As the public-interest bar association of the District of Columbia, we promote pro bono service and public-interest law, expand access to justice, and aim to create a vibrant and inclusive community of public-interest lawyers, pro bono volun teers, law students, legal professionals, and others to close the access-to-justice gap. Our volunteer board of directors is responsible for carrying out this mission through various program activities, which include access to justice advocacy, training and mentoring the next generation of social justice advocates, developing public-interest leaders, supporting pro bono service, and working to ensure our civil justice system treats everyone fairly regardless of money, position, or power. Serving on our board is personally and professionally rewarding

Applications for the 2025-2026 board year will open in early May.

Qualifications:  Because the legal profession should be as varied and diverse as the world that we live in, our board comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring a range of skills, interests, and voices. Board members come from all sectors of the legal community and are committed to pro bono and public-interest law; we work collaboratively amongst ourselves and with other organizations to maximize our impact.

We also ask board members to be dues-paying members of Washington Council of Lawyers. You can join, renew your membership, or check your status here.

Responsibilities: This is a working board. The term of service is one year from September 1, until August 31, of each year with the opportunity to stay on for future terms. You should plan to attend six board meetings each year (typically at lunchtime during the week). You also should plan to either co-chair or actively participate in at least two of our committees (including Advocacy; Budget, Finance & Planning; Communications; D.C. Bar Affairs; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access; Judicial Endorsements; Honorary Board; Membership; Personnel; Pro Bono & Public Interest; Special Events & Fundraising; Strategic Planning ). Board members are expected to participate in board meetings, attend hosted events (as schedules permit), help us extend our networks, and make a personally meaningful financial contribution to the organization each year.

The Washington Council of Lawyers is committed to constantly working toward better diversity, equity, inclusivity, and access. In your application materials, please share what this work means to you and how aspects of who you are would contribute to this mission.

For more information, email our Executive Director, Christina Jackson, at cjackson@wclawyers.org.

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Our Board meetings for 2024-2025 will take place at 12:00 pm ET on:

Washington Council of Lawyers members are welcome to attend. For more information and to RSVP, contact Christina Jackson at cjackson@wclawyers.org.