Resources

Name: Steven P. Hollman

Current Position: Of Counsel, Sheppard, Mullen, Richter & Hampton, LLP

DC Bar Office Sought: Board of Governors

Have you had any past involvement with the AAJLJ?

Although I have not been a member of AAJLJ, I was a founding member of the Capital Legal Council of B’nai B’rith and have been active as a volunteer for the Law Committee of the Anti-Defamation League. For many years, I served on the Board of the Washington Hebrew Congregation and was its Brotherhood President. I am proud of my Jewish heritage and am an active member of the Jewish community of greater Washington.

Why are you seeking a leadership position in the DC Bar?

We are at a moment of existential crisis confronting our legal system, the rule of law, and access to justice. I have devoted a substantial part of my 40+ year career at Sheppard Mullin and Hogan & Hartson/Hogan Lovells to these principles and the institutions that support them. I believe the Bar should stand strongly for these institutions and values. That is why I am a Board candidate.

What has been your past involvement with voluntary bar associations, including leadership positions in any Bar or legal organization.

Past Co-Chair, Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

Past President, Washington Council of Lawyers

Past President, Court of Federal Claims Bar Association

Past Board Member, Federal Bar Association, Maryland Chapter

Past Board Member, ACLU of Maryland

Fellow, American Bar Foundation

What do you see as the major issues facing the DC Bar?

The attack on the rule of law, access to justice and voting rights and on institutions that defend these values is the single most important issue confronting the D.C. Bar. I am mindful of the strictures imposed bv the referenda and the institutional constraints necessarily arising from the Bar’s status as a mandatory bar organization, but I believe that protecting the independence of the judiciary, voluntary bar associations and private law firms, and securing access to justice and voting rights, are values we all must share, and they are non-partisan and should be non-political.

Given that the DC Bar is a mandatory bar, what role do you think the DC Bar is able to play in protecting the rule of law?

Without question. If elected, I plan to confer with Bar leadership, the ABA, other mandatory bar associations around the country that are speaking out, the private bar community, voluntary bar associations and former government lawyers to develop an action plan to speak out against abuses that seek to weaken and compromise the independence of institutions that are the bulwark against assaults on the rule of law, recognizing that when we rise as a community devoted to access to justice and the rule of law, our unified voices will resonate.

Please tell us about any commitment to issues/activities that might have a significant impact on the Jewish community?

A sizeable portion of my legal career has been devoted to efforts to make a difference rather than just making a living. As a law firm partner, I have pursued pro bono work in a broad range of civil rights and constitutional matters involving claims under the First, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments, the Voting Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VI, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.

During my 33 years at Hogan & Hartson and its successor, Hogan Lovells, and in my subsequent 9 years at Sheppard, I have demonstrated my dedication to the development and delivery of legal services through the pro bono programs of those firms and my ability to marshal the resources of the private bar to address systemic wrong.

My dedication is reflected in both the depth of my litigation work and my sustained commitment to civic and community service. I repeatedly have stepped into complex, high-stakes pro bono representations requiring sophisticated trial and appellate advocacy—often in areas where clients of limited means have faced overwhelming power imbalances.

My pro bono docket has demonstrated a consistent focus on giving voice to people and communities without political power and extending legal protections to communities facing significant historic and structural disadvantages, including people with disabilities, communities of color, victims of hate crimes, and children at risk. My cases also have addressed civil rights, environmental justice, and access to essential public services.

In my practice, I was one of the attorneys who provided pro bono representation to the Shaare Tefila Congregation of Silver Spring before the Supreme Court after the synagogue was desecrated in an episode of anti-Semitic hate violence. In a unanimous opinion, the Supreme Court held that a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 which prohibits racial discrimination applies to any people subjected to intentional discrimination because of "their ancestry or ethnic characteristics," expanding the range of federal remedies available to victims of hate violence. See Shaare Tefila Congregation v. Cobb, 481 U.S. 615 (1987).

