Ms. Robertson had always been close with her niece Dayani and nephew Dhani. But when the kids were 14 and 7 years old, their mother unexpectedly became ill.

The siblings moved in with Ms. Robertson. Dhani is autistic and is supported by an aide five days a week. Having Ms. Robertson there to help keep his routine through the difficult time was essential.

Tragically, Ms. Robertson’s sister passed away. Ms. Robertson and her mother – the siblings’ grandmother – worked to figure out what would be best for Dayani and Dhani, and how best to keep the family together.

Dhani, now 10 years old, on a merry-go-round.

Ms. Robertson worried about potential disruptions for her niece and nephew – and wanted to be sure they wouldn’t have to go into foster care in order to get essential supports.

Dayani with her grandmother.

Ms. Robertson reached out to Children’s Law Center for help. We coordinated with a team of pro bono attorneys who were well-positioned to handle complex custody matters and they took the case right away. They helped Ms. Robertson connect with resources to support her niece and nephew while the custody cases were ongoing.

“They walked me through, step-by-step, what we needed to do and what information would make the process easier,” Ms. Robertson said. “And in doing so, it was the first time since I lost my sister that I felt like there was hope.”

Although Children’s Law Center is one of the largest nonprofit legal providers in DC, many more people come to us than we can help directly. Our pro bono team places children, parents and caregivers in need of legal services with hundreds of pro bono attorneys every year from the area’s top law firms, in-house legal departments and government agencies to help fill the gap.

Next week, we’re participating in three events as part of DC Pro Bono Week. Join us to learn more about the need for pro bono legal assistance and the support and mentorship you’ll get as part of the Children’s Law Center pro bono program:

It Takes a Village: Highlighting the Value of Pro Bono Representation in Family Law

1pm-2pm | Virtual

Panelists will discuss challenges individuals face in securing representation, share their experiences representing parents, third-party caregivers and the best interests of children.

Click here to register .

D.C. Superior Court Open House

11:45am-1:30pm | Moultrie Courthouse

You’ll observe court proceedings, speak with Superior Court Judges, and learn how you can help expand access to justice and improve the everyday lives of individuals and families in our community.

Click here to register.

Meeting Our Clients Where They Are: Serving Families East of the Anacostia River

11am-12pm | Children's Health Center - Anacostia

You will learn about our medical-legal partnership, how lawyers can address non-medical barriers to health, the benefits of co-locating legal services with non-lawyer professionals, and how you can get involved.

Click here to register .

I hope you’ll join us next week as we celebrate the work our pro bono partners do to expand access to justice! Contact us or click here to learn more ways you can volunteer to support DC’s children and families. 

Jen Masi

Pro Bono Director

DONATE