Rachel Lawrence is the Associate Director for Pro Bono & Public Interest Career Development at The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. She’s been at the law school for over 8 years, including a 9-month part-time stint in 2021 while she also worked for the Internal Revenue Service. Rachel loves public service law, community service, and building community. Once a month, she work with a community on Capitol Hill to make sandwiches for the unhoused. She has organized annual block parties for her neighborhood for over 10 years. Rachel is a room parent at her children’s school and chaperones field trips whenever possible. When she’s not parenting, counseling, cleaning, or feeding children, cats, and chickens, Rachel like to do yoga, read novels, sketch, work in the garden, spend time with friends and family, and take nature walks.
Rachel is involved in a law school consortium of pro bono career professionals. The group provides an invaluable community as they work together to bring pro bono opportunities to law students at participating. She is also involved in NALP’s Public Service Section and the Washington Council of Lawyers Pro Bono/Public Interest Committee. This month, she will start training to volunteer with CASA for Children of DC.
Rachel joined the WBA in summer 2023 and has been an active member of the Membership Engagement Committee.
Why did you join the Women’s Bar Association?
I joined in support of a student.
What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
I hadn’t explored membership in bar associations until the past couple of years and I had no idea what a rich and supportive community it could be, nor how inclusive, inviting, and fun the WBA members were. In the short year plus that I’ve been a member of the WBA, I’ve felt so supported and encouraged, to consider my professional development and capabilities in ways I’d never considered before.
How has being a parent enhanced your career?
I am a mother of two boys, ages 12 & 9. Personally, being a mother has helped me be more empathetic, and have a greater appreciation for balance.
Do you have a mentor/hero?
The students are my heroes. They continually inspire me with their intelligence, humility, and commitment to public service. We have a 2L this semester whose commitment since her 1L year to building a partnership with a legal aid provider was so inspiring, I signed up to volunteer and we’re training to become CASAs starting this month.
What words of advice do you have for women new to the profession?
Listen to your voice and your joy; don’t follow a path just because you think it looks good or it pays the most. Do what you are excited to do.
What is the best advice you have received?
To not open any emails on the weekend.