WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF LAWYERS

As the Supreme Court’s term ends, we'll take a behind-the-headlines look at the Court's work with our panel of distinguished journalists who have covered the Supreme Court for decades. Our panel includes: John Fritze (CNN) Amy Howe (Howe on the Court and contributor to SCOTUSblog) David Savage (Los Angeles Times) Mark Sherman (Associated Press) Abbie VanSickle (New York Times) The panel will be moderated by Art Spitzer, Senior Counsel, ACLU-DC. The cost of this program is $35 for Washington Council of Lawyers members; $45 for public interest & government attorneys as well as interns and law students, and$60 law firm associates, summer associates, and the general public . (Join here to receive the discounted price.) Lunch is provided and the program offers open seating, so please arrive early! We look forward to having you join us for lunch and a fascinating discussion of the recently-concluded Supreme Court term! Finally, if you'd like your summer associates or interns to attend and need assistance registering them as a group, email our Executive Director, Christina Jackson at cjackson@wclawyers.org. Join and follow the conversation at #SCOTUSpress!

This event is hosted by D.C Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers and co-sponsored by 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 and experienced pro bono counsel 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 Superior Court Judges, and learn how you can help expand access to justice in our community by providing representation to persons with limited means. 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, you’ll be helping someone seeking protection from domestic and/or sexual violence, 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.

This event is hosted by D.C Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers and co-sponsored by D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center and Children’s Law Center Join us for a D.C. Superior Court Open House where representatives from legal services organizations and experienced pro bono counsel will introduce you to the Domestic Relations Branch – one of the Court’s highest-volume branches where pro bono representation in child custody cases is greatly needed. 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.

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, May 18th 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 Wednesday, May 8 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!

Join us for two jam-packed days of Trial Advocacy on Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3. The training will take place from 9:00 -5:00 pm ET both days! View the  2024 Litigation Skills Series: Trial Advocacy Full Schedule here. 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 so excited to bring this training back in person! Our in person sessions offer the incredible individualized practice and feedback. You will be able to practice every part of litigation with experienced attorneys. Our fact pattern features a Domestic Violence CPO 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 $135. For non-members, the cost is $235. (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 Monday, April 29 at 5:00 pm ET.

Conquering client interviewing is only half the battle. The other half comes when its time to share their story with the world. The second part in our Members-Only series will give you insights and advice you need to share their story at the stage of advocacy you're in. Learn how to synthesize your client's story and effectively communicate it to fact-finders or in policy advocacy and organizational reporting. Effectively sharing your client's story is important to both seeking justice in individual cases and advocating for justice on a systemic level. We will explore how to communicate your client's position in a way that helps the factfinder understand the facts and be persuaded to act in your client's favor. You will walk away with tips for using emotional, metaphorical language to turn the events of your case into a meaningful narrative. Client Storytelling takes place on Wednesday, May 8 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm via Zoom. If you haven't registered for Client Interviewing yet, there's still time! Check it out here.

We want to help you maximize your client interactions and your ability to communicate their story. Join us for this Members-Only series to gain the insights you need to be an empathetic and effective advocate at every stage. Refine your client interviewing skills in the first part of this Members-Only series - Client Interviewing! Hear from seasoned experts about effective communication techniques, rapport-building strategies, and advice that will help you understand clients' needs. Join us to ensure you are gathering the information you need for a successful representation while centering your client. We'll discuss initial intakes and first attorney interviews, trauma-informed practices, and effectively putting your client in control of their case among other topics. Client Interviewing takes place on Wednesday, April 17 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm via Zoom. Then mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 8th for the second part - Client Storytelling! Learn how to synthesize your client's story and effectively communicate it to fact-finders or in policy advocacy and organizational reporting. Effectively sharing your client's story is important to both seeking justice in individual cases and advocating for justice on a systemic level. We will explore how to communicate your client's position in a way that helps the factfinder understand the facts and be persuaded to act in your client's favor. You will walk away with tips for using emotional, metaphorical language to turn the events of your case into a meaningful narrative. If you'd like to register for this event, but are not yet a member, join now!  

