Fellow & Client Experiences

The Fellowship Experience

“DCALF has been the best post-graduate legal experience that I could have hoped for. This program has been foundational in exposing me to the critical issues new lawyers all face, but with the caveat of having intense training before those issues arise, and continuous guidance from supervisors, professors, and alumni who helped craft me into the zealous advocate I have always inspired to be. During my time at DCALF, I have found my voice as a new attorney with sacrificing my ability to be an active and engaged mother of two. This fellowship is the blueprint for successful, new law school graduates interested in direct legal services.” – Songo W.
“My fellowship at DCALF offered unique experiences to manage a significant caseload on my own and develop relationships with my clients from very early on in my post-law school career. I was able to take ownership of my cases and gain confidence in my ability to strategize and direct where the case was headed. Even though I do not practice family law anymore, the skills I gained with managing frequent filings, depositions, and acting as first chair for a multi-day contested divorce/custody trial are skills that virtually none of my peers were getting in their first year of practicing the law. I was also able to broaden my base of immigration knowledge, which provided a helpful backdrop to my current role in immigration practice at another legal services provider in Washington, DC. One of the best parts of the fellowship was also the chance to build deep friendships with the other fellows in my class, learning from and supporting one another as we navigated the experiences that challenged and grew us as young attorneys.” – Amelia D.
“I can’t think of a better way to have started my career as an attorney than the DCALF fellowship. The program starts with an enriching training conducted by brilliant scholars and seasoned attorneys. After that, you hit the ground running with case work and clients, which has been my favorite part! Taking family law cases allows you to have a robust litigation experience. Then you also have the choice of either Immigration or Probate & Estate Planning. I’ve always been passionate about immigration law and DCALF offers you the opportunity to work on an array of immigration matters while developing client-centered lawyering skills. To add the cherry on top, the mentorship program DCALF offers is fantastic! I know the relationships I have formed with my mentors will continue long after the fellowship, and that is something I will always be grateful for.” – Elisa R-V.

A Client’s Perspective

Ms. L.

Few words would adequately describe the invaluable resources I received during this tenure of our professional relationship on the referral on my divorce logistics case with you. It is not less than “heaven sent”… I was facing a total breakdown, despite the heroic efforts of the Court’s great mediation process. Facing my future Ex’s non-cooperative behavior, in addition to facing eviction and possible homelessness with my two daughters. I have not needed to work a job, because my husband required me to be a full-time Mother. So when the referral service recommended to me your name and services, I was elated, joyful, grateful, and humbled. You have been all that and more during these last several weeks. God knows the challenges I face. Now, I am confident, concise in thinking, ready to take on the next steps, and capable of providing for my daughters’ well-being, because of you. I feel greater to lead us to a successful journey of independence. Your endeavors have given us an invaluable gift for the end of the year moving forward. I am so grateful for your efforts and especially your compassion. — Ms. L.

For more information about the impact DCALF fellows have had on clients, please visit: https://www.dcaffordablelaw.org/dcalf-impact.