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John Jacob Named D.C. Bar’s 2026 Laura N. Rinaldi Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year

April 2, 2026

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Akin health care & life sciences practice head John Jacob has been named the 2026 Laura N. Rinaldi Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year by the D.C. Bar. The awards recognize “individuals and organizations whose outstanding work and exceptional projects benefited Bar membership, enriched the legal community, and expanded access to justice.”  

The profile highlights John’s impactful leadership, pro bono commitment, and dedication to mentorship. Specifically mentioned is his role as chair of Akin’s Pro Bono Committee and his nearly 1,800 hours dedicated to pro bono service since 2007 which earned his induction to Akin’s Pro Bono & Public Service Hall of Fame in 2024. The profile also underscores his ongoing work with the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, an organization devoted to D.C. residents facing housing insecurity, for which he leads Akin’s pro bono efforts. 

John is also recognized for sitting on the board of the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless and for his role as board chair for Education Reimagined, a nonprofit dedicated to designing an equitable public education system.  

Winners will be honored at the D.C. Bar’s Celebration of Leadership on June 18 in Washington, D.C.  

For John’s full profile: https://www.dcbar.org/news-events/news/d-c-bar-announces-2026-award-winners  

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