Join us for an intensive and comprehensive training designed to equip you with the essential skills and strategies for effectively impeaching witnesses during trial proceedings. Impeaching a witness can be a critical element in shaping the outcome of a case, and mastery of this art is essential for any trial advocate. Through a combination of expert-led seminars, practical demonstrations, and interactive workshops, participants will delve into the nuances of witness impeachment techniques. Seasoned trial lawyers will provide insights, best practices, and real-world examples, offering invaluable guidance on: 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 This training takes place on Friday, April 5 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. CLE credit is approved for this course 1.75 CA general, 2.0 NJ general, and 2.0 NY skills (newly admitted and experienced). Credit may be available in other jurisdictions. Don't forget to add this event to your calendar when you register! Click the "Add to My Calendar" button at the top right hand corner of the registration page.

This event is  co-sponsored by: D.C. Superior Court, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Children’s Law Center, and Washington Council of Lawyers. Join us for a D.C. Superior Court Open House where representatives from legal services organizations and experienced pro bono counsel will introduce you to the Domestic Relations Branch – one of the Court’s highest-volume branches where pro bono representation in child custody cases is greatly needed. 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. Don't forget to add this event to your calendar when you register! Click the "Add to My Calendar" button at the top right hand corner of the registration page.

This event is co-sponsored by: D.C Superior Court, DC Volunteer Lawyers Project, Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), and Washington Council of Lawyers. Join us for a D.C. Superior Court Open House where representatives from legal services organizations and experienced pro bono counsel 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 Superior Court Judges, and learn how you can help expand access to justice in our community by providing representation to persons with limited means. 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, you can help protect a petitioner from harm, 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. Don't forget to add this event to your calendar when you register! Click the "Add to My Calendar" button at the top right hand corner of the registration page.

Hearsay may be common, but that doesn't make it any less complicated. There are so many obstacles to navigate and challenges that may arise in the courtroom but with a strong understanding of the rules you can navigate it all like a pro. Build your courtroom confidence with some practice! Join us for Litigation Skills Series:  Advanced Hearsay for a practical review of the hearsay rules, common examples, and how to navigate applying all the nuances. This training will be run by experienced faculty, Barbara Butterworth, Counsel, Litigation Mentor Program at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP and Jessica Kurtz Zagoren, Senior Supervising Attorney at Children's Law Center. The program is geared to go beyond the basics by allowing more space for practice and practical questions. This training is appropriate for public-interest, law firm, in-house, and government lawyers. 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 credit is available  as follows: 2.0 CA general, 2.3 NJ general, and 2.0 NY skills (newly admitted and experienced).  Reciprocal credit may be available in other jurisdictions. There will be cookies and light refreshments provided, but please feel free to bring your lunch!

Join us where career and community development collide! This members-only event is an incredible opportunity to learn more about how to find your niche in the public interest legal community, either in your career or volunteer work! Our panelists will discuss the intersectionality of the public interest legal community and ways you can tap into the robust community that wants to support you. Creating community is helpful for both your career and your clients. With a supportive community you can get connected to resources that can help you accomplish everything from building a more robust case for your client to reaching your career goals. Our panel will be moderated by Jodi Feldman, Pro Bono Manager, District of Columbia Courts. Our panel includes: Kelli Neptune, Executive Director, DC Bar Pro Bono Center Stephanie Johnson, Director of Externships and Public Interest Programming, Howard University School of Law Kathleen Wach, Pro Bono Counsel, Miller & Chevalier Dana Busgang,  Civil Rights & Employment Associate, Cohen Milstein There is space for everyone in the fight for access to justice, we love helping you find yours! Not a member yet, but want to join the conversation? Become a member today for this and other incredible member benefits!

In the new year, discover new ways to do pro bono service in your community! Not sure where to start? The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center's Advice & Referral Clinic is perfect for those looking to dip their toes in pro bono! Volunteer on Saturday, February 24th 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 Bread for the City's Michelle Obama Southeast Center, at 1700 Marion Barry Ave SE. 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 Wednesday, February 7 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.