A Note from Our Executive Director, Sara B. Tennen

Friends,

June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, and there's no better time than right now to stand with survivors and disarm abusers. At Volunteer Legal Advocates, we've convened a task force to develop recommendations to strengthen gun relinquishment in DC. Now, we're proud to launch our gun relinquishment campaign, encouraging local leaders to implement these essential steps. Read on to learn more and see how you can get involved.

Of course, providing relief to survivors and children through pro bono legal aid and policy efforts like these is only possible thanks to our supporters and volunteers.

It was a true pleasure to see many of you at our Annual Benefit last month, and we are so grateful to our generous sponsors and all who joined us. Volunteer Legal Advocates is the only nonprofit I know that turns every $1 donated into $5 of free legal services, and with your support, we'll be able to make a truly powerful difference again this year. What happened in that room will show up in courtrooms, in protection orders, and in the lives of children who grow up free from violence. Thank you.

Our important work continues this summer with legal clinics, our Summer Lunch & Learn Series for volunteer attorneys, and more. All the details are below. I hope you'll set aside some time to join us!

Warmly,

Sara

June is Gun Violence Awareness Month

Guns & Domestic Violence Are A Deadly Combination.

A gun in the home raises the risk of homicide for women by 500%.
600+ American women are shot to death by intimate partners every year.
25% of last year's homicides in DC were related to domestic violence. That number is rising.

Join us this month and year-round to increase awareness about the intersection of gun violence and domestic violence and highlight the tools available in DC to ensure survivor safety.

Learn more at volunteerlegaladvocates.org/gvam

Volunteer Opportunities & Updates

Calling all active volunteers!

It’s time to submit your volunteer hours. Please refer to your original assignment email. If your actual hours differ significantly, please email your updated total to our team at hours@volunteerlegaladvocates.org

Recently closed a case or staffed a clinic? Please share your feedback! Your input helps us better support you and our shared clients. Share your thoughts

Admitted to the Bar Outside of DC or MD? You’re still covered! If you have active membership in another US state, you may practice in DC under the current Rules of Professional Responsibility and in MD under MD Rule 19-218.

Volunteer for a Case

Use your legal skills to help survivors and children build safe, stable futures. Every Volunteer Legal Advocates pro bono lawyer receives training, resources, and 1:1 support from a Supervising Attorney throughout your case.

I want to take a future case!

Volunteer at a Legal Clinic

Provide brief legal help to survivors and families in need in community spaces or virtually. Our free weekly walk-in legal clinics are a vital first step for clients seeking safety, stability, and support. Every volunteer receives 1:1 support.

I want to volunteer at a clinic!

Upcoming Trainings & Events

DC Superior Court Domestic Violence Division Pro Bono Open House

June 11, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | In person

Join us for a free Pro Bono Open House at DC Superior Court, co-sponsored by Volunteer Legal Advocates and hosted by DC Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers. Our own Alissa Osberg, Esq., will introduce you to the Domestic Violence Division, where the need for pro bono representation is especially high. Observe court proceedings, connect with judges, and learn how to help petitioners seek Civil Protection Orders against domestic and sexual violence.

Litigation Skills Lunch & Learn: Working with Expert Witnesses

June 10, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | In person and virtual options

Join Volunteer Legal Advocates and attorneys from Fried Frank for a lunch & learn on working with expert witnesses. Learn to prepare experts for testimony; use expert testimony persuasively and effectively; and cross-examine the other side’s experts.

Navigating Child Sexual Abuse Lunch & Learn: Disclosures and Investigations

July 15, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Virtual

Join attorneys from Volunteer Legal Advocates’ Child Advocacy Program for a virtual lunch & learn on navigating child sexual abuse disclosures and investigations.

Language Access Best Practices Lunch & Learn

August 12, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Virtual

Join Volunteer Legal Advocates and Ayuda for a virtual lunch & learn on working effectively with Ayuda, including scheduling, interpreter best practices, a LanguageLine demo, and how to apply these guidelines when volunteering with us.

Kudos to our May Volunteers

To our volunteers: we’re deeply grateful for all you do to support survivors and children. Special thanks to those listed below for closing cases or serving at legal clinics in May.