We say this literally every year but can you believe that the year is almost over? We sure can't. COVID has made time even weirder – things that happened in 2020 feel like they happened two weeks ago, and things that happened two weeks ago feel like they happened in 2020. What is time?
In January, we saw history made when the first female Vice President of the United States was elected. (Try not to think too much about how absolutely ridiculous it is that it took this long. Seriously, you’ll cry.)
In March we were featured in ELAP’s newsletter. We loved being able to highlight the work we are doing in partnership with their amazing Low Bono Program, and we look forward to seeing how it continues to grow.
In August we finally closed our physical office for good. We always planned to return to the office (eventually), but overwhelmingly, our clients loved doing everything remotely. So, we closed up shop, which actually didn’t change anything, as we hadn’t stepped foot in our office since March of 2020. We recognize what a privilege it is to be able to continue to do our jobs from the safety of our homes, and we know many people aren’t so lucky.
In October we wrapped up our annual fundraiser, which was also our most successful fundraiser to date. We are constantly blown away by the support we receive from all of you. Seriously, at least once a week, Elena says, “Wow, I can’t believe it. This is working.” It’s pretty amazing to think about the difference we can make in the lives of folks who desperately need it, all thanks to your help.
Also in October we were featured in Seattle University’s Lawyer magazine. We loved chatting with Claudine about working from home while continuing to serve our clients. We also loved seeing Jessica’s cat in a full page spread.
In December we were named as ELAP’s pro bono firm of the year. We’re not going to lie: being recognized like this feels good. The work we do is not glamorous – it’s messy and difficult and frustrating at times. We don’t do it expecting praise, but we’ll take it when we get it.
We are grateful and humbled to have your support always, but especially this year, which was another tough one for so many of us. We hope you are all safe and well, and we hope that 2022 has some good things in store for us all.
Have a happy and healthy new year!