Pro Bono Work Makes Impact on Residents and Readers
It is great to see the efforts of District of Columbia lawyers doing pro bono work and the direct impact they make on local residents. As a teacher who is married to a lawyer (in fact, I recently thumbed through my husband’s June 2010 Washington Lawyer issue), it is great to see the stories of lawyers who do good-faith work like my husband, as well as those featured in “The Pro Bono Effect: A Son’s Battle for His Piece of the American Dream.”

In the article, written by D.C. Bar staff writer Thai Phi Le, lawyers worked diligently to assist Rashad Levett in keeping his family home. Levett’s father had died without making the proper arrangements for his son to keep their home. In the end, lawyers were able to help Levett win his case. These types of efforts beg the question, What would happen to residents such as Levett if there weren’t a pro bono system that brought together law firms, lawyers, the courts, and other programs to help pitch in?

I am fully aware of the volunteer opportunities in the legal profession. One thing I have always admired about the legal profession is that there is a mindset and a desire to help those who are less fortunate. And what’s more is that there is a well-established system in place for lawyers to take on such assignments—the pro bono system. The work of these lawyers continues to endure. Just ask Mr. Levett.

—Natalie Elmer
Denver, Colorado

Stein’s Mix of Keynes, Pups Hits the Mark
I have been reading Jake Stein’s “Legal Spectator” column for many years, and one thing is certain—his column never disappoints.

Such is the case when I opened a copy of the June magazine and read the words “John Maynard Keynes” and “Dog With an Ear Infection” in the same headline. I knew I was in for a treat. Who else could find a way to work such unrelated subjects into one fine work.

For years, Jake has brought a lot of passion to the courtroom, and that same passion is recreated within the pages of Washington Lawyer each month. To open this magazine in sun-scorched June and read about Jake’s good deed during that dreadful February snowstorm that blanketed the Washington metropolitan area was even more delightful.

As long as Jake’s column continues to appear on the last page of the magazine, I’ll always be a fan of both the columnist and the publication.

—Theo Watson
Grand Rapids, Michigan

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