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Federal Government Pro Bono Program Volunteer Guide: District of Columbia & Northern Virginia

Download PDF: Federal Government Pro Bono Program Volunteer Guide - District of Columbia & Northern Virginia

Dear Colleagues:

Welcome to the Federal Government Pro Bono Program! Thank you for your interest in using your legal skills to better your community through pro bono activities. We hope we can help you find a fulfilling opportunity with which to get involved.

This Pro Bono Volunteer Guide provides easy access to information about the rules governing federal employees’ engagement in pro bono activities, as well as descriptions of numerous local legal services organizations that regularly offer pro bono opportunities that are generally appropriate for federal government attorneys and legal staff, in that they are generally free of conflicts of interest and offer substantial resources that will help you to succeed. Because each federal agency has its own regulations and procedures, it is important that you discuss any pro bono project with your agency’s pro bono coordinator or ethics officer before starting to volunteer. Many agencies have a specific pro bono policy that can guide you through these rules and any approval procedures that may be required.

Throughout the year, our Program offers events and activities to assist you in your pro bono endeavors, including trainings to prepare you to volunteer, opportunities where federal attorneys and legal staff members can volunteer together, and information sessions on various topics relevant to pro bono practice. If you would like to get involved in the development of these ideas or have questions about pro bono activities generally, please contact me at Laura.F.Klein@usdoj.gov.

For decades, federal government attorneys and legal staff have been increasing access to justice through pro bono. We look forward to working with you to carry on this powerful tradition of volunteering our legal skills to ensure that everyone receives equal, fair, and impartial access to justice.

Sincerely,

Laura F. Klein
Pro Bono Program Manager
Office for Access to Justice
Chairperson, Federal Government Pro Bono Program

Frequently Asked Questions about Engaging in Pro Bono Activities as a Federal Government Employee

Get answers to some of the frequently asked questions about federal government attorneys and legal staff doing pro bono work. Find information on definitions and limitations, use of positions and agency resources, conflicts of interest, and more.

Go to FAQ

Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney

Rule 49(c)(9): Activities that Persons who are not D.C. Bar Members may perform - Pro Bono

This rule authorizes attorneys who are not D.C. Bar Members to practice pro bono in the District of Columbia if they meet the specific eligibility requirements.

As a federal employee, to be eligible for the pro bono exception, you must:

  1. either (a) have previously been a D.C. Bar Member, (b) currently be admitted to practice law in another U.S. jurisdiction, or (c) have previously been admitted to practice law in another U.S. jurisdiction;
  2. not have been disbarred or suspended for disciplinary reasons in any U.S. jurisdiction or court;
  3. not have resigned with charges pending in any U.S. jurisdiction or court;
  4. be supervised by a D.C. Bar Member on each pro bono matter;
  5. make clear in all business documents for your pro bono matters that you are not a D.C. Bar Member;
  6. make clear in all business documents for your pro bono matters that you are being supervised by a D.C. Bar Member;
  7. if your case involves appearing in the D.C. Court of Appeals or the D.C. Superior Court, identify your supervising attorney in your first pleading or other paper filing with the court, including their name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, and D.C. Bar number;
  8. not be employed by the Public Defender Service or a non-profit organization that provides pro bono legal services; and
  9. provide services on each pro bono matter in affiliation with a D.C.-based nonprofit legal services organization.

Rule 49 applies to all out-of-state attorneys. The list of requirements above are those that apply to federal government attorneys.

This exception does not require you to file any application or move to appear pro hac vice to receive authorization to practice pro bono. You are authorized to practice pro bono if you satisfy the eligibility requirements, with no additional action needed. As noted above (#7), Rule 49 attorneys must provide the details of their compliance in their first court filing in any matter before the D.C. Court of Appeals or the D.C. Superior Court.

You must be supervised by a D.C. Bar Member for each pro bono matter on which you work. Federal government attorneys should be supervised by a D.C. Bar Member who also works for the federal government to avoid adding potential conflicts of interest or ethical concerns to the matter. D.C. Bar Members who agree to supervise a pro bono attorney are not expected to work on the matter or to have any experience in the subject matter of the matter. They will not serve as counsel. Any advice or guidance that the pro bono attorney needs should be provided by the mentors at the legal services organization referring the matter.

This rule does not require any fees to be authorized to practice pro bono.

This rule does not set a duration limit on pro bono practice authorization.

For more information, contact the DOJ Pro Bono Program Manager, Laura Klein, at Laura.F.Klein@usdoj.gov.

Legal Services Organizations

The following legal services organizations have been screened by the Federal Government Pro Bono Program and have been determined to offer pro bono opportunities that are generally appropriate for federal government attorneys and legal staff.

  • Individual volunteers are still responsible for seeking approval to participate from their agencies, including any necessary review for conflicts of interest.
  • Employees should remember that they are prohibited from acting as an agent or attorney for any person before any agency, department, or court in any matter in which the United States has a direct and substantial interest.
  • Employees also should understand that they are acting in their individual capacities and not as representatives of their agencies and should act accordingly in all pro bono work.
  • Federal government attorneys may not ask support staff colleagues to assist them with their pro bono matters. If you are a federal government attorney and would like to request assistance, or are a support staff member interested in assisting with pro bono matters, contact the DOJ Pro Bono Program Manager, Laura Klein, at Laura.F.Klein@usdoj.gov.

Bread for the City's Legal Clinic

Bread for the City is a non-profit agency that provides food, clothing, social services, medical services and legal services to D.C. residents. Bread for the City’s Legal Clinic (the Legal Clinic) provides advice and full representation to low-income clients.

Kinds of Cases Offered

Before assigning a matter to a volunteer attorney, the Legal Clinic screens it for the types of issues it involves, including for whether there is a likely conflict for federal government attorneys. Interested attorneys may take landlord/tenant and domestic violence cases. Case descriptions can be sent by email to volunteer attorneys.

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Variable, depending on your schedule. Volunteers may use meeting spaces at the Legal Clinic’s offices – either at the Northwest Center (1525 7th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001) or at the Southeast Center (1700 Marion Barry Ave S.E., Washington, D.C 20020). The Southeast Center is also one of the sites of the Washington Lawyer Committee’s Workers’ Rights Clinic.

Training

Formal training sessions co-sponsored by the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center are provided regularly throughout the year. There also are occasional training sessions organized with the Federal Government Pro Bono Program. 