I worked with the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs and the National Institute Against Prejudice and Violence to oversee the preparation of an update to a published national survey of federal and state remedies available to victims of hate violence: Striking Back at Bigotry: Remedies Under Federal and State Law for Violence Motivated by Racial, Religious, and Ethnic Prejudice (1986).

I deeply appreciate the interest of the AAJLJ in these issues. I would be grateful for the votes of your members and your community in the DC Bar election for Board of Governors.

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American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists Questionnaire

The American Association of Jewish Lawyers & Jurists (AAJLJ) is a national nonprofit association representing the American Jewish legal community. We bring our community together to defend Jewish interests and human rights in the United States and abroad. 

As a voluntary bar association of the DC Bar, we engage with legal issues that have an impact on the Jewish and broader world through the lens of Jewish values and tradition. The AAJLJ educates and advocates around critical issues such as: civil rights, human rights, access to justice, social justice, Israel, the Rule of Law, Holocaust issues, and Jewish Law. Through its members, the AAJLJ provides legal support to safeguard human rights and combat antisemitism. In addition, the AAJLJ works to combat those who attempt to use “lawfare” to stigmatize and delegitimize the State of Israel. 

The AAJLJ has an active and growing DC Chapter. This is the first year the AAJLJ has developed a questionnaire for candidates for DC Bar office. We do not plan to endorse candidates this year but may do so in the future. We are posting questionnaire answers on our website for the reference of our members and other interested parties. We appreciate all candidates who wish to participate in this manner. 

Name: Hilary Gerzhoy

Current Position: Founder, Gerzhoy PLLC;  Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University Law Center

DC Bar Office Sought: Board of Governors, At-Large Seat

Have you had any past involvement with the AAJLJ? 

No, though I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with the organization through this process.

Why are you seeking a leadership position in the DC Bar? 

The Bar plays a vital role in safeguarding the independence of our profession and upholding the highest ethical standards — and this is not a typical moment for either. The rule of law is under pressure, and I believe the Bar must be a principled and active guardian of it. I have devoted my career to legal ethics and the rules that define our profession, and I want to bring that commitment to the Board of Governors at a time when it matters most.

What has been your past involvement with voluntary bar associations, including leadership positions in any Bar or legal organization? 

I serve as Chair of the D.C. Bar Rules of Professional Conduct Review Committee and as a member of the ABA's Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility. I also serve on the D.C. Circuit's Advisory Committee on Admissions and Grievances. My candidacy has been endorsed by the D.C. LGBTQ+ Bar Association, the South Asian Bar Association of D.C., and the Hispanic Bar Association of D.C., as well as by past presidents of the D.C. Bar, the Women's Bar Association of D.C., the Bar Association of the District of Columbia, and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

What do you see as the major issues facing the DC Bar? 

The most pressing issue is the independence of the legal profession at a moment when that independence is being tested. Lawyers must be able to advise clients, advocate zealously, and uphold their ethical obligations without fear of retaliation or political pressure. The Bar has a critical role to play in supporting members navigating these pressures and in speaking clearly about the profession's foundational principles. I also see ongoing work in ensuring the Bar's rules keep pace with the evolving challenges lawyers face, including from new technologies.

Given that the DC Bar is a mandatory bar, what role do you think the DC Bar is able to play in protecting the rule of law? 

Precisely because membership is mandatory, the D.C. Bar carries unique authority and responsibility. It is not a political organization, but it is a professional one — and protecting the rule of law is at the core of what it means to be a lawyer. The Bar can and should speak out when the legal system itself is under threat, support members who face pressure for fulfilling their professional obligations, and ensure that the rules governing our conduct reflect the values that make the legal profession worthy of public trust.

