The American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service has designated October 23-29 as National Celebrate Pro Bono Week. The week focuses on the increased need for pro bono services during challenging economic times and recognizes lawyers who volunteer their services throughout the year. This year, GW Law will hold a series of events, including an open forum, a training by The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, and a pro bono and justice (PB&J) fair.
Pro Bono Week Events
Monday, October 24, 2016
Hacky Hour: How Legal Hackathons Can Increase Access To Justice
6 - 7:30 pm, Dechert, 1900 K Street NW, Washington, DC
This is a free panel presentation on legal hackathons and the use of technology to address legal and social problems. Legal hackathons have been called “innovation labs for the legal industry.” These increasingly popular meet-ups bring lawyers together with coders, developers, marketers, and entrepreneurs to design new technologies that address legal and social problems. Learn about how hackathons and technology can shape the future of the legal industry and increase access to justice. The panel will describe technologies that have been developed and inspire you to use technology to solve vexing legal problems. Presenters include: Briane Cornish (Clean Slate DC), Keith Porcaro (SimLab), Matthew Stubenberg (Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service), DC Legal Hackers, and moderator Paul Lee (Dechert). Pizza and drinks will be provided.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Public Interest Committee Open Forum
1:30 - 2:30pm, Stockton 304 (S304)
Dean Alan Morrison and the Public Interest Committee will hold an open forum where all are invited to attend to learn about what is planned for the 2016-17 academic year as well as how to get involved in public interest and pro bono while at the Law School.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Homeless Family Hypothermia Pro Bono Project Training
Noon - 1 pm, Stockton 305 (S305)
When the thermometer drops below freezing, DC law entitles all citizens to shelter. Come learn how you can work with the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (WLCH) and assist homeless families with their right to shelter. The WLCH is willing to approve New York Bar Pro Bono certifications for work done.
Pro Bono & Justice (PB & J) Fair
4:00 - 6:00 pm, Student Conference Center (Lisner 2nd floor)
Come for 15 minutes or an hour and meet with local pro bono providers to hear about their projects and get involved right away or next semester. The new Pro Bono Opportunity Guide will be available. And to recognize the Fair’s name, there will also be fixins to make yourself a pb&j.
Friday, October 28, 2016 - Saturday, October 29, 2016
Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair
Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202
This is the largest national public interest legal career fair in the US. Over 160 public interest employers conduct interviews for internships and full-time jobs and meet with students in informal discussions of public interest legal opportunities. Over 1,200 students from nearly 200 law schools attend for interviews, workshops on public interest careers, job search advice, networking, resume and cover letter review, and mock interviews.