On October 25, 2022, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (“OPD”) announced that Williams & Connolly is among the honorees to be recognized at their upcoming Office of Public Defender 50th Anniversary Gala. Williams & Connolly will receive OPD’s “Warrior for Fairness Award,” recognizing the firm’s Pro Bono Fellowship Program, where since 2017, associates have served as fellows with the OPD. During their 6-month fellowship, fellows are embedded in OPD district offices working side by side with OPD attorneys and staff to provide zealous representation to indigent clients in trial court matters. Over the years, fellows have afforded zealous representation to clients in the Charles County, Montgomery County and Prince George's County offices. “Williams & Connolly is proud of its partnership with the OPD and the work we do together. More than a dozen Williams & Connolly attorneys have served as fellows with the OPD, representing thousands of members of our community when they have needed it most,” said Joe Wood, the first OPD Williams & Connolly fellow and now the partner in charge of the fellowship program.

The Office of Public Defender 50th Anniversary Gala will take place Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 6:00 PM, at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, MD. The Gala will highlight the work of the dedicated attorneys and staff of the OPD who advocate for indigent clients, seek justice, protect civil rights, and preserve liberties.

To learn more about Williams & Connolly’s pro bono practice, click here.