Please tell us about any commitment to issues/activities that might have a significant impact on the Jewish community: 

I am Jewish, and the values at the heart of my candidacy are ones deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. The concept of tzedek — justice — is not aspirational for me; it is a guiding principle. My entire career has been devoted to ensuring that the legal system operates with integrity, that lawyers fulfill their ethical obligations, and that the rule of law is upheld even when it is inconvenient or costly to do so. At a moment when democratic institutions and the rights of vulnerable communities face real threats, I believe that commitment to justice is both a professional and a personal imperative.

Name: John R. Ingrassia

Current Position: Partner, Proskauer Rose

DC Bar Office Sought: DC Bar Treasurer

Have you had any past involvement with the AAJLJ? 

While I have not had past involvement with the AAJLJ, I look forward to our future engagement and helping to support AAJLJ work.

Why are you seeking a leadership position in the DC Bar?

I highly value the roles I served in for numerous public service organizations throughout my career and welcome the opportunity to further support the DC Bar and its important mission in the Washington, DC legal community.

What has been your past involvement with voluntary bar associations, including leadership positions in any Bar or legal organization?

I have been a member of the DC Bar for 30 years, and active with several DC Bar groups including the Pro Bono and Antitrust and Consumer Law communities. I have enjoyed taking leading roles, meeting members who are passionate about their practice, and contributing to the excellence of our work. As I contribute to our community in a range of ways, including substantive practice-related matters, pro bono and in organizational matters of the Bar, I look forward to doing so as our Treasurer. I support the communities I am a part of, including at home with my neighborhood project with the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. I also regularly engage in our firm’s service projects at Miriam’s Kitchen, DC Central Kitchen and others.

What do you see as the major issues facing the DC Bar?

I see participation and image as key issues facing the D.C. Bar.  Participation in the DC Bar and its many offerings can and should be greatly expanded.  I also believe the image and reputation of the DC Bar, as compared with the ABA, does not always fairly reflect the high caliber of professionals working tirelessly to make the organization great.  To remedy this, I plan to encourage substantial additional participation in the Bar's governance, leadership and program level activities, and to encourage those involved to share the great work they do with their peers, friends, and colleagues on a more regular and continuing basis.

Given that the DC Bar is a mandatory bar, what role do you think the DC Bar is able to play in protecting the rule of law? 

As an organization of practicing lawyers, the DC Bar must play a key role in protecting the rule of law as the foundation of our democracy.  As a member of the Bar and as part of the DC Bar leadership I will work continuously to ensure that the DC Bar remains a strong voice in protecting the rule of law.

Please tell us about any commitment to issues/activities that might have a significant impact on the Jewish community:

As demonstrated by my service with the DC Bar, the Council for Court Excellence, its Justice Education Committee, and other legal and public interest organizations; access to justice, supporting and encouraging pro bono work, and supporting public interest organizations has been a hallmark of my 30+ year career, all while maintaining a busy corporate practice.  These are ideals that impact the Jewish community and our wider community more broadly, need to continually to be advanced, and I will work to ensure that we do so.

Name: Joshua L. Mogil

Current Position: DC Bar Treasurer, WilmerHale Attorney, Adjunct Professor at Georgetown Law

DC Bar Office Sought: DC Bar President-Elect

Have you had any past involvement with the AAJLJ?  

I’m hoping to get more involved with your DC chapter! 

Why are you seeking a leadership position in the DC Bar?  

I’m Josh Mogil (current DC Bar Treasurer; ex-DOJ and USAID; past president of the DC LGBTQ+ Bar) running to support President Diane Seltzer’s defense of the rule of law at a moment when we face unprecedented attacks.  By reimagining the DC Bar as a central hub for dedicated action and joyful community building, I believe we can face these challenges head on and together.

My vision is grounded in action: 1) empowering the Bar to defend our profession, our judges, and our city; 2) supporting our heroic government and public interest attorneys on the frontlines of democracy; and 3) and expanding pro bono clinics to meet today’s urgent access to justice crises (help our immigrants).  Central to this vision is my “Justice You Can Practice” agenda: a year-long initiative focused on in-person programs, AI tools, and enhanced member services all geared towards empowering you to be the best lawyers you can be and fostering a renewed sense of professional community.

