The D.C. legal community raised more than $3.7 million for Legal Aid DC during the annual Making Justice Real Campaign, surpassing the previous fundraising record by more than $250,000 and demonstrating the wellspring of support for civil legal services in the District.

The campaign makes up approximately 30 percent of Legal Aid’s annual budget. With the generosity of donors this year, Legal Aid plans to hire an additional attorney for the Immigrant Rights Legal Services Project.

“We’re extremely grateful for the energy that participating firms put toward this year’s campaign,” said Legal Aid Executive Director Vikram Swaruup. “The outpouring of support means that we can continue our work for D.C. residents facing legal crises and expand our services for immigrant communities in the District.”

This year’s campaign ran from June 17 to August 2 and involved 76 firms and more than 4,000 individual donors.

Kecia Reynolds and Carson Sullivan of Paul Hastings served as honorary co-chairs and led their firm in raising more than $85,000.  

“It was an honor for Carson and me to help lead this year’s Making Justice Real Campaign,” Kecia said. “Legal Aid gives so much to the D.C. community, and it’s been incredible to see our fellow attorneys across the District come together to support their mission.”

On top of their commitment to Legal Aid’s work, participating law firms also put on a friendly competition throughout the campaign. For the tenth year in a row, Latham & Watkins took the top spot, raising more than $331,000. Williams & Connolly came in second, followed by WilmerHale, Kirkland & Ellis, and Sidley Austin. (See the top five in each size category below).

“I’m once again so proud of my colleagues for their generosity and for keeping Latham & Watkins at the top of the Making Justice Real list for 10 years running! More importantly, this record-setting year for fundraising shows our deep commitment to ensuring that our neighbors across the District can continue to turn to Legal Aid for help,” said David Brown, a member of Legal Aid’s Board of Trustees and a partner at Latham & Watkins.  

Legal Aid is grateful for every donor who contributed to the 2024 Making Justice Real Campaign and every firm that participated! 

Top Contributors by Firm Size 

See the full Campaign scoreboard here