The 2016 Generous Associates Campaign, an extraordinary effort run by law firm associates across our city to help make justice real for our client community, has started in high gear!  On June 8^th, we celebrated the launch of the Campaign at a reception hosted by Hogan Lovells’ Neal Katyal, the Generous Associates Campaign Honorary Chair.

Neal talked about the importance of supporting Legal Aid, singling out the case of Sergio Moreira and how he was unfairly being sued for $7,000 in back rent that he claimed he did not owe.  Mr. Moreira is paralyzed and lives off of disability benefits, so this amount was overwhelming.  Legal Aid helped Mr. Moreira prove that he had indeed fully paid his rent, and furthermore, that the landlord had not addressed the deplorable conditions Mr. Moreira had been living in.

The Generous Associates Campaign raises over 25% of Legal Aid’s budget every year. Last year, the combined efforts of more than 170 law firm associates from 74 firms helped to support Legal Aid by raising $1.36 million – a record-shattering sum. This year’s Co-Chairs are reaching even higher, setting a goal of $1.4 million for the 2016 campaign. This is an ambitious goal, but it is one I know we can reach with your help.

And as associates all over town begin thinking about how they will contribute to this effort – whether by making a personal donation, encouraging colleagues to participate, or (we hope) doing both – we think it is helpful to remember what this Campaign is really about: It is about helping a woman and her children escape an abusive relationship; about keeping families in their homes; about helping the elderly obtain the medical care they desperately need and to which they are entitled under the law.

If your firm is not participating in the Campaign, it is most definitely not too late. Please contact Eric Angel or Gregg Kelley to learn more about the supports we provide our firm coordinators, so they can lead a successful campaign. No firm is too small!

Over the next several weeks, I hope you will join us by donating to Legal Aid, participating in firm fundraising events (sporting competitions, happy hours, etc.), and encouraging your colleagues to give to the Campaign.

Remember that Legal Aid’s services benefit thousands of individuals living in poverty in D.C. every year – your support could make a truly life-changing difference to one of your neighbors in the District. Thank you.