These rule of law and access to justice issues have long been my career focus—as a WilmerHale attorney, an adjunct professor at Georgetown, and in roles at DOJ, USAID, and the NAACP LDF.  I also proudly served as President of the DC LGBTQ+ Bar and bring deep, hands on operational experience inside the DC Bar which would enable me to hit the ground running.  I currently serve as the DC Bar’s Treasurer and on the Bar’s executive, budget, and investment committees. I’m therefore ready to get to work.

What has been your past involvement with voluntary bar associations, including leadership positions in any Bar or legal organization?

I have held a number of leadership roles in bar associations, including as President of the DC LGBTQ+ Bar Association and Treasurer of the DC Bar:

• DC Bar Treasurer and Board Governor (Present)
• DC Bar Pro Bono Center Treasurer and Board Director (Present)
• DC Bar Executive Committee Member, Budget Committee Member, Investment Committee Member (Present)
• DC LGBTQ+ Bar Association President (2023-2024)
• DC LGBTQ+ Bar Association Treasurer (2022-2023)
• DC Bar Voluntary Bar Leadership Group (Present)

I am also an active and engaged member of most DC voluntary bars and have worked for years to foster the voluntary bar community.  Because of that work, and as part of this election, I have been formally endorsed for President-elect by a number of DC’s voluntary bars:

• DC Consortium of Legal Service Providers (36 local organizations)
• Washington Council of Lawyers
• Women’s Bar Association
• Washington Bar Association
• Asian Pacific American Bar Association
• DC LGBTQ+ Bar Association
• Hispanic Bar Association of DC
• Iranian-American Bar Association
• DC Caribbean Bar Association
• National Bar Association-Women’s Lawyer Division- GWAC
• South Asian Bar Association-DC.

What do you see as the major issues facing the DC Bar? 

DC and its lawyers are facing unprecedented attacks on the rule of law, our system of justice, the independence of our judges and court system, and the work of our independent DC Attorney General.  DC is also facing significant budget shortfalls for our legal service providers which will exacerbate the access to justice gap in a city already in great need.  Because of these crises, our government and public interest lawyers are facing additional strain. The DC Bar can and must do more to address this.

Given that the DC Bar is a mandatory bar, what role do you think the DC Bar is able to play in protecting the rule of law? 

Under various member referenda, the DC Bar is limited to speaking out on topics germane to the legal profession.  I would argue that protecting the rule of law falls into that category, and I would urge the Bar to stand up more vigorously to defend the rule of law.  The Bar can speak out, serve as a convenor for community groups and engaged citizens, and educate its members on how to get involved in protecting democracy, engaging in pro bono focused on the rule of law, among so many other opportunities.

Please tell us about any commitment to issues/activities that might have a significant impact on the Jewish community?

As someone raised Jewish, I also share your organization’s motto: Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue!  My career has been dedicated to this work.  One of my first jobs in government was in the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat anti-Semitism.  I also served in the White House office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnership’s and at USAID where I worked on faith-based programming.  I am deeply committed to advancing a Bar committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where every member can thrive. 

Name: Mary Ann McGrail

Current Position: International Law Community, Steering Committee (Chair for five years since 2017), head of several subcommittees.

Vice Chair, Lieber Society, American Society of International Law

IS US International Humanitarian Law lead for the American Red Cross, National Capital region, D.C. Board ARC

Giles Rich Inn, Barrister

Have you had any past involvement with the AAJLJ?  

I have not had prior involvement with AAJLJ.

Why are you seeking a leadership position in the DC Bar?  

