Initiative will recognize attorneys who provide pro bono services to those in need in DC 
 
 The Chief Judges of the DC Court of Appeals and DC Superior Court jointly announced the launch of the “Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll,” which recognizes the vital role private and federal government attorneys play in providing pro bono services to those who cannot afford counsel. 
 
 The initiative, which is supported by the DC Access to Justice Commission and the DC Bar Pro Bono Program, was launched this week as part of the American Bar Association’s National Celebration of Pro Bono.  The Honor Roll will recognize DC Bar members and others authorized to perform pro bono work in the District of Columbia who provide 50 hours of pro bono service or more per year; those providing 100 hours of pro bono service or more will be recognized on the “High Honor Roll.”   
 
In a joint letter announcing the initiative, Eric Washington, Chief Judge of the DC Court of Appeals, and Lee Satterfield, Chief Judge of the DC Superior Court, wrote, “The DC Courts are mindful of the challenges faced by pro se litigants attempting to navigate our court system without counsel. It is for this reason that the DC Rules of Professional Conduct call on bar members to provide fifty hours or more of pro bono service per year and why we want to acknowledge those who do by adding their names to the Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll.”   
 
 Peter Edelman, Chair of the DC Access to Justice Commission, praised the new initiative.  “These attorneys are helping to fill a troubling justice gap. Their work provides critical interventions in individual cases and also enhances the administration of justice more generally.  We greatly value their contributions.”   
 
 “Since 2003, the Federal Courts in the District have recognized the pro bono contributions of law firms through the “40 at 50” initiative which celebrates law firms that provide pro bono service at benchmark levels,” said Mark Herzog, Associate Director of the DC Bar Pro Bono Program.  “We applaud the District of Columbia Courts for establishing a program that recognizes the individual attorneys who dedicate their time and expertise to help those most in need.”   
 
To be included in the Honor Roll, attorneys must submit a declaration to the court indicating that they have provided 50 hours of pro bono work or more – or 100 hours or more for the higher recognition category – in the calendar year.  Further information and the application form can be found at www.probono.net/dc/honor-roll.  
 
 Applications to be on the list of honorees for 2011 pro bono hours are due by January 31, 2012.