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided by experienced Bread for the City attorneys.
  • Other support – Volunteers may discuss options with the Legal Clinic’s pro bono coordinator when additional support is needed.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Volunteers may discuss options with the Legal Clinic’s pro bono coordinator.
  • Office resources – Volunteers are welcome to use our space and may arrange ahead of time with the Legal Clinic’s pro bono coordinator.
  • Resource bank – Training materials and sample pleadings may be provided by the Legal Clinic as needed.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at the Legal Clinic. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above.

Malpractice Insurance

The Legal Clinic makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers.

Contact

The Catholic Charities Legal Network

The Catholic Charities Legal Network (CCLN) offers pro bono civil legal services, providing general information, access to volunteer attorneys and law firms, and referrals to other appropriate legal service organizations.

Kinds of Cases Offered

CCLN provides services to low-income individuals on landlord-tenant matters, domestic relations issues, wills, conservatorships and guardianships, and employment issues. Attorneys should contact CCLN directly to express interest in a case or to be put on the distribution list to receive notices about available cases. CCLN also needs volunteers to conduct intake at both their D.C. and MD (Prince George’s County) offices.

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Variable, depending on your schedule. Cases are tried at local D.C. and Maryland courts. Pro bono lawyers may use meeting space at the Catholic Charities Legal Network, 924 G Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001.

Training

Volunteers must complete a required 3-hour volunteer orientation session prior to beginning to volunteer with CCLN. Volunteer Orientation is typically virtual and synchronous with one session per round available in person. CCLN encourages volunteers to complete CCLN refresher trainings. Refresher trainings are available upon request, last about 3 hours, and are offered in a hybrid format.

CCLN also works in partnership with the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, which provides substantive law trainings for attorneys interested in taking pro bono cases and who may not have civil law expertise.

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided by CCLN mentors who have subject matter expertise, as well as supervision experience.
  • Other support – CCLN has a bilingual Spanish-English speaking paralegal, as well as access to a free language interpretation service that are both available to volunteers. Limited administrative support is also available. CCLN also provides support for volunteer attorneys whose clients would benefit from holistic programming, including social services case management, behavioral health, and employment assistance. We help with warm-handoffs to programs within Catholic Charities so that the attorney volunteer can focus on the legal matter at hand, knowing that the client's other needs can be potentially attended to by other programs.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Not available through CCLN.
  • Office resources – Meeting space and use of telephones are available.
  • Resource bank – Written resources can be available upon request, provided by either the mentor attorney or by CCLN's staff, including forms, templates, and pleadings.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – neither D.C. Bar membership nor Maryland Bar membership is required to volunteer pro bono at CCLN. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above, or the Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in Maryland as an Out-of-State Attorney section of the Federal Government Pro Bono Program Maryland Attorney Volunteer Guide.

Malpractice Insurance

The Catholic Charities Legal Network makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers.

Contact

Children's Law Center

Each year, Children’s Law Center (CLC) pro bono attorneys assist hundreds of children and families living on low incomes to resolve critical problems affecting a child’s family, health and education. Our pro bono attorneys achieve real results for children and families in need. 

Although CLC is one of the largest civil legal services providers in D.C., many more children come to us than our staff attorneys can represent. We are honored to partner with 500+ pro bono attorneys every year. Pro bono attorneys find success with our cases regardless of experience because of our comprehensive intakes and our commitment to high-quality training and mentoring. Taking a pro bono case with CLC gives attorneys the opportunity to engage in hands-on lawyering that develops their skills and improves the lives of children and families.

Kinds of Cases Offered

CLC pro bono cases focus on family, housing, and education. In family law cases, pro bono attorneys can either represent a third-party caregiver (e.g., grandparent) in a custody, guardianship, or adoption case or they can serve as a best interest guardian ad litem attorney in a custody case. These cases often require a commitment of approximately 60-80 hours over the course of a year with workload often consolidated at the beginning and end of the case when investigation and trial preparation (for those cases that litigate) are most active. In housing conditions cases, pro bono attorneys represent parents and caregivers when conditions in a family’s home negatively impact children’s health. These cases typically require a commitment of approximately 40-60 hours over the course of a year or less. In education cases, pro bono attorneys represent parents and caregivers of children with disabilities who are not receiving appropriate services in school. These cases provide an opportunity to advocate outside of court and typically require a commitment of approximately 60-80 hours over the course of a year. While cases may exhibit similar themes, each pro bono case referred by CLC is unique. The pro bono experience, workload, and schedule are dependent on each individual client’s needs and the circumstances.

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Variable, depending on the particular matter and your schedule. Family law and housing conditions cases are tried in D.C. Superior Court. Special education cases involve advocacy with D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and D.C. public charter schools. Volunteers may meet with clients in client/family homes, local libraries, parks, or other public spaces. 

Training

CLC requires volunteers to complete trainings relevant to the case type they will be handling and offers a cultural humility training that applies to all case types. These required trainings take approximately one-half day.

Additional trainings are not required, but CLC keep volunteers abreast of new trainings/events in our pro bono listserv as they are scheduled. The additional trainings may be live or on demand. 

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided by experienced CLC attorneys.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Not available through CLC.
  • Office resources – Not available through CLC.
  • Resource bank – CLC has training manuals and some samples on their website. CLC also provides samples as needed for volunteers on their cases if something is not already posted on the website. 

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at CLC. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above.

Malpractice Insurance

CLC makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers.

Contact

Christian Legal Aid of DC

Every month, Christian Legal Aid of DC (CLADC) offers free legal clinics, currently held virtually. At each clinic, legal professionals and law students interview low-income clients to analyze the facts and issues of their case and determine what should be done to resolve it.

Kinds of Cases Offered

Before assigning a matter to a volunteer attorney, CLADC screens it for the types of issues it involves, including for whether there is a likely conflict for federal government attorneys. Clinics may include matters related to probate, estate planning, and housing. Volunteers may do research during the clinic appointment, but follow up work is not expected unless the volunteer agrees to it. Volunteers should be comfortable with prayer because volunteers may offer to pray with clients.

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Clinics operate virtually twice per month. Attorneys may also volunteer to be assigned cases outside of the clinic setting. CLADC’s offices are located at 907 Maryland Avenue NE. 

Training

Volunteer attorneys are required to watch CLADC’s orientation videos before signing up for a clinic or taking a case. The videos are approximately two hour long and provide an overview of CLADC, the clinic process, consultation process, case management system, and implicit bias considerations.

