Thank You for Your Support: Suzie Turner

The DC Bar Foundation is fortunate to have loyal donors who make our mission possible through their generosity. This month, we hear from Suzie Turner, partner and chair of Dechert’s Pro Bono Practice, 77 Society member, and supporter of the DC Walk for Justice 5K. Below, Suzie shares what supporting the Foundation means to her.

Why do you support the DC Bar Foundation as a donor?

I support the DC Bar Foundation for a simple three-word reason:  access to justice.  I am constantly impressed with many ways the Foundation ensures that low-income and underserved DC residents receive civil legal aid.   From helping to fund nonprofit legal aid providers to administering loan repayment assistance for public interest lawyers and building systems like the Coordinated Intake and Referral System.

What part of the DC Bar Foundation’s work excites you most?

I really appreciate the Bar Foundation’s multifaceted approach to expanding access to justice.  Funding is important – but they also focus on community building and improving the way civil legal aid is delivered. 

You are an active member of the DC Walk for Justice 5K’s Steering Committee. Why is the Walk so important to you, and why should DC’s legal community get involved?

I’m thrilled to join the effort to support the Bar Foundation’ second annual Walk for Justice 5K on October 23 at Nationals Park.  Last year’s event was a great success; this year we’re aiming even higher – more walkers, more teams, and more support for civil legal aid in the District.

The Walk for Justice raises critical funds and builds awareness of the significant legal needs in our community.  Every walker makes a visible statement that access to justice matters. 

Modeled on the London Legal Walk, which this year drew 17,000 walkers, we’re growing a DC tradition that showcases the legal community’s commitment to legal services.

Lawyers routinely walk (or run) in support of many causes – so we very much hope that many members of our legal community - including lawyers, judges, law students, legal professionals – come out and join the effort to support a cause that is so central to the functioning of our legal system.