D C – NLG CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
Welcome to the new monthly newsletter of the D.C. Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild. We think it is the right time to begin this e-newsletter. We hope to help all chapter members stay connected through sharing news with their fellow Guild members. We are excited to get started.
This newsletter will be sent to you on the first day of each month. Please get any items or announcements you want printed to any of the three of us a few days before the end of the month. We hope all members contribute to this newsletter.
We plan to announce all Chapter and Committee events and developments as well as some national Guild news. We especially want to report member news – a case victory, an article published, a new job or a new office address, new phone number, etc. We will sometimes highlight general legal news of particular interest to chapter members. We will give occasional notice of more general political events happening locally. We anticipate having some regular features such as introducing newly joined members, profiles of current members, and reports by committees and area student chapters.
We really want and need you to send news items we can put in the newsletter. We also can use help with graphics and design. Stay safe & stay in touch!
Co-Editors
CHAPTER NEWS AND UPDATES:
### DC Chapter meetings: At this time, there are no DC chapter meetings until further notice, due to coronavirus . However, the Mass Defense Committee has been meeting “virtually.” (see below)
### National NLG Convention: The NLG National convention scheduled for Detroit in October 2020 has been postponed. It will probably be held in Detroit one year later. Check NLG.org/convention for more updates and ways to be involved “virtually.”
### Local Court updates: DC Superior Court and other local courts have posted updated procedures to their websites.
### Mass Defense Committee: In April the DC Mass Defense Committee met remotely to discuss how to support community partners during this time. We reviewed the guidelines from the national office for legal observing during the pandemic, and came to consensus on how to provide assistance when requested.
There were five demonstrations where LOs were in their own cars and observed actions.
We partnered with Law for Black Lives in some of the actions to provide remote jail support. Law for Black Lives was very gracious in allowing us access to use their Jail Support Hotline for these actions.
Multiple Mass Defense members also attended a wonderful webinar - COVID-19 Know Your Rights - put on by The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs. To contact the DC Mass Defense Committee, email dcmassdefense@gmail.com.
### Our next chapter newsletter comes out June 1, 2020 – send in your news items and suggestions. Graphics help welcome also!
Thanks to our Chapter board, especially James Drew and chair Turna Lewis for their support. Thank you and stay well.