Volunteers are not required to complete any additional trainings while volunteering with CLADC but are encouraged to participate for additional trainings in the areas they hope to volunteer in. Trainings are generally held remotely, lasting one hour, without a fixed schedule. CLADC also provides recorded training sessions on substantive legal topics that volunteers may access as needed. 

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – A CLADC staff or volunteer supervisor is present at all clinics. New volunteers are paired with experienced volunteers when meeting with clients.
  • Other support – CLADC provides case support from its Pro Bono Manager and subject matter experts in criminal record sealing, probate, and estate planning. CLADC also partners with Ayuda for language translation access.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – CLADC reimburses pre-approved expenses incurred by volunteers. Volunteers should discuss anticipated expenses with CLADC's Pro Bono Manager.
  • Office resources – Most volunteer activities are conducted remotely with little, if any, need for office resources beyond a volunteer’s own laptop and internet connection. Volunteers can coordinate with CLADC staff to make use of CLADC’s office space and printer/scanner, etc., as needed.
  • Resource bank – CLADC provides toolkits and written resources on substantive legal topics that volunteers may access as needed.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at CLADC. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above.

Malpractice Insurance

CLADC makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers.

Contact

The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Advice & Referral Clinic

The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Advice & Referral Clinic (the Clinic) is an excellent opportunity for attorneys and legal assistants to engage in an important, although very manageable, pro bono project. The Clinic offers pro se individuals the opportunity to discuss with volunteer attorneys certain kinds of matters governed by D.C. or federal law and receive general information, advice, and brief services—all free of charge. The Clinic does not provide representation. 

Kinds of Cases Offered

The Clinic offers advice in civil legal matters governed by D.C. or federal law in the areas of bankruptcy/debt collection, consumer, employment, family law, health law, housing law, personal injury, and probate, among others. Clients meet with volunteer attorneys to discuss their problems and receive brief general information or advice. Before each matter is assigned to a volunteer attorney, the Clinic screens it for the types of issues it involves, including for whether there is a likely conflict for federal government attorneys. Matters will be reassigned if the volunteer attorney identifies a conflict-creating issue during discussion with the client.

Volunteer attorneys are not expected to engage in ongoing representation for Clinic clients. However, they may be asked to complete brief follow-up tasks and may refer clients to legal or social services agency to provide any needed additional information or services. 

Applicable Timing & Location Information

The Clinic takes place one Saturday each month at the D.C. Bar (901 4th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001). All volunteers should arrive by 9:00 a.m. Attorney volunteers are needed until about 3:00 p.m., and paralegal volunteers are needed until about 1:00 p.m.

Training

New volunteers are encouraged to attend an optional orientation session before volunteering at the Clinic. Orientation sessions are one hour long and are held live virtually. 

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided by D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center mentors who are experts in the areas covered by the Clinic.
  • Other support – Administrative support services and interpretation services are available as needed.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Not applicable.
  • Office resources – Office space and general office supplies, including access to printers and scanners, are provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring and use their own laptop, tablet, or similar device; the Clinic can arrange for a limited number of devices to be made available to volunteers with advance notice.
  • Resource bank – Templates, samples, and guidance are available online at https://www.probono.net/dc.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at the Clinic. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above. 

Note to California Bar Members: If you elect to waive your CLE requirement based on your status as an attorney employed by the federal government, pursuant to CA State Bar Rule 2.54, you may participate in pro bono activity only with organizations that receive funding from the Legal Services Corporation or IOLTA funds. The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center is not funded by either of these sources and therefore does not qualify. If you choose to volunteer with this organization, you may jeopardize your waiver of the CLE requirement. If you have questions about this issue, contact Laura Klein, DOJ Pro Bono Program Manager, at Laura.F.Klein@usdoj.gov.

Malpractice Insurance

The Clinic makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers. 

Contact

The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Advocacy & Justice Clinic

The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center refers cases for representation in D.C. Superior Court through the Advocacy & Justice Clinic. The Federal Government Pro Bono Program places cases from the Advocacy & Justice Clinic six times each year, and attorneys from any federal agency may participate.

Kinds of Cases Offered

The Advocacy & Justice Clinic is a case placement program. Volunteers request cases through the DOJ Pro Bono Program Manager. Volunteers handle family law (involving custody, support, and divorce), landlord-tenant (evictions and housing code violations), some consumer law cases, and occasionally personal injury defense. 

Applicable Timing & Location Information

The Federal Government Pro Bono Program typically places case through this program in January, March, May, August, September, and November. Following case referrals, DOJ hosts a virtual orientation meeting to help volunteers get started. Representation proceeds from that point. Because court appearances may be in person, volunteer attorneys should be located in the D.C. area. 

Training

Volunteers are encouraged to attend an optional orientation meeting to help them prepare for their cases. Orientation sessions are about one hour long and are held virtually. Orientation sessions cover the resources and support that the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center and the Federal Government Pro Bono Program provide.

Substantive training materials about relevant areas of the law are also provided when volunteers receive their cases. 

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided by experienced volunteers.
  • Other support – Interpreter services are available. Paralegal support can be provided by the Federal Government Pro Bono Program.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – The Advocacy & Justice Clinic has a fund to reimburse federal government attorneys for expenses that arise during their cases, such as mold inspections, court transcripts, court reporters, service of process, and investigative services. Limited availability.
  • Office resources – Volunteer attorneys may reserve space at the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center to meet with clients referred by the Advocacy & Justice Clinic.
  • Resource bank – Manuals, video trainings,  and sample pleadings about relevant areas of the law are provided.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at the Advocacy & Justice Clinic. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above. 

Note to California Bar Members: If you elect to waive your CLE requirement based on your status as an attorney employed by the federal government, pursuant to CA State Bar Rule 2.54, you may participate in pro bono activity only with organizations that receive funding from the Legal Services Corporation or IOLTA funds. The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center is not funded by either of these sources and therefore does not qualify. If you choose to volunteer with this organization, you may jeopardize your waiver of the CLE requirement. If you have questions about this issue, contact Laura Klein, DOJ Pro Bono Program Manager, at Laura.F.Klein@usdoj.gov.

Malpractice Insurance

The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Advocacy & Justice Clinic makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers. 

