Three for Third (Nov. 2009)
Guadalcanal, Antietam, Waterloo … these were all minor skirmishes compared to the battle that was waged on November 17 as a lean and mean WMACCA team of three – Cecilia Boudreau and Amber Sterling of the Association of American Medical Colleges, and Michael Kallens of Booz Allen Hamilton – took on teams of up to six from some of city's biggest law firms in the Lawyers for Literacy Trivia Challenge sponsored by Everybody Wins! DC, an organization devoted to promoting children's literacy and a love of learning.
In the end, following a slow start where our intrepid members were tied for last after the first round, we were victorious – well, at least somewhat – taking third place in the competition after winning a tiebreaker against the Kirkland & Ellis Environmental Litigation team. For more information on opportunities to volunteer with Everybody Wins! DC, please click here.
Nothing is Too Tough for WMACCA'S Green Team (Sept. 2009)
WMACCA members, family, and friends (including valued sponsors) hoisted shovels, rakes, axes and saws to improve a horse path at Great Falls Park in Virginia as part of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26. WMACCA volunteers also cleared invasive, non-native plants and removed trash. In all, more than 30 volunteers participated in WMACCA's "In-House... In the Community" project. The weather cooperated, the work was deeply satisfying, the company was delightful, and lunch was delicious. What more could you ask?
This was our best-attended day at the park ever. Members came from CSC, GMAC, Freddie Mac, Watson Wyatt, Kratos Defense, FICO, Cyren Call Communications, DynCorp, and Verizon Business. Sponsors also participated from Deloitte Financial Advisory Services, Littler Mendelson, Jackson Lewis, and Morrison & Foerster. Thanks to everyone who came out and we look forward to seeing you again (and many new faces) at our next project.
WMACCA Runs and Walks in Lawyers have heart (June 2009)
WMACCA fielded a team of hearty runners and walkers for this year's Lawyers Have Heart event - and everyone (as far as we know!) completed the event successfully and before they closed the doors due to darkness. Thanks to all for their support of this worthwhile cause. WMACCA was the Corporate Counsel Sponsor of the event!
During the last decade, Lawyer Have Heart has raised more than $5 million to benefit the American Heart Association, whose mission is building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. In 2007, WMACCA dedicated its participation to Stanley Jones, General Counsel of Colonial Parking, who passed away in May 2007 due to complications related to heart disease. For anyone who knew Stan, this was (and still is) a small but meaningful opportunity to honor one of our own in-house colleagues. See you all again next year!
On Friday, September 16, WMACCA partnered with Legal Services of
Northern Virginia (LSNV) to present a pro bono legal clinic serving
LSNV's clients (photo at right). More than 55 people participated in
the event, which was hosted by Freddie Mac at its headquarters in
McLean, Virginia. The focus of the clinic was on consumer law issues.
The morning began with LSNV attorneys Janelle Holt and Travis Van Hook
providing training on debt collection and bankruptcy law issues.
Jennifer Haberlin, LSNV's Pro Bono Coordinator, kicked off the pro bono
clinic by providing more details regarding the legal services to be
provided in the clinic. Then, 21 WMACCA participants (both attorneys
and paralegals) provided legal services to 17 clients. Nine LSNV staff
attorneys and volunteers were available throughout the clinic to answer
questions and provide their expertise
