November 2017 | Washington Lawyers' Committee eNewsletter
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Dear Friend of the Washington Lawyers' Committee,

This is our final newsletter for 2017. Over the course of the year, we have tried to give you a sense of the impact of our work, the critical efforts of our co-counsel and volunteers, and the importance of our generous donors.

The struggle for racial and economic justice is a difficult one. Discrimination and inequality bring clients to our doors and their problems demand a response. We embrace our obligation to correct the wrongs committed against them gladly and are proud that they have chosen us to partner with them to ensure that their rights are protected.

The Committee achieves what it does because of the courage of our clients, the commitment of co-counsel, and the generosity of our donors. Thank you for being part of our community.

Jon Smith
Executive Director, Washington Lawyers’ Committee
If you or someone you know has experienced any act of hate or bias because of their race, gender, national origin, religion, or disability, the Washington Lawyers’ Committee is ready to help. Please contact us at ReportHate@washlaw.org.
Increased Racial Equity in Housing
Increased Racial Equity in Housing
Washington, DC is one of the most racially segregated cities in America. Discrimination against renters who pay a part of their rent with a Housing Choice Voucher—known as source of income discrimination—is illegal, but unfortunately widespread, and “tantamount to racial discrimination.” In November, the ERC entered into a consent agreement with The Lenkin Company Management/Residential, Inc. that will increase racial equity in housing and provide access to housing opportunities throughout the District.
Tackling Intersections of Criminal System and Poverty
Tackling Intersections of Criminal System and Poverty
The Committee is hosting two fellows tackling the intersections between the criminal system and poverty, Tiffany Yang and Marques Banks. For the next two years, Tiffany will challenge the collateral consequences of criminal system involvement and Marques will focus on the flip side of the prison-poverty pipeline, challenging the ways the criminal system punishes people who are unable to pay court debt. They will build on the Committee’s efforts to reduce the impact of an unfair criminal system. We are thrilled to have them here making change with us. More on Marques and Tiffany and their projects…
Spotlight:
Ben Wilson
Spotlight: Ben Wilson
“Lawyers have at least two ways to give back with the goal of correcting inequities and improving society: deploying their intellect and belief in systems of justice through volunteer time to work on and lead Committee efforts, and contributing a share of the financial success they derive from their practice to the Committee so it can sustain its operations. I challenge my colleagues to give as much as they can from each of these reservoirs,” says long-time Committee leader, Ben Wilson. Read more about Ben’s life and leadership, and why we are so grateful for his support.
Volunteer's Viewpoint: Inside a Parole Hearing
Volunteer's Viewpoint: Inside a Parole Hearing
For the last three decades, felons convicted in DC have been incarcerated in the federal prison system. The federal U.S. Parole Commission also has authority to grant or deny parole to eligible DC prisoners. Until DC regains local control of parole decisions, Committee volunteers represent men across the country at their parole hearings, ensuring the hearings are fair and increasing the likelihood of a good outcome.

Willkie Farr’s Kristian Hinson recalls her experience representing one such prisoner... 
Remembering John Nolan
Remembering John Nolan
It is with great sadness that the Committee reports the death of John E. Nolan, the esteemed first Chair of our organization and longtime Executive Committee and Board member. As a lifelong civil rights champion, John Nolan exemplified the best qualities of pro bono service in our profession. The Committee will be forever in his debt. His role in helping found the Washington Lawyers' Committee is but a part of his enduring legacy.
More November News
  • On November 3, at the annual Burke Pro Bono Breakfast, we reported on some of the remarkable employment justice work our clients and volunteers have been a part of this year. Highlights included panels featuring Franklin Savage, a former police detective who was fired after objecting to discrimination on the job, and Daneyra Palacios, who was fired after requesting a work schedule that accommodated her child care needs. Watch them here and here.
  • Liz Nadeau spoke with domestic workers about their rights at a meeting organized by the National Domestic Workers Alliance with nearly 100 domestic workers and advocates.
  • The Equal Rights Center honored the Committee with its Outstanding Public Service Award.
  • We joined the NAACP and other civil rights organizations in submitting amicus curiae briefs in two federal appellate courts challenging Muslim Ban 3.0.
  • We continue to fight for women at Fluvanna Correctional Center, who still are not getting adequate health care.
  • The Committee hosted a viewing and discussion of the film Backpack Full of Cash, which explores the growing privatization of public schools and the resulting impact on America’s most vulnerable children.
  • Tiffany Yang’s testimony to the DC Council urged revisions to strengthen the proposed “Removing Barriers to Occupational Licenses Amendment Act of 2017,” which recognizes the pervasive and often insurmountable barriers to reentry that have exacerbated economic instability and homelessness in our most vulnerable communities.
Fight Injustice & Inequality with WLC: Volunteer and Pro Bono Opportunities
Workers' Rights Clinic November Schedule
Click here to get involved with clinic and additional volunteer opportunities with the Committee.
  • Wednesdays, December 6, 13, and 20 from 6–9 p.m., at Bread for the City, 1525 Seventh Street NW
  • Fridays, December 1 and 15, from 12–4 p.m. at the Neighborhood Legal Services Program office at 2811 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
  • No Saturday Clinic in December
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