2020 Presidents Reception Celebrates Pro Bono Center’s Transformative Work

July 31, 2020

By Jeremy Conrad

D.C. Bar members and supporters of the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center gathered virtually on July 30 for its Presidents Reception honoring new D.C. Bar President Geoffrey M. Klineberg and raising funds in support of the Center’s transformative work for low-income D.C. residents.

The reception, hosted by past presidents of the Bar, underscored the Pro Bono Center’s free legal assistance programs and resources for the District of Columbia’s underserved residents, made even more vital by the coronavirus crisis.

“I raise my glass to salute all of you who make this work possible. I also must recognize specifically our talented and dedicated staff, who adapted — virtually overnight — to remote operations, overcoming countless challenges to serve our clients during the pandemic,” Pro Bono Center Executive Director Rebecca K. Troth said during her virtual toast.

_{D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Executive Director Rebecca K. Troth delivers a virtual toast from her makeshift home studio during the Presidents Reception.}

One highlight of the reception was a video played of a young mother who received valuable legal help from the Center in a family law matter. “The program was a great chance to not only thank our wonderful donors and volunteers, but also to highlight the outstanding work of the staff throughout the pandemic. And the lovely video of [former D.C. Bar President Susan Hoffman’s] client was such a perfect way to illustrate why what we do is important.”

The Pro Bono Center raised more than $800,000 in donations, which will constitute nearly one-quarter of the Center’s total operating budget. The Pro Bono Center is the largest provider of pro bono legal services in the District and is funded entirely by voluntary contributions. More than 20,000 individuals receive legal help from the Center each year.

Klineberg’s firm, Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick, P.L.L.C., received a special mention during the reception for its partners’ generous contributions totaling $145,000.

The reception preceded the Bar’s Celebration of Leadership, also livestreamed this year in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.