Bench: Judges Want to See You in Superior Court!

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  

Volunteer! AILA Citizenship Day Clinic

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: 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

Volunteer! DC Pro Bono Center Advice & Referral Clinic

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!

DC Pro Bono Week 2024: Schedule of Events

DC Pro Bono Week 2024 takes place from October 20–26 and offers lots of opportunities to do pro bono work, learn new pro bono skills, meet other pro bono lawyers, and expand your pro bono horizons. The Full Schedule of Events is below. There are also many Affiliated Trainings taking place before, during, and after Pro Bono Week.

DC Pro Bono Week 2024: Meeting Our Clients Where They Are: Serving Families East of the Anacostia River

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.  

DC Pro Bono Week 2024: Walk for Justice 5K

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.

DC Pro Bono Week 2024: DC Superior Court Open House: Landlord and Tenant Branch

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.

DC Pro Bono Week 2024: Mobilizing After The Election

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 The discussion will be moderated by Andy Budzinski, Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Elliott Milstein Civil Advocacy Clinic at the American University Washington of Law and Washington Council of Lawyers board member. 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.

DC Pro Bono Week 2024: Hot Topics Panel: Election Protection

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.

DC Pro Bono Week 2024: It Takes A Village: Highlighting the Value of Pro Bono Representation in Family Law

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.

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