Contact

The D.C. Superior Court Mental Habilitation Volunteer Advocate Program

The D.C. Superior Court’s Mental Health & Habilitation Branch recruits and provides volunteer advocates for people with intellectual disabilities through its Mental Habilitation Volunteer Advocate Program. The program’s mission is to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are under court-ordered care to live their lives to the fullest, by promoting individual advocacy and providing effective monitoring of the services the clients receive and should receive. Advocates enhance the clients’ quality of life by acting as a liaison between individuals with IDD and the court, as well as the court and the community.

Kinds of Cases Offered

Each advocate is assigned to work with at least one client with IDD. Advocates monitor the quality of life experienced by their clients by visiting them at their residences and at program sites and submitting status reports to the Mental Habilitation Volunteer Advocate Program Coordinator. Status reports include information about their client’s living arrangements, health, and social wellbeing.

Advocates do not act as legal representatives, but they do interact and work closely with the Court-appointed attorneys and may participate in court proceedings, meetings, and conferences in relation to any matter concerning the person to whom they have been assigned. 

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Advocates must commit to visiting their clients for about 30 minutes at least twice each month for a minimum of one year.

Advocates should visit clients at their respective day programs on a monthly schedule. If a client does not have a day program, the advocate should visit the client at their residential placement monthly or bi-weekly. Advocates may also visit clients in the community. 

Training

Advocates must complete required training before beginning to volunteer with the Mental Habilitation Volunteer Advocate Program. The training is about 2 hours long and is generally offered virtually but may be made available in person if there is sufficient demand. The training covers the background and history of the program, explains what advocates should look for when visiting with their clients, and familiarizes volunteers with the relevant forms and court processes.

Advocates must also complete required quarterly trainings while completing their one-year service obligation.  

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – May be provided upon request.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Advocates receive a stipend of $25.00 per visit, up to a maximum of $50.00 per month, to help defray travel and other expenses. 

Bar Membership Requirement

Bar membership is not a requirement for volunteering with the Mental Habilitation Volunteer Advocate Program, as the advocate role does not involve the practice of law. 

Malpractice Insurance

Malpractice insurance is not a consideration for volunteering with the Mental Habilitation Volunteer Advocate Program, as the advocate role does not involve the practice of law. 

Contact

DC Volunteer Lawyers Project

DC Volunteer Lawyers Project (DCVLP) employs a network of volunteer attorneys who provide comprehensive, pro bono legal assistance to domestic violence survivors, immigrant survivors of sex-based violence, and at-risk children in the D.C. metro area. DCVLP volunteers represent survivors in Civil Protection Order, Family Law, and Immigration cases, and represent vulnerable children as court appointed Guardians ad litem. Our volunteers also provide brief legal advice in DCVLP’s numerous community-based and phone-based legal clinics.

Kinds of Cases Offered

Note: Because federal government attorneys in D.C. may have a conflict of interest in cases where there are pending criminal charges, and cases through DCVLP have a relatively higher likelihood of having parties with pending criminal charges, a criminal background check must be done on the parties for any DCVLP case that a potential federal government volunteer wishes to take before their agency may approve them to volunteer. For assistance, consult the DOJ Pro Bono Program Manager, Laura Klein, at Laura.F.Klein@usdoj.gov.

  • Civil Protection Order (CPO) Clinic & Representation – Obtaining a CPO, or "stay-away" order, is often the first step for a domestic violence survivor to find immediate safety from an abuser. Volunteers help domestic violence survivors find immediate safety from their abusers through a CPO, or "stay-away" order, either through a clinic or through representation. Clinic volunteers provide brief advice to assist survivors with drafting Petitions for Civil Protection Orders through DC Superior Court's online filing system draft or Amendments to Petitions for survivors who have an existing CPO in place. Representative volunteers engage in supervised in-court litigation in a short time frame and may sign up far in advance to represent a client on a certain hearing date, allowing busy attorneys to predict when they will need to be in court.
  • Custody & Divorce Representation – Volunteers help domestic violence survivors and their children find long-term safety and stability through a permanent custody and/or divorce order. These cases provide a full range of supervised litigation experience, including discovery, motions, negotiations, hearings, and contested trials.
  • Child Advocacy as Guardians ad litem – Volunteers represent the best interests of children in complex custody cases involving risk factors such as abuse, domestic violence, and untreated substance abuse or mental health issues. These cases provide substantial supervised experience in investigation, motions, negotiation, and litigation.

Applicable Timing & Location Information

The location of hearings for DCVLP cases varies by case type, but the majority take place in D.C. Superior Court, located at Moultrie Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

  • Civil Protection Order (CPO) Clinic – Tuesdays | 10:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.| Virtual by phone (Note: This clinic operates during business hours only and therefore may require volunteers to take leave to participate. For more information, see "May I participate in pro bono activities on government time?" and "May I be granted administrative leave?" in Frequently Asked Questions about Engaging in Pro Bono Activities as a Federal Government Employee.)
  • Civil Protection Representation – Average case length: 2-6 weeks | Remote Hearings
  • Custody & Divorce Representation – Average case length: 6-18 months | In-person hearings every 2-3 months
  • Child Advocacy as Guardians ad litem – Average case length: 12-18 months | In-person hearings every 3 months 

Training

DCVLP provides volunteers with comprehensive training by practice area. Full-day, in-person workshops are held twice annually for each practice area. Trainings are also available on-demand for volunteers to access as needed. 

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided for both representations and clinics by an experienced Supervising Attorney, who reviews written work and accompanies volunteers to court for full-rep cases. DCVLP also frequently partners co-volunteers to work together on cases.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Available through DCVLP as needed.
  • Office resources – Office space, copiers, fax lines, scanners, and mailing services.
  • Resource bank – DCVLP provides an extensive resource library, including sample pleadings.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at DCVLP. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above.

Malpractice Insurance

DCVLP makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers. 

Contact

Legal Aid DC

Legal Aid DC is D.C.’s oldest and largest general civil legal services organization. Legal Aid DC was created in 1932 with the goal of making justice real – in individual and systemic ways – for persons living in poverty in the District of Columbia. For more than 90 years, Legal Aid DC lawyers have provided a continuum of legal services to clients in the areas of domestic violence/family, housing, public benefits, and consumer law. In addition to providing direct representation, we also help clients avoid unnecessary legal entanglements through outreach and education and help them resolve their own disputes with advice and other brief assistance.

