The Children’s Law Center (CLC) has once again honored Bates White as one of its four Champions for Children, marking the eighth consecutive year the firm has received this prestigious recognition. Since the Corporate Champion award’s inception in 2017, Bates White has been celebrated annually for its unwavering dedication to supporting CLC’s mission of empowering families and driving reforms that benefit children across Washington, DC.
In 2024, Bates White’s employees demonstrated their creativity and generosity through fundraising efforts, including a lively “Not-so-newlywed game” in July featuring team challenges and a “Festivus” trivia competition in December. The firm also participated in CLC’s annual Holiday Hope Drive, where employees donated gifts, grocery cards, and other essentials for local families in need. In total, Bates White and its employees raised roughly $75,000 for CLC last year.
Beyond fundraising, Bates White’s professionals brought their expertise to bear on impactful legal projects aimed at addressing systemic challenges. One key project involved analyzing the extent to which transportation barriers pose challenges for students with disabilities.
“Receiving this award for the eighth consecutive year is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our employees,” said Scott Weishaar, Bates White’s Managing Partner. “At Bates White, we believe in using our resources and skills to make a meaningful difference in the community. Our relationship with CLC allows us to do exactly that—creating opportunities for children and families who face barriers to education, health, and housing in our local area to thrive.”
Partner Ben Wolfert, a member of the CLC Advisory Board who leads Bates White’s partnership with the organization, reflected on the firm’s evolving role: “Being named a Corporate Champion for the eighth year is an honor, but what excites me most is how our collaboration with CLC has deepened over time. Through our partnership, we’ve found numerous ways to support our local community—we’ve raised funds that will help ensure children have access to justice, increased family stability, and improved health and education outcomes. Beyond financial contributions, we’ve also had the privilege of working with Children’s Law Center on pro bono initiatives, such as studying absenteeism and advocating for DC youth with special needs. It’s a partnership that continues to inspire us year after year.”
Learn more about Bates White’s community initiatives through its Community Connection program.
Learn more about CLC’s Champions for Children awards here.