This week, Associate Yeve Chitiga began a two-year term as a member of the DC Bar Foundation's (DCBF) Young Lawyers Network Leadership Council (YLN LC). Chitiga was one of 11 new members selected to the council, which provides an opportunity for younger attorneys to further the DCBF's mission to ensure residents of Washington DC have equal access to justice regardless of income. The YLN LC's 30 members—hailing from a range of local law firms and government agencies—serve as ambassadors for the organization, promoting events and programs and raising funds to support local legal aid organizations.
Chitiga, who served as co-chair of the firm's Generous Associates Campaign in 2016, says joining the DCBF YLN LC was a natural next step in her efforts to support the legal needs of the DC community. "I am excited to learn more about important local legal aid organizations and make a tangible and impactful contribution in the DC community," says Chitiga. "I also look forward to getting to know other local lawyers on the council who have a similar mindset."
Chitiga will help support the DCBF's grantee organizations, which include, among others, the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia, Bread for the City and Children's Law Center, by conducting site visits to determine the needs of each organization and engaging in regular meetings and quarterly networking dinners. YLN LC members are actively involved in the DCBF's fundraising efforts, and host an annual event that provides critical support to low-income DC residents in need of legal representation.
"We are delighted that Yeve is involved in the work of the Young Lawyer's Network Council and DCBF," says Partner David Ogden, who serves as vice president of the DCBF and chair of its Governance Committee. "The foundation supports key organizations providing legal services in a range of civil law areas, through substantial grants and technical expertise and support. YLN LC creates an opportunity for young lawyers to learn about the programs and challenges in our community and to make a contribution to access to justice."
Chitiga's term began on October 1, 2017, and will continue through September 30, 2019.