Legal Aid DC also works to identify systemic issues that have an impact beyond an individual client. In such cases, we often seek structural solutions – from changes in law or regulatory schemes to a reform of government or court practice – to benefit our client community. And our nationally recognized Barbara McDowell Appellate Advocacy Project, which pursues an anti-poverty agenda, litigates important cases affecting persons living in poverty before the D.C. Court of Appeals every year.

Kinds of Cases Offered

Legal Aid DC integrates pro bono into almost every aspect of our program, significantly expanding our impact and providing legal assistance and representation for hundreds of additional individuals and families in our community each year. We refer matters to private practice and government attorneys each year in the following practice areas: Housing Law (Eviction Defense and Housing Conditions) and Domestic Violence/Family Law (Domestic Violence, Child Custody, Child Support). Legal Aid DC screens cases and then refers them to pro bono counsel for full representation. 

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Variable, depending on the case referral type. 

Training

Foundational training ranges from 2-5 hours, depending on the practice area, and should be completed prior to or at the start of any case referral. These trainings have been recorded and can be viewed on-demand.

Legal Aid DC also conducts live trainings throughout the year, most of which are held in a hybrid format.             

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided by subject area experts.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Not available through Legal Aid DC.
  • Office resources – Not available through Legal Aid DC.
  • Resource bank – Legal Aid DC offers training manuals and other resources, including sample pleadings, briefs and other documents.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at Legal Aid DC. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above.

Malpractice Insurance

Legal Aid DC makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers. 

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Legal Counsel for the Elderly

The Legal Counsel for the Elderly’s (LCE) Pro Bono Access to Justice Practice (PBAJ) provides comprehensive legal services to low-income, older people by recruiting attorneys who willingly contribute their valuable time and experience for pro bono work. The PBAJ handles approximately 700 cases annually. These cases come to the PBAJ through LCE's Legal Hotline, LCE in-house attorneys and the Active Intake Project.

Scores of underserved seniors would be denied access to free legal services without the help of our dedicated pro bono attorneys. We count on our volunteer attorneys in the community to help us reach those in need.

Kinds of Cases Offered

  • Wills and Powers of Attorney – Many of LCE's elderly clients need wills, powers of attorney for finances and for health care decisions, and living wills. Most clients have very limited estates, normally consisting of only their home and personal property. The wills are normally simple and straightforward. Forms for all the documents are provided electronically. Initial intake is done by LCE in person or through the telephone hotline. Staff attorneys are always available for consultation and assistance.
  • Litigation Caseload – LCE handles contracts, landlord-tenant cases, guardianships, real property, consumer law, collections, and more. LCE periodically e-mails a list of cases needing lawyers to the DOJ Pro Bono Program Manager. LCE provide training materials, brief banks, and staff attorney consultants with particular expertise in the areas of probate, landlord-tenant, and D.C. real property law.
  • Systemic Research – Volunteer attorneys also handle systemic matters assigned by PBAJ that have a broad impact for seniors in Washington, D.C. These matters include conducting research and drafting memoranda, and guides to help overcome significant legal and practical obstacles that seniors face.
  • Volunteer attorneys can also be added to the PBAJ email distribution list and select available individual representation matters (life planning and litigation) and systemic matters.

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Variable, depending upon your schedule. Pro bono lawyers may use the interview rooms at Legal Counsel for the Elderly, 601 E. Street NW, Washington D.C., or visit homebound clients at their residence. 

Training

Volunteers are required to complete training before volunteering with LCE. Training is provided live, both virtually and in person. Training length varies by topic: life planning training is 2 hours, and landlord/tenant training is generally 3-6 hours, over multiple days.

LCE can provide refresher trainings based on demand.  

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided by LCE staff attorneys.
  • Other support – LCE provides and coordinates notaries and witnesses for executing wills. Tatia Wilson, our administrative associate (twwilson@aarp.org), handles the scheduling and finding notaries and witnesses. Once an attorney is ready to execute, or if they want an in person meeting, they can coordinate with Tatia.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Not available through LCE.
  • Office resources – Office space and printing available.
  • Resource bank – LCE provides templates, sample pleadings, and toolkits for representation. In particular, LCE provides all template materials for life planning and Schedule H. For litigation cases, LCE provides templates and reference materials as needed.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at LCE. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above. 

Malpractice Insurance

LCE makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers. 

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Legal Services of Northern Virginia

Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV) is the largest legal aid organization in Virginia, helping thousands of clients each year in civil legal matters. We partner closely with other legal aid organizations, state and local bar associations, as well as the courts to serve the region’s low-income and neediest populations. Staff and volunteers provide legal advice, brief services, and representation in administrative hearings and in court. They also deliver community legal education and partner with other community agencies, task forces, and coordinated response teams to find innovative solutions to broader problems.

Kinds of Cases Offered

All intake is conducted by LSNV. Volunteers may provide direct representation to clients, co-counsel cases with LSNV staff attorneys, conduct legal research for LSNV staff and pro bono attorneys, mentor LSNV staff attorneys and pro bono attorneys, conduct trainings for pro bono attorneys, prepare community legal education materials and perform community outreach, conduct information sessions for clients, and/or provide administrative support to LSNV.

  • Housing, Consumer, and Employment Law Projects – Volunteer attorneys meet with clients to conduct an initial interview, investigate the merits of the case, provide advice and counsel and, in appropriate situations, undertake representation. These projects often are co-sponsored by local bar associations that help provide training to the volunteers.
  • Family Law Projects – Volunteer attorneys accept custody, support and divorce cases for advice and counsel, as well as for representation in court proceedings. Experienced family law attorneys act as mentors. The Uncontested Divorce Clinic (held on the fourth Saturday of each month) utilizes paralegals to provide legal services to individuals seeking uncontested divorces in Fairfax, Alexandria and Arlington.
  • Domestic Violence – Volunteer attorneys obtain protective orders for victims of domestic violence. In some instances, representation continues in related custody and support petitions. Attorneys who speak other languages are especially encouraged to participate on this panel. Attorneys new to the process can shadow an experienced attorney before taking a case alone. LSNV has launched a new domestic violence project in Fairfax County that would provide an unparalleled litigation opportunity for a good cause, while involving a finite time commitment. The way the project works is that the lawyer commits to be the lawyer of the day representing victims of violence on a set day for protective orders. Then, when cases are assigned for that day (two weeks in advance), the lawyer will have two weeks to work up the cases and will try them on the assigned day. LSNV is offering a CLE for lawyers interested in participating in this project. 

