Big law, law schools and government lawyers are teaming up in Washington, D.C., to expand pro bono legal services to residents, especially as legal issues mount in the wake of COVID-19.

Dozens of firms, including Hogan Lovells and DLA Piper, in addition to government attorneys and various law schools, have joined the initiative known as D.C. Represents. Those participating in the effort said the pandemic has exacerbated the need for legal aid for cases involving housing and eviction issues, or child advocacy. Those issues have been compounded with children and families spending more time indoors due to COVID-19.