Rising for Justice is a leader in training social justice advocates and representing low-income clients in matters critical to their wellbeing. We make justice a reality for vulnerable DC residents by providing free, high-quality legal representation in tandem with social work services to promote long-lasting positive outcomes for our clients. Since our founding in 1969, we have protected the rights of over 250,000 DC residents and given thousands of law students hands-on intensive training to prepare them for public interest careers.
RFJ Announces New Board Members
DEcember 6, 2024
Rising for Justice (RFJ) is pleased to announce the election of Jeremy Ben Merkelson and Anne Y. Lee to its Board of Directors. Their extensive experience and commitment to public service will significantly enhance RFJ’s mission to provide equitable legal representation and education to the Washington, D.C. community.
Jeremy Ben Merkelson is a partner at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, specializing in employment and labor law. He has represented clients across various industries, including financial services, technology, and healthcare. Jeremy has first-chair trial experience in defending employers in nationwide wage-and-hour class and collective actions, restrictive covenant disputes, and whistleblower retaliation cases. He also advises on employment aspects of complex, cross-border M&A transactions. Jeremy’s dedication to pro bono work includes serving as counsel to the Federation of American Scientists.
Anne Y. Lee is a partner at Covington & Burling LLP and co-chair of the firm’s global Antitrust and Competition Law Practice Group. She advises clients in complex antitrust litigation, strategic transactions, and government investigations, representing them before the DOJ and FTC on multi-jurisdictional mergers, competitor collaborations, and joint ventures. Anne has been recognized among the “40 Under 40” by both The National Law Journal and Global Competition Review. Her pro bono efforts include impactful work in civil rights and obtaining immigration relief for domestic violence victims.
Additionally, RFJ thanks former board members Darrel Mottley and Donald P. Salzman for their tireless dedication and contributions to RFJ as their terms on the Board of Directors end. RFJ looks forward to their continued guidance and involvement with the organization.
“We are honored to welcome Jeremy and Anne to the RFJ Board,” said Chijioke Akamigbo, Executive Director of Rising for Justice. “Their legal expertise and unwavering commitment to justice align perfectly with RFJ’s mission. Their leadership will be instrumental as RFJ continues to advocate for the rights of D.C. residents.”
Our clients depend on us, and we depend on you to make our services available, accessible, and responsive. Because of you, we can make a difference in the lives of thousands of District residents who rely on us for free legal and social work services during times of hardship. Stand with us.
Explore the 2023 Annual Report to hear directly from RFJ clients, students, and partners about the impact Rising for Justice has had on their lives.
Who is Rising for Justice?
Today
To prevent injustices today, we represent individuals who are in grave legal jeopardy.
Tomorrow
To build a better tomorrow, we teach law students to be life-long advocates for justice.
Always
To ensure justice always, we innovate sustainable solutions to justice and equity problems.