I am seeking a position on the Board of Governors, and have been in DC Bar leadership positions for over fifteen years with the International Law Community, and involved with a variety of D.C. Bar activities and events.  I believe that as a member of the Board of Governors, I could help improve services to the membership, specifically, providing targeted outreach programs (training and networking) for those who have recently left the civil service, and providing a "spotlight series" which focuses on the changes made within federal agencies in particular (as well as cases of significance), which will impact the practice and client services provided by members.   I would also advocate formation of an task force to analyze and advise on AI's impact on the legal profession.  Board service would enable me to help draw attention to issues of significance to membership as a whole, and to raise the profile of international legal practice in the D.C. Bar in particular.  I am attentive to and looking for suggestions for new initiatives from members of the Bar, as well as interest groups such as AAJLJ.

What has been your past involvement with voluntary bar associations, including leadership positions in any Bar or legal organization? 

I have been in the leadership of the International Law Community of the D.C. Bar for over 15 years, and served as Co-Chair of the Community for five years, and am in my second consecutive term on the Steering Committee of the ILC.  I have been on the Executive Committee of the Lieber Society of the American Society of International Law since 2022, and am currently Vice Chair of the Lieber Society. I began and have organized and produced 9 webinars on "The Crisis in International Humanitarian Law:  Current Issues" - programs which have sparked robust discussion around humanitarian law issues in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere, and have featured distinguished scholars (Israeli and Palestinian among them) from around the world.  I also served as a Co-Chair for the International Intellectual Property Law Interest Group for the American Society of International Law, and am currently on their Advisory Board.  I have participated in several Brainstorming groups and two drafting groups for the Sedona Conference.  I am also a Barrister of the Giles S. Rich Inn of Court (first US intellectual property Inn of Court).

I  have served since 2023 as the IS US International Humanitarian Law lead for the American Red Cross National Capital Region and have organized  discussions with ICRC representatives  and others about IHL issues, and the applications of the Geneva Conventions.  I do regular outreach to civic, school and other organizations about IHLon request.  I serve on the D.C. Board of the American Red Cross.

What do you see as the major issues facing the DC Bar? 

(1) At present, I think the D.C. Bar faces challenges on a number of fronts.  Given the current cutbacks within the federal civil workforce, I think it is incumbent on the Bar to provide clinics, networking opportunities, and  training for those who are repositioning themselves as practiioners after leaving the civil service.  Such outreach efforts may be accompanied by waiver of annual bar fees for those who apply during any periodin which they are seeking employment.  

(2) Given the extraordinary number of changes being made in federal agency practices, guidelines and regulations, it is important to draw on the expertise of our membership to produce what I am calling a "Spotlight Series."  This series could issue weekly updates focusing on particular agencies, or divisions, and provide best current information about changes in agency practices, guidelines and regulations.  Such a series would benefit our members and enable them to provide superior services to their clients.

(3) Complementary to this is DC Bar Programming - at present Communities are expected to organize programs annually.  I would like to assist the Communities with bringing top flight programming about current issues to its membership.

(4) Among the issues which the DC Bar is well-position to address, and should address, is the likely impact of Artificial Intelligence tools on the legal profession.   I would advise the establishment of a task force of DC Bar leaders to produce a white paper analyzing the uses currently made of AI within the legal field, the anticipated uses, and the risks and advantages.  This is an urgent issue, and would benefit all members of the DC Bar.

(5) I believe the Bar should continue to provide and expand Pro Bono services is an effective manner.  I think the existing pro bono programs can be enhanced to include specific training and open clinics for members of the community (along the lines of the Maryland Foreclosure Project where the Maryland Bar addressed the foreclosure crisis by pairing with civic groups, and in which I participated).  

(6) I am also interested in continuing ongoing conversations with DC Bar membership and associations to find out what their priority concerns are, and to assist them in addressing those concerns effectively.

Given that the DC Bar is a mandatory bar, what role do you think the DC Bar is able to play in protecting the rule of law? 

