Jodi Feldman, Director of Pro Bono and Intake

Are you an attorney who has provided 50 hours or more of pro bono service in 2011? If so, the DC Courts want to thank and recognize you for your contribution!

The Chief Judges of the D.C. Court of Appeals and the D.C. Superior Court jointly announced in late October the launch of the Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, which recognizes the vital role that private and federal government attorneys play in providing pro bono representation to those who cannot afford counsel. The Honor Roll will recognize D.C. Bar members and others authorized to perform pro bono work in the District of Columbia who provide 50 or more hours of pro bono service per year. Lawyers providing 100 hours or more of pro bono service will be recognized on the “High Honor Roll.”

In a joint letter announcing the initiative, Chief Judge of the D.C. Court of Appeals Eric Washington and Chief Judge of the D.C. Superior Court Lee Satterfield wrote “The D.C. Courts are mindful of the challenges faced by pro se litigants attempting to navigate our court system without counsel. It is for this reason that the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct call on bar members to provide fifty hours or more of pro bono service per year and why we want to acknowledge those who do by adding their names to the Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll.” The new initiative also enjoys the support of the D.C. Access to Justice Commission and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program.

To be included in the Honor Roll, attorneys must submit a declaration to the court, which may be completed online, indicating that they have provided 50 hours or more of pro bono work in the calendar year. Applications to be on the list of honorees for 2011 are due by January 31, 2012.