Thank You for Your Support: Miranda Hallett

The DC Bar Foundation is fortunate to have loyal 77 Society donors who make our mission possible through their generosity. This month, we spoke with Miranda Hallett, intellectual property associate at Arnold & Porter who began a second career in law after receiving a PhD in cancer development and biology. Miranda joined the 77 Society in 2025 and is a key member of the DC Bar Foundation’s Young Lawyers Network Leadership Council (YLN LC), where she serves as an Avenues to Justice planning committee co-chair. Below, Miranda shares what supporting the DC Bar Foundation means to her.

How and when did you learn about the DC Bar Foundation?

I learned about the DC Bar Foundation over two years ago from a former YLN LC member and a current board member.

Prior to becoming an attorney, you received your PhD in cancer development & biology from the University of Tennessee’s Health Science Center. What inspired you to pivot to a career in law?

I am inspired by my father who was an attorney who believed in helping those in need regardless of their means. I grew up loving science and the law, and I knew that someday I would merge the two. My work in research was focused on finding breakthroughs in cancer research to potentially impact countless lives. My legal practice currently includes life science patent prosecution and litigation, a seamless transition, that combines my passion for science and law and further utilizes my prior research experience. My legal training also enables me to take on meaningful pro bono work where I strive to make a difference in the DC community and beyond. 

What is the most rewarding part of serving as a member of the Foundation’s Young Lawyers Network Leadership Council?

The most rewarding part of being a member of the Foundation’s YLN LC is being able to learn more about the nonprofit legal organizations in DC. It is rewarding to hear the many success stories from grantees about how the Foundation’s support has helped organizations increase access to legal aid for DC residents.

Why does the Foundation’s work excite you, and how did it inspire you to become a member of the 77 Society?

The Foundation’s work fights against oppression and systemic issues by increasing access to civil legal aid for thousands of DC residents who may otherwise not have the same level of representation. This kind of purpose-driven work excites me! The Foundation’s bold commitment to helping DC residents is what inspired me to become a member of the 77 Society.