As a mandatory Bar located in the nation's Capital, the D.C. Bar has significant influence in profiling issues of national as well as local concern.  The Bar plays a critical role in protecting and serving the rule of law, and can, I think, perform exemplary work, providing public fora, and using approved public statements articulating and advocating for positions on legal issues of concern.  The D.C. Bar can protect the interests, rights and privileges of its membership to practice and advocate aggressively for clients.  The D.C. Bar can also support the judiciary in abiding by, upholding, and interpreting for the general public, judicial holdings - and by encouraging robust debate through its platforms of critical legal issues.  The D.C. Bar  encompasses members with a range of views, across the political spectrum.  Open and robust debate and responsible use of public fora are key to keeping upholding the rule of law.

Please tell us about any commitment to issues/activities that might have a significant impact on the Jewish community:

The work I have done in my capacity as a leader in the D.C. Bar International Law Community and on the Executive Committee of the Lieber Society of the American Society of International Law has in particular focused on international humanitarian law issues which have arisen in the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Ukraine-Russian conflict and in other conflict zones around the world.  The issues covered in these and other webinars I have organized speak, I think, to the concerns of the American Jewish community, including concerns over rising anti-semitism.

Name:  Steven R. Miller

Current Position: Attorney

DC Bar Office Sought: Treasurer-elect

Have you had any past involvement with the AAJLJ:

Yes.  Several years ago, I worked with the AAJLJ, a friend and his father, a Holocaust survivor and French resistance fighter in World War II, to present several programs with bar associations about the Holocaust and the father’s efforts to combat the Nazis, his role in the War of Independence and establishment of the State of Israel, and his entrepreneurship in the United States.

Why are you seeking a leadership position in the DC Bar?

I am seeking a leadership position in the DC Bar to support the good work of the Bar. I will donate my time, energy, and ideas to facilitate the team effort of the Board of Governors.  As Treasurer-elect and in a year the Treasurer, I will ensure that DC Bar Funds are managed according to the mission and policies of the Bar.  I have experience in doing this, as I have been Treasurer in two other organizations.  These include the Federal Career Services Division of the Federal Bar Association and the Crystal City Civil Association.  As a member of the Board of Governors while serving as Treasurer-elect, I will also be an active participant in addressing any other issues for which the Board of Governors is responsible, including fee issues, member engagement, future of the bar, and access to justice.

What has been your past involvement with voluntary bar associations, including leadership positions in any Bar or legal organization?

I have been actively involved in leadership positions at the Federal Bar Association where I have served as President of the DC Chapter, chair of the Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources Section, chair of the Senior Lawyers Division, and chair of the Federal Career Services Division.  I have also held leadership positions in the DC Bar (Board of Governors and Pro Bono Center Board) and in the DC Bar Communities (member of the Communities Committee and chair of the Organizational Health Indicators Subcommittee of the Diversity Committee) and member of the DC Bar Diversity Task Force. I had leadership positions in my day job at the Department of Energy (co-chair of an employee resource group, intern supervisor, coordinator of multiple trainings, leader of a monthly conference call of with Counsel for Environment, Continuity of Operations Coordinator for the Office of the General Counsel, etc.).

What do you see as the major issues facing the DC Bar?

The major issues facing the DC Bar include access to justice, rule of law and independence of the judiciary, member engagement, mentoring of newer attorneys, and the future of the Bar.  We need to encourage more government and other DC Bar attorneys to be involved with Pro Bono and Low Bono work.

The rule of law and independence of the judiciary are very sensitive issues, raising many questions as to what position the Bar should take on controversial subjects, such as these.  With many baby boom generation attorneys retiring and with many government attorneys leaving their positions, it is critically important that seasoned attorneys mentor newer attorneys, including attorneys transitioning into new practice areas, to facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer.

Finally, the Bar should do more to engage the many members that do not benefit from or participate in the Bar’s myriad of educational and other activities, as well as other resources. 

Given that the DC Bar is a mandatory bar, what role do you think the DC Bar is able to play in protecting the rule of law?

The DC Bar, as a mandatory bar, is limited as to what positions it can take.  In contrast, the DC Bar Communities, which is a voluntary bar, can take positions on issues such as this one, as well as sponsoring CLE and other educational programs on these issues. 

