Friends,

Attacks on the rule of law have threatened access to justice for many across our community. Thankfully, dedicated law firms and corporate partners have stepped up to provide necessary pro bono support.

With more than 500 volunteers from law firms, corporations and other organizations, we are continuing to meet the urgent needs of the District’s children – those that have existed for decades and those that have been newly created in this moment.   

Each day, our pro bono partners contribute their time, passion and expertise to resolve critical legal needs, such as:

• Assisting a family to fix unhealthy housing conditions after their child was repeatedly rushed to the ER due to mold exposure in their home;
• Supporting a student who needed an evaluation to get their education back on track; or
• Advocating for a custody order that strengthens family stability.

A unique challenge this year has been the fast-paced changes to federal rules and regulations. Whether it’s cuts to Medicaid or new requirements that will impact how we can best support students with disabilities, the changes are complicated and vast. Many firms and government experts have stepped in to help us track these complex changes so we can rapidly adapt our legal support.

We have also had pro bono partners provide much-needed legal support to families who are worried that their children will be separated due to an immigration-related detention or deportation. From helping create the FamiliesUnitedMetroDC.org resource site to individual representation for families who want to arrange for power of attorney, their contributions are especially meaningful in these difficult times.

Once again, thank you for all that you are doing to step up for DC children and families in this moment. Because of your dedication and commitment, we’re able to reach more children and families than we ever could alone.

Thank you,

Jen Masi, Pro Bono Director

P.S. Join us next week during DC Pro Bono Week. On Monday, we're moderating a panel focused on family law, including how we're helping families prepare for immigration emergencies. On Tuesday, my colleague Jennifer Mezey will share what families need to know to navigate changes to public benefits. And on Thursday, we will host an open house to introduce people to our medical-legal partnership at Children’s National Clinic in Shaw. Click to learn more about these events.