Applicable Timing & Location Information

For representation, timing and location are variable, depending on your schedule. The Uncontested Divorce Clinic is held on the fourth Saturday of each month.

LSNV serves Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park. LSNV’s main offices are located at 10700 Page Ave., Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Other offices are:

  • Alexandria Office, 100 N. Pitt Street, Suite 307, Alexandria, VA 22314
  • Arlington Office, 3401 Columbia Pike, Suite 301, Arlington, VA 22204
  • Fairfax Outreach Office, Gerry Hyland Government Center, 8350 Richmond Hwy, Suite 309, Alexandria, VA 22309 [intermittently staffed]
  • Loudoun Office, 8A South Street SW, Leesburg, VA  20175
  • Prince William Office, 9240 Center Street, Manassas, VA 20110 

Training

Formal training sessions are provided at various times throughout the year. The Hotline training is held each spring.  

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided.

Bar Membership Requirement

Virginia Bar membership is required to volunteer pro bono at LSNV unless the case involves a District Employer. 

Malpractice Insurance

LSNV makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers. 

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The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division of the D.C. Superior Court

The name "Multi-Door" comes from the multi-door courthouse concept, which envisions one courthouse with multiple dispute resolution doors or programs. Cases are referred through the appropriate door for resolution. The goals of a multi-door approach are to provide residents with easy access to justice, reduce delay, and provide referrals to related services, making more options available through which disputes can be resolved. The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division of the D.C. Superior Court assists parties to reach agreements that meet their interests, preserve relationships, and save time and money. Our mediators and dispute resolution specialists are trained at Multi-Door to serve in a wide range of cases, from civil to small claims, to family.

Kinds of Cases Offered

Volunteers for the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division’s programs are selected via an application process, which includes an individual candidate interview. Following an initial one-year term, mediators may serve two-year terms if they have met program requirements. There are currently four programs.

  • Family Mediation – The Family Mediation Program provides mediation to people who have disputes regarding family matters, such as child support, custody, visitation, and other divorce issues. The program provides D.C. residents with an alternate method of resolving family disputes, emphasizing the best interests of the child, empowering the parties, and facilitating communication between the parties.
  • Small Claims – Small claims disputes typically involve consumer and service provider complaints with claims for monetary compensation of $10,000 or less. Small claims mediators also mediate certain types of debt collection matters with claims up to $25,000.
  • Civil ADR – The civil ADR program is governed by court order and covers a variety of civil disputes. Approximately 90-120 days after the filing of a civil complaint in the D.C. Superior Court, the judge conducts a scheduling conference. The ADR session is typically held following the close of discovery and the deadline for filing dispositive motions. Cases are assigned based on the case type and the mediator's legal expertise. Probate and tax assessments are included in this program; mediators undergo additional training for eligibility to mediate these cases.
  • Landlord and Tenant – These disputes involve claims for possession of rental property, both commercial and residential.

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Mediations are typically held either virtually or in person at the D.C. Superior Court, 410 E Street NW, Suite 2100, Washington, D.C. (program offices, civil and family mediation).

To remain on the active roster at Multi-Door, mediators must meet the following activity requirements each calendar year:

  • Civil Program: Mediate a minimum of 10 cases
  • Small Claims Program: Mediate a minimum of 10 cases
  • Landlord and Tenant Program: Mediate a minimum of 10 cases
  • Family Program: Mediate a minimum of 24 sessions (each case is typically comprised of a minimum of 3 mediation sessions) 

Training

Volunteers are required to complete training unless they apply and are accepted through the open enrollment process. Applications for open enrollment are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. Open enrollment applicants must have a minimum of 40 hours of basic mediation training and have mediated at least twelve cases within the last two years.

Trainees are required to complete self-paced learning before the start of the live basic training, which has both on-site and remote days. Training programs range from 60-hour courses for Family Mediation to approximately 40 hours for all others. After volunteers have completed their mentorship, they will have access to Multi-Door's training library, which contains recordings of live trainings, and can participate in Multi-Door's live continuing education training sessions. Typically, live training on advanced mediator skills, ethics, or a related topic of interest is offered once or twice a month.

Mediators wishing to serve two-year terms after completing their initial one-year term must meet certain requirements, including earning 12 hours of mediation-related continuing education.  

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Mentoring, one-on-one observation, and coaching provided.
  • Other support – Case Managers are available to assist mediators. If an interpreter is required for a case, the staff will coordinate their participation through the Office of Court Interpreting Services.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Volunteers are paid a stipend between $50 and $120 per mediation session, depending on case type. (Note: Acceptance of this stipend may be prohibited by your agency (e.g., DOJ). For more information, contact your DDAEO.)
  • Office resources – In-person mediations are conducted in Court Building C, 410 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. Court Building C is a fully furnished office space with private mediation rooms. All mediation scheduled for remote mediation will be conducted on a Multi-Door issued Zoom for Government account. Volunteers must provide their own computer, web camera, and a secure internet connection to facilitate remote mediation sessions.
  • Resource bank – Written resources and templates are available for all case types.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division of the D.C. Superior Court. Civil mediators must be licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction in the United States. Mediators in the landlord and tenant, family, and small claims programs may be non-lawyers. 

Malpractice Insurance

Malpractice insurance is not a consideration for volunteering with the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division of the D.C. Superior Court, as the program’s mediators are entitled to absolute quasi-judicial immunity for acts performed within the scope of their official duties. Wagshal v. Foster, 28 F.3d 1249, 1254 (D.C. Cir. 1994). 

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Neighborhood Legal Services Program

In partnership with its clients and community stakeholders, Neighborhood Legal Services Program (NLSP) helps District of Columbia residents eliminate barriers to overcoming poverty and securing justice. Using all available legal and advocacy tools, NLSP enables underserved D.C. residents to make their voices heard in the courts and other forums where their rights and protections are at stake, to secure fair and lasting solutions to their problems, and to attain their individual, family and community goals.

Kinds of Cases Offered

NLSP seeks the assistance of volunteer attorneys in the areas of landlord-tenant law, debt collection defense, predatory lending and home equity stripping matters, contracts, consumer debt mediation & defense, divorce, child custody, visitation and support, and probate and estates. There are also a variety of matters that require legal assistance for our limited equity housing cooperative clients to promote sustainability of these cooperatives. These matters involve the housing cooperative as the client rather than the individual residents.  We will at times also seek volunteer attorney assistance with complex research projects and on transactional matters. Many government attorneys have volunteered with NLSP in the past. 

