Hundreds of District of Columbia prisoners have served decades in the federal Bureau of Prisons and their only route home is through the Parole Commission. While they are permitted counsel in parole proceedings, the government is not required to provide one, despite the high stakes involved. Most prisoners face a legal proceeding that will determine their liberty without a lawyer.

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee has taken on the challenge of finding counsel for many of these men and women. In 2018, we provided representation to more than 80 prisoners seeking parole.
Dennis Gucciardo got involved with the Committee in 2011. Dennis had not planned for parole to become the core of his pro bono practice – he got involved when he was asked to fill in for a colleague who had taken a case, but could not attend the hearing. Eight years and more than a dozen cases later, what began as a happenstance assignment has become an intentional and committed involvement to the Committee’s parole clients.

Dennis currently serves as Counsel for Hogan Lovells’ Global Regulatory / FDA – Medical Devices practice. He sees the value in giving back and enjoys using his legal skills to make justice meaningful for clients who, without his help, would not have a lawyer.

One of the most memorable experiences Dennis has had was with one of his first parole clients, E.R., who he represented at his parole hearing in March of 2012 in Scranton, PA. ER began serving his sentence in June of 1997. During his imprisonment he completed educational programming including drug treatment and maintained a strong familial support system. With a favorable record during his time served, Dennis was confident that Mr. R would receive parole. Dennis traveled to Pennsylvania twice to meet with his client and prepare him for the hearing, as well as half a dozen phone calls. Disappointingly, after initially receiving a recommendation for parole at the hearing, they were notified that the Parole Commission had overturned the recommendation. Two years later he came up for parole again. Dennis represented Mr. R and parole was granted.

Speaking on Dennis’ parole work Senior Counsel Phil Fornaci says “Dennis has been one of our most steadfast parole volunteers, taking on some of the most difficult cases in the most far-flung locations over the last several years. We are deeply grateful for his commitment.”