Please tell us about any commitment to issues/activities that might have a significant impact on the Jewish community:

I am supportive of all good work to addressing any issues or activities that could have a positive impact on the Jewish community, among others.  As Treasurer-elect, I would support the continuation of efforts by the DC Bar and its Board of Governors to seek input from voluntary bar associations such as AAJLJ about issues that it recommends that the Bar address. 

Name: Donald Quinn

Current Position: Partner, Quinn Patton, LC

DC Bar Office Sought: DC Delegate, ABA House of Delegates (Re-election)

Have you had any past involvement with the AAJLJ? 

I have not had prior involvement with the AAJLJ, but I am genuinely excited to learn more about the organization and its mission through this process.

Why are you seeking a leadership position in the DC Bar? 

The DC Bar has over 100,000 members. We work in global firms, federal agencies, solo practices, corporate legal departments, and public interest organizations. That breadth is the Bar's greatest asset, but only if the delegate speaking for it actually reflects it. I am seeking re-election as DC Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates because I bring a perspective that crosses those lines. I represent federal employees before the EEOC, MSPB, and federal courts, and I counsel private employers on compliance and workplace strategy. I have served on the Board of Governors of the Maryland State Bar Association. My personal mission is to engage people, to bring the ideas and strengths of the collective to the table so that as a whole we make the profession better.

What has been your past involvement with voluntary bar associations, including leadership positions in any Bar or legal organization? 

I currently serve as DC Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates; a position I was appointed to fill mid-term and for which I am now seeking re-election. I previously served on the Board of Governors of the Maryland State Bar Association. I also serve on the Federal Bar Association's Continuing Education Committee, working to educate and advance the legal profession. Beyond formal bar roles, I have been involved in legal mentorship, supervising junior attorneys at my firm and investing in pathways for the next generation of practitioners.

What do you see as the major issues facing the DC Bar? 

Three issues stand out. First, the profession has never been more economically stratified. The needs of a solo practitioner and a BigLaw partner are genuinely different, and bar leadership has to be attentive to both. Second, the current moment of institutional pressure on federal agencies and the legal system demands that the Bar be a visible, credible voice for the rule of law and for the lawyers, inside government and out, who are navigating that pressure daily. Third, the pipeline into bar leadership remains too narrow. Meaningful mentorship, real networking infrastructure, and accessible pathways matter more than additional CLE programming.

Given that the DC Bar is a mandatory bar, what role do you think the DC Bar is able to play in protecting the rule of law? 

A mandatory bar occupies a unique position. Its members include government attorneys, federal judges' clerks, prosecutors, public defenders, and private practitioners. That means the DC Bar has both the credibility and the obligation to speak when the rule of law is under stress. That is not a political statement; it is a professional one. Lawyers are officers of the court. The Bar should provide ethics guidance, convene programming that reinforces foundational legal norms, and make clear to its members that they are not navigating institutional pressure alone. But a mandatory bar has another obligation that often goes unspoken. If membership is compulsory, the Bar owes its members more than discipline. It owes them protection, support, and advocacy. The DC Bar should be as invested in defending lawyers facing institutional retaliation, professional pressure, or ethical binds not of their making as it is in policing misconduct.

Please tell us about any commitment to issues/activities that might have a significant impact on the Jewish community:

I serve as Vice President of the Board of Trustees of Temple Solel, where I am second in line for the presidency. My governance work at Temple Solel has involved strategic planning, navigating difficult internal institutional questions, and building structures that allow a congregation to function effectively through leadership transitions. My academic background also informs this commitment. I hold an MLA in Religion from Harvard Extension School and am pursuing doctoral work at the University of Edinburgh focused on theology. That work has deepened my engagement with questions of religious identity, communal responsibility, and the intersection of faith and public life. I take seriously the role that strong, well-governed Jewish institutions play in the broader community, and I bring that commitment to everything I do.