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Dates and times are variable, depending upon pro bono attorney availability. Pro bono attorneys may also arrange to meet clients at locations that they choose, or they can meet virtually or in interview rooms at: NLSP HQ, 64 New York Avenue, N.E., Suite 180, Washington, D.C. 20002.  

Training

Specific trainings on NLSP areas of representation may be available upon request.

Volunteers must complete required training before beginning to volunteer with NLSP. Training length varies by subject area. Many of NLSP’s trainings are pre-recorded, and NLSP also offers in-person trainings and live virtual trainings.

NLSP shares optional supplemental training opportunities with its volunteers as they arise. 

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided by NLSP Managing and Staff Attorneys.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – NLSP is responsible for any external charges incurred by a pro bono attorney on NLSP’s, or an NLSP client’s, behalf.
  • Office resources – Use of NLSP’s interview rooms, telephones, fax lines, copiers and scanners are available.
  • Resource bank – Sample pleadings and training manuals in specific practice areas are available.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at NLSP. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above. 

Malpractice Insurance

NLSP makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers. 

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The Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center

The Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center (NVPBLC) serves low-income and poverty residents of Fairfax County with civil legal needs.

Kinds of Cases Offered

NVPBLC offers a range of opportunities, with varying time commitments. This includes: assistance for clients with specific issues in employment, housing and consumer law; a Neighborhood Outreach Program for brief consultation and advice on civil legal issues; Wills on Wheels, an opportunity for lawyers to personally meet with low-income seniors on site to provide Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Medical Directives; and representation in uncontested divorce matters, which generally no longer requires court appearances. 

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Variable, depending upon your availability. Fairfax County, VA.  

Training

NVPBLC requires substantive training for each of its programs. Trainings are recorded and available on demand. 

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided by NVPBLC.
  • Other support – Interpreter/translator services may be requested.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Not available through NVPBLC.
  • Office resources – Meeting space and telephone use are available.
  • Resource bank – NVPBLC provides sample materials.

Bar Membership Requirement

Virginia Bar membership is required to volunteer pro bono at NVPBLC. 

Malpractice Insurance

NVPBLC makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers. 

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Tzedek DC

Tzedek DC offers direct legal services at no cost to low-income and working-class D.C. residents with debt- and consumer-related legal issues. Debt-related legal crises for low-income residents are a major, persistent problem in D.C. that, with legal counsel, can be avoided altogether – with success rates above 90% – or settled on terms that protect the client. For example, legal representation can be instrumental in cases involving insufficient proof by the collector, mistaken identity, when the amount claimed is wrong, the debt has already been paid, or the debt is too old to be collected under the governing law. 

Kinds of Cases Offered

Debt- and consumer-related issues.

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Tzedek DC sends out cases for pro bono assignment about once every 6 weeks or so as an email to all of the attorneys in their “pro bono cadre." Tzedek DC’s main office is located at 4340 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 319, Washington, D.C. 20008.  

Training

Volunteers must complete required training before beginning to volunteer with Tzedek DC. Required training is 90 minutes long and is available both in person and in a recorded web format.

Tzedek DC also offers volunteers optional training through the National Consumer Law Center treatise database, which includes thorough training on most of the issues that come up in Tzedek DC’s cases. 

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Tzedek DC actively mentors the pro bono attorneys and are always available for questions and to strategize or troubleshoot.
  • Other support – Tzedek DC can provide interpreter/translator support; pay for e-filing and court costs if the client has not successfully applied to proceed in forma pauperis; and pay for reasonable pre-approved process servers and printing. Clients are responsible for funding any court reporting, investigative services, or expert witnesses needed for their cases.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – May be available for pre-approved expenses.
  • Office resources – Access to conference room space and office space, as well as use of telephones, copiers, fax lines, and scanners.
  • Resource bank – Tzedek DC provides templates where possible.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at Tzedek DC. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above. 

Malpractice Insurance

Tzedek DC makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers. 

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The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program Veterans Legal Referral Clinic

The Veterans Consortium (TVC) operates legal advice and referral clinics for veterans in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. One clinic caters specifically to women veterans and is staffed by women attorneys.

Kinds of Cases Offered

Participants in TVC clinics refer veterans facing a variety of types of issues to appropriate service providers. Before assigning a matter to a volunteer attorney, TVC screens it for the types of issues it involves, including for whether there is a likely conflict for federal government attorneys. Volunteers are paired with another attorney or a law student.

  • In-Person & Virtual Legal Advice and Referral Clinic for Veterans – family law, consumer law, employment law, housing law
  • Virtual Legal Advice and Referral Clinic for Women Veterans – family law, consumer law, employment law, housing law 

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Note: TVC clinics operate during business hours only and therefore may require volunteers to take leave to participate. For more information, see "May I participate in pro bono activities on government time?" and "May I be granted administrative leave?" in Frequently Asked Questions about Engaging in Pro Bono Activities as a Federal Government Employee.)

  • In-Person Legal Advice and Referral Clinic for Veterans – Every 4th Friday of the month, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the D.C. VA Medical Center (50 Irving St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20422).
  • Virtual Legal Advice and Referral Clinic for Veterans – Every 2nd Friday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Virtual Legal Advice and Referral Clinic for Women Veterans – Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Training

New volunteers must complete required training before beginning to volunteer at TVC clinics. Trainings are pre-recorded and provided to volunteers before the clinic date. Trainings are 20 minutes long and provide an overview of the clinic and clinic materials. 

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided by TVC.
  • Other support – TVC provides translation services as needed.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Not available through TVC.
  • Office resources – For in-person clinics, TVC provides office space and use of printers and scanners. Office resources not available for virtual clinics.
  • Resource bank – Provided by TVC.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at TVC clinics. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above. 

Note to California Bar Members: If you elect to waive your CLE requirement based on your status as an attorney employed by the federal government, pursuant to CA State Bar Rule 2.54, you may participate in pro bono activity only with organizations that receive funding from the Legal Services Corporation or IOLTA funds. TVC is not funded by either of these sources and therefore does not qualify. If you choose to volunteer with this organization, you may jeopardize your waiver of the CLE requirement. If you have questions about this issue, contact Laura Klein, DOJ Pro Bono Program Manager, at Laura.F.Klein@usdoj.gov.

Paralegal volunteers may volunteer directly through TVC.

Malpractice Insurance

TVC makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers. 

