District of Columbia Bar

Every child deserves meaningful access to education, and effective advocacy is often the key to making that right a reality.

Join us for a program on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and how attorneys can advocate effectively for students with disabilities.

Designed for legal aid and legal services advocates, nonprofit attorneys, and pro bono practitioners, instructor William B. Jaffe will cover the IDEA process from evaluation and eligibility through the development and implementation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), along with strategies for protecting students’ educational rights.

🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/4dTE9qc

D.C. Bar members have elected Josh Mogil, an attorney at WilmerHale, to serve as president-elect for the 2026–2027 term. Mogil will serve in that position for one year beginning July 1 and will assume the presidency of the D.C. Bar in 2027.

Thank you to all who voted and congratulations to the Bar’s new set of leaders!

Complete election results are available on the D.C. Bar website: https://bit.ly/4uXwZan

In this issue: Mobilizing Nonlawyers for Civil Justice Access

Low-income Americans receive little to no legal help for 92 percent of their civil legal problems. Across the country, a handful of states have taken steps to close the civil justice gap, including the issuance of limited licenses to specially trained nonlawyers. In the District of Columbia, the D.C. Court of Appeals adopted a new allowing trained “community justice workers” to provide legal assistance to those who cannot afford it.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4dnR4R8

Wherever you are in your legal career, the D.C. Bar is here to support your success.

Renew your license today to remain in good standing and maintain uninterrupted access to the resources you rely on — from CLE and practice management support to professional communities, well-being resources, and opportunities to expand access to justice — and more.

🔗 Renew today: my.dcbar.org

Have you voted in the D.C. Bar elections?

Last night president-elect candidates Amy L. Bess and Josh Mogil shared their vision for the Bar and answered members’ questions during a virtual candidates forum. Thank you to our candidates and to moderator Eric Tarosky of Kirkland & Ellis and the D.C. Bar Early Career Lawyers Community.

Watch the Candidate Forum: https://bit.ly/4nKwyxw

Cast your ballot before voting closes June 3: https://bit.ly/4dCN26k

Support self-represented litigants in Family Court.

Join the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center and DC Courts on May 19 (10 am -1 pm) for a free virtual training that prepares attorneys and volunteers to assist individuals navigating custody, divorce, visitation, and child support matters.

Participants will learn how to explain legal concepts clearly, navigate court procedures without providing legal advice, and provide effective, ethical support in a high-need setting.

🔗 Register today: https://bit.ly/3PgeSNy

Final days to register and save 25%. Deadline: May 10.

Join the D.C. Bar team for Lawyers Have Heart and support a powerful cause while connecting with colleagues and the broader legal community.

Use code DCBAR26 at checkout.
🔗 Sign up today: https://bit.ly/48KzGmD

How the FY2027 D.C. Budget Will Impact Policy and Practice

Gain timely insight into how the District’s FY2027 budget will shape policy, governance, and the practice of law.

Join the D.C. Bar District of Columbia Affairs Community for this annual program on May 20, examining the Mayor’s proposed budget, the Council’s review process, and key priorities including taxation, human services funding, and Congress’s role in District spending.

🔗 Register:
https://bit.ly/4elLkIs

Sponsor Spotlight: Job Flash

Get your open role in front of the right legal audience faster. Reach professionals who are actively checking opportunities and ready for their next move and give your job posting the extra visibility it deserves.

Activate Job Flash™ today: https://bit.ly/42nwhGW

✨ Excellence. Leadership. Community.

Celebrate it all on June 18 at the D.C. Bar’s Celebration of Leadership Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner. Featuring remarks by President Sadina Montani and the swearing-in of President-Elect Diane Seltzer.

Secure your seat: https://bit.ly/4cMm3G8