To Our Allies, Partners and Friends –
The Board of Directors of the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless announces the retirement of long-time executive director, Patricia Mullahy Fugere, with a target date of July 1, 2022. As a co-founder of the Legal Clinic and its executive director since 1991, Patty has helped to shape the organization into a powerful force for housing justice in the District of Columbia and an effective advocate for the wide-ranging needs of unhoused District residents. The impact of Patty’s commitment to collaborative advocacy and her belief in the power of our clients’ voices can be seen throughout the community, as she guided the Legal Clinic’s involvement in the creation of the Fair Budget Coalition, the DC Access to Justice Commission, the Community Listening Project and much more.
In sharing the news of her retirement with our Board, Patty explained her desire to spend more time with her family, and that she will do so with “comfort that the Legal Clinic will continue to thrive after my departure because of our staff’s collective leadership and their passion for what is right and just. Their gifts and skills are immense, and their commitment to our clients and volunteers is unparalleled.”
The Board will be forming a Transition Committee to conduct a nationwide search for a new Executive Director. Patty is committed to making the transition as smooth and seamless as possible and thereafter to “do what is best for this organization that I so deeply love.”
As we prepare to celebrate the Legal Clinic’s 35th anniversary this spring, the Board remains committed to the vision that Patty has fostered of a more just and inclusive DC, where housing is embraced as a human right. We are excited to begin our search for a new leader to guide the Legal Clinic into our next 35 years of advocacy for housing justice.
The Legal Clinic Board of Directors
January 27, 2022