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The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs Workers’ Rights Clinic

For workers in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia that need help with employment law problems, the Washington Lawyers’ Committee holds a Workers’ Rights Clinic where low-income workers have a one-on-one consultation with a trained Intake Volunteer who will provide legal advice and assistance with brief services, under the supervision of an experienced employment law attorney.

Kinds of Cases Offered

The Workers’ Rights Clinic provides brief services, advice, and referrals to low-income clients on employment law matters including unpaid wages, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, family and medical leave act issues, sexual harassment, welfare to work issues, discrimination and disability accommodation. Before assigning a matter to a volunteer attorney, the Workers’ Rights Clinic screens it for the types of issues it involves, including for whether there is a likely conflict for federal government attorneys. 

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Clinics are held remotely from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday and from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every first and third Friday of the month. A scheduled appointment is required for our virtual clinic dates; volunteers may sign up for time slots that align with their availability and are welcome to leave if they finish earlier than the clinic’s scheduled end time. (Note: Clinics that operate during business hours may require volunteers to take leave to participate. For more information, see "May I participate in pro bono activities on government time?" and "May I be granted administrative leave?" in Frequently Asked Questions about Engaging in Pro Bono Activities as a Federal Government Employee.)

Clinics also operate in person on the second Saturday morning of each month at Bread for the City SE, 1700 Marion Barry Ave, SE, Washington D.C 20200 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Training

Volunteers must complete required training before beginning to volunteer with the Workers’ Rights Clinic. The training is a one-hour long live virtual training, which involves intake volunteers meeting with the workers’ rights advocate and advising attorney volunteers meeting with the supervising attorney. Experienced attorneys may not need to attend the formal training.

The Workers’ Rights Clinic also has optional, on-demand training materials available for intake volunteers, including a mock intake and information on how to conduct a follow-up. Intake volunteers also have the option to shadow before they sign-up to do an intake on their own. 

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided by an on-staff Workers’ Rights Clinic attorney and a network of supporting mentors.
  • Other support – Interpretation and translation services are available as needed.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Not available through the Workers’ Rights Clinic.
  • Office resources – For in-person clinics, office space, tablets, copiers, and scanners are available.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at the Workers’ Rights Clinic. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above.

Paralegal volunteers may volunteer directly through the Workers’ Rights Clinic.

Note for Bar Applicants: Volunteering as an intake volunteer qualifies as pro bono hours for purposes of bar applications, and the Workers’ Rights Clinic will help bar-applicant volunteers with completing their related bar application affidavits. 

Malpractice Insurance

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers, including those volunteering through the Workers’ Rights Clinic. 

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The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (WLCH) envisions a just and inclusive community for all residents of the District of Columbia, where housing is a human right and where every individual and family has equal access to the resources they need to thrive.

Our mission is to use the law to make justice a reality for our neighbors who struggle with homelessness and poverty. Combining community lawyering and advocacy to achieve our clients’ goals, our expert staff and network of volunteer attorneys provide low barrier, comprehensive legal services at intake sites throughout the District of Columbia, helping our clients to access housing, shelter, and life-saving services. Rooted in the experiences of this client work, we effectively blend system reform efforts, policy advocacy, community education and client engagement to advocate for long term improvements in local and federal programs that serve the low- and no-income community.

Kinds of Cases Offered

WLCH tries to meet the legal needs of those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The legal requests we frequently see involve access to emergency and transitional shelters, terminations from shelters, access to housing programs administered by the D.C. Department of Human Services (DHS) or District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), terminations from housing subsidy programs, access to and preservation of public benefits like SNAP, TANF and ERAP (all local benefits and NOT federal benefits), assistance obtaining ID documents like birth certificates and social security cards, consumer issues, and other civil legal questions. 

Applicable Timing & Location Information

Volunteer attorneys join a WLCH staff member at intakes to meet and represent clients in areas where WLCH has expertise. Intakes are conducted by phone and scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday for one hour. Intakes also are held in person for one hour, currently at Miriam’s Kitchen and expanding to other sites. 

Training

New volunteers must complete required training before beginning to volunteer with WLCH. The training is one hour in length and is available both in person and as an on-demand recording. Call for information about becoming a volunteer and the next training opportunity.

WLCH periodically provides optional specialized training opportunities for additional projects. These may be in person or remote and are recorded when possible. 

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – Provided by WLCH staff attorneys.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Not available through WLCH.
  • Office resources – Office space available for client meetings with advance notice. WLCH can also route client calls to volunteers through WLCH’s office.
  • Resource bank – WLCH has ample materials to support any case that will be accepted through intake.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at WLCH. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above. 

Malpractice Insurance

WLCH makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers. 

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Whitman-Walker Legal Services Program

Whitman-Walker’s Legal Services Program is the nation’s oldest medical-legal partnership and a community health center responding to D.C.’s public health challenges.

Kinds of Cases Offered

  • Estate Planning Clinic – Pre-screened clients are placed with individual volunteers via email. Clients usually seek a will, powers of attorneys, and medical directives. The attorney drafts the documents using provided templates and then arranges with the client to review and execute the documents.  

Applicable Timing & Location Information

All legal clinics are staffed remotely and timing varies.  

Training

Volunteers must complete required training before beginning to volunteer with the Whitman-Walker Legal Services Program. Required trainings average 1-2 hours in length and are via recorded Zoom sessions.

The Whitman-Walker Legal Services Program offers optional online resources to supplement trainings and periodically offer in-person training sessions in different practice areas. 

Mentoring and Other Support

  • Mentoring – All pro bono matters are supported via mentor guidance.
  • Other support – The Whitman-Walker Legal Services Program provides notaries and witnesses for executing wills. Limited interpretation and translations services available; volunteers are encouraged to locate language access services on their own.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses – Not available through the Whitman-Walker Legal Services Program.
  • Office resources – Limited office space and limited copying and scanning available.
  • Resource bank – All pro bono matters are supported via written materials, including sample pleadings, briefs, templates, reference materials, and toolkits.

Bar Membership Requirement

Attorney volunteers may be licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction – D.C. Bar membership is not required to volunteer pro bono at the Whitman-Walker Legal Services Program. For more information, see Providing Pro Bono Legal Services in the District of Columbia as an Out-of-State Attorney, above. 

Malpractice Insurance

The Whitman-Walker Legal Services Program makes malpractice insurance available to all of its pro bono volunteers. 

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Updated April 30, 2025