DC Bar Foundation Receives Partnership for Success Award

Kirra Jarratt and Judge Carl Butkus

Since 2020, the DC Bar Foundation has led the effort to establish a coordinated intake and referral system. We have used a collaborative approach to build the DC Resource Bridge (DCRB), a single-point-of-entry system that will simplify how DC residents access legal aid.

Recently, the National Conference of Bar Foundations honored us with their 2025 Partnership for Success Award for our work on the DC Resource Bridge. The award honors bar foundation initiatives that make a significant impact in their communities on issues for which lawyers are uniquely positioned to lead, provide a replicable framework that other bar foundations can adopt, and engage in collaborative efforts with other stakeholders, such as law firms, courts, legal organizations, and foundations involved in law-related programs.

In presenting the award on August 15, Carl Butkus, a retired judge from New Mexico’s 2nd Judicial District Court, said, “The DC Bar Foundation has worked with community members, legal aid providers, technology experts, and other key stakeholders to ensure the DCRB is responsive, inclusive, and effective. DCRB’s success lies not only in its efficient intake and referral workflows, but also in its potential to transform access to justice.”

This is a collective win for every organization, service provider, and community member who partnered with us, offered feedback, and supported the idea of reimagining access to justice for DC residents. Thank you to NCBF for this incredible recognition.

Sincerely,

Kirra L. Jarratt

Chief Executive Officer