CUA Columbus School of Law

Honored by his peers for his commitment to pro bono service, Rawle Andrews summed up his philosophy this way: "When all things are said and done, let more things be done than said."

An Expert’s Pitch for Pro Bono Service

The “Ark of Service” that is the Columbus School of Law’s new Legal Service Society was officially christened on Oct. 18, not with a bottle of champagne cracked across the bow, but with moving remarks about the importance of pro bono works delivered by Rawle Andrews, recently recognized as the 2006 Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year by the 83,000-member D.C. Bar.

His lecture, “Pro Bono Service in a Post-Katrina World: Revisiting the Moral Imperative to be a Difference Maker,” was the first event sponsored by the Legal Services Society. The new organization will coordinate pro bono services within the law school and assist and encourage all students to devote time to legal volunteerism before they graduate.

Alluding to the biblical story of Noah and the flood, Andrews praised the creation of the Legal Service Society as an “ark,” a lifeboat of hope and help, especially since it is currently the only comprehensive provider of pro bono legal help in all of Northeast Washington. “Imagine what we can all accomplish together for the city because of what you are doing with this new Ark of service at the Columbus School of Law,” said Andrews. “You just have to keep your promise and stay with the ship. It really is that simple.”

A graduate of Howard University’s law school, Andrews has built a highly successful K Street practice as chairman and co-founder of Andrews & Bowe, PLLP, a civil law and government relations firm that handles business torts, contracts, bankruptcy and creditors' rights and employment. Yet it was not until he successfully litigated a pro bono case that blocked the potential foreclosure on his elderly client’s home that Andrews fully realized the special tools and gifts that are at a lawyer’s disposal. “I felt like a real lawyer for the first time,” he recalled.

Speaking to a full crowd in the Walter S. Slowinski courtroom, the pro bono advocate urged his audience to respond to cries for help, and not just go through the motions, either. “My definition of pro bono service is the provision of high-quality professional services, just like you were working for IBM, except for free,” Andrews said.

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	Honored by his peers for his commitment to pro bono service, Rawle Andrews summed up his philosophy this way: "When all things are said and done, let more things be done than said." An Expert’s Pitch for Pro Bono Service The “Ark of Service” that is the Columbus School of Law’s new Legal Service Society was officially christened on Oct. 18, not with a bottle of champagne cracked across the bow, but with moving remarks about the importance of pro bono works delivered by Rawle Andrews, recently recognized as the 2006 Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year by the 83,000-member D.C. Bar. His lecture, “Pro Bono Service in a Post-Katrina World: Revisiting the Moral Imperative to be a Difference Maker,” was the first event sponsored by the Legal Services Society. The new organization will coordinate pro bono services within the law school and assist and encourage all students to devote time to legal volunteerism before they graduate. Alluding to the biblical story of Noah and the flood, Andrews praised the creation of the Legal Service Society as an “ark,” a lifeboat of hope and help, especially since it is currently the only comprehensive provider of pro bono legal help in all of Northeast Washington. “Imagine what we can all accomplish together for the city because of what you are doing with this new Ark of service at the Columbus School of Law,” said Andrews. “You just have to keep your promise and stay with the ship. It really is that simple.” A graduate of Howard University’s law school, Andrews has built a highly successful K Street practice as chairman and co-founder of Andrews & Bowe, PLLP, a civil law and government relations firm that handles business torts, contracts, bankruptcy and creditors' rights and employment. Yet it was not until he successfully litigated a pro bono case that blocked the potential foreclosure on his elderly client’s home that Andrews fully realized the special tools and gifts that are at a lawyer’s disposal. “I felt like a real lawyer for the first time,” he recalled. Speaking to a full crowd in the Walter S. Slowinski courtroom, the pro bono advocate urged his audience to respond to cries for help, and not just go through the motions, either. “My definition of pro bono service is the provision of high-quality professional services, just like you were working for IBM, except for free,” Andrews said.
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