WHAT WE DO

Women’s rights

Over 55 years fighting for low-income women of color in the nation’s capital and across the US

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee has fought for equity for women and families of color for over 55 years. Formed in 1968 following the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., WLC has litigated and won landmark court victories to advance women’s rights in education, disability justice, fair housing, workers’ rights, immigrant justice, and criminal legal system reform – in Washington, DC, and across the country.

WLC works with low-income communities of color to achieve racial justice impact at the local and national level. Whether we’re setting precedent to combat sexual harassment, fighting for the rights of incarcerated pregnant women, or standing with women in male-dominated industries – we use every tool to fight for racial equity and economic justice.

Case Study
A Mother-Daughter Duo Stand Up for Their Rights

In May 2024, the WLC, together with ArentFox Schiff, filed a lawsuit on behalf of a mother and daughter who were fired from their construction jobs after reporting sexual harassment. In June 2024, a federal court denied the defendants’ attempt to dismiss the case. This case brings attention to the serious issues of harassment and discrimination in the construction industry, particularly affecting Latina workers.

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Case Study
Setting a New Precedent for Sex Discrimination at Work

In 2019, WLC and Fish & Richardson won a case in the Fourth Circuit, setting forth a powerful precedent that clarifies and strengthens federal protections against sex stereotyping at work.

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