January 12, 2024

Community Spotlight: Volunteering with QLaw Foundation’s Legal Clinics

Three evenings a month, attorneys volunteering for The QLaw Foundation of Washington’s Legal Clinics provide free legal consultations to members of the LGBTQ2S+ and transgender communities. During these one-on-one phone or video meetings, QLaw clients speak with attorneys about a full spectrum of needs, including, but not limited to, civil rights, gender affirming healthcare, housing, and family law issues. QLaw volunteer attorneys listen and offer advice, and may also refer a client to the organization’s network of resources.

“There are attorneys out in the community who provide pro bono services or low bono services in different practice areas that we can refer people out to,” said former Pacifica associate Rachelle Stefanski, who has volunteered with QLaw since 2018 and currently participates in the organization’s LGBTQ2S+ and transgender legal clinics. (Rachelle joined the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in February 2024.)  “We also guide clients through the legal process when they are proceeding pro se.”

Founded in 2008 as a sibling organization to Washington’s LGBTQ+ bar association, QLaw offers legal services to LGBTQ2S+ Washingtonians through its Legal Clinics and referral network. The organization also supports and advocates for Washington’s LGBTQ2S+ communities by offering legal service providers litigation support, amicus briefing, co-counseling and other services; and provides trainings and consultations to courts, law firms, and other legal organizations.

Pacifica attorneys Rachel Simon (left) and Shweta Jayawardhan (right), with Rachelle Stefanski at QLaw’s 2023 Falltacular event.

Recently honored as QLaw’s “Volunteer of the Year” for 2023, Rachelle began volunteering with QLaw as a way to “help out the community that I am proud to be a part of,” she explained. She also wanted the opportunity to learn more about the legal field while in law school and after graduation. Her appreciation for the experience and organization is hard to put into words, she said, and she recommended that other attorneys consider getting involved. “There’s nothing to compare it to.”

“QLaw is comprised of a dedicated team who is passionate about the work and outstanding at providing mentorship to new attorneys, guiding us through the process of assisting the community.” Rachelle noted. Everyone involved with QLaw “cares deeply about the work and the people we assist. It is a strong community,” she added.

Rachelle Stefanski and QLaw Foundation Co-Executive Director Denise Diskin at the QLaw table at Everett Pride, 2023.

Rachelle said the client contact is what she appreciates most about volunteering. “There is so much need, which only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she explained. “We are able to reach more people now, because we are fully remote instead of in-person.” Volunteering with QLaw has also enabled Rachelle to see the results of the organization’s advocacy and education work. This past summer at Everett Pride, for instance, Rachelle saw judges from local courts inquire at a QLaw information booth about inclusivity trainings and best practices. “It’s a privilege to see all of that happening,” Rachelle said. “I see so much positivity in what the QLaw Foundation is doing and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Attorneys interested in volunteering for QLaw’s legal clinics can learn more here: https://www.qlawfoundation.org/work-with-us/