News

May 21, 2021

Higuchi, D.C. Judges Offer Reflections on Japanese American Incarceration

By Jeremy Conrad

The Bar Association of the District of Columbia (BADC) commemorated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month on May 20 with a fireside chat with former D.C. Bar President Shirley Ann Higuchi, author of Setsuko’s Secret: Heart Mountain and the Legacy of the Japanese American Incarceration. Higuchi was joined by District judges in discussing the Japanese American internment camps during World War II and their relevance to contemporary injustices.

May 21, 2021

Pro Bono Center Supports Proposed Measure to Seal Tenant Eviction Records

By William Roberts

The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center is supporting proposed legislation in the District of Columbia that would seal eviction records for tenants to help promote future access to affordable housing for low-income people.

May 21, 2021

D.C. Courts Adopt New Employee Dispute Resolution Plan

On May 20 the D.C. Courts announced the adoption of a new employee dispute resolution (EDR) plan as part of its efforts to foster a respectful workplace and ensure that concerns about fair employment practices can be openly and safely discussed.

May 20, 2021

Court Adopts Permanent Amendments to District Bar Admission Rules

By Jeremy Conrad

A District of Columbia Court of Appeals order issued on May 13 made permanent a number of emergency amendments to Rule 46 (Admission to the Bar) that were implemented on November 19, 2020.

May 20, 2021

Survey Emphasizes Need for Updated Parental Leave Policies

By John Murph

Law firms’ leave policies often exceed federal standards, but there is room for improvement regarding benefits for men and nontraditional family structures, according to a 2021 inaugural Parental Leave Survey by Major, Lindsey & Africa. The legal search firm presented its findings on May 14 at a National Association for Law Placement webinar, featuring the managing directors of its various offices.

May 18, 2021

Superior Court Enacts Rule of Criminal Procedure 62 Regarding Rules Emergency

On May 17 the D.C. Superior Court Board of Judges issued Rule Promulgation Order 21-04 enacting Rule of Criminal Procedure 62.

May 13, 2021

Task Force Reimagines District Jails and Justice

By Jeremy Conrad

On May 11 the District Task Force on Jails & Justice, an independent advisory body to the Council for Court Excellence (CCE), presented a briefing on its proposals to overhaul the District’s jails and justice system in the next 10 years.

May 12, 2021

California Lawyers Association and the D.C. Bar Announce Results of Groundbreaking Study on Attorney Mental Health and Well-Being

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) and the D.C. Bar shared crucial findings from a groundbreaking research project that offers insight into the personal and workplace risk factors for mental health problems, substance use, and attrition among practicing attorneys.

May 10, 2021

Inaugural Spring Wellness Fair Tackles Grief and Stress

By John Murph

The D.C. Bar’s Communities and Lawyer Assistance Program marked Well-Being Week in Law (May 3–7) and Mental Health Awareness Month by hosting their first Spring Wellness Fair on May 6. The virtual event featured several nationally renowned life coaches and former attorneys who talked about the mental, emotional, and physical challenges many legal professionals encounter.

May 07, 2021

Superior Court Seeks Comment on Changes to Crime Victims Compensation Program Rules

The Superior Court of the District of Columbia recently completed its review of proposed amendments to Rules 9 and 13 of the Crime Victims Compensation Program, removing the itemized list of eligible expenses as well as the requirements to provide a Social Security number and a Medical Expense and Treatment Verification Form.