Who we are

Legal Aid was created in 1932 with the goal of making justice real – in individual and systemic ways – for people living in poverty in the District of Columbia.

Making fair and equal access to justice possible for those who need it the most.

For nearly 100 years, Legal Aid DC has provided free legal advice and services to low-income DC residents. We help clients navigate legal issues in housing, public benefits, consumer law, family law and domestic violence, immigration, and reentry.

In addition to providing direct representation, we help clients avoid unnecessary legal entanglements through outreach and education, legal advice, and brief assistance. Open to the residents through our two offices, phone hotlines, at the courthouse, and community events, we aim to make justice accessible to all.

Legal Aid also works to identify systemic issues that have an impact beyond an individual client. In such cases, we often seek structural solutions – from changes in law or regulatory schemes to a reform of government or court practice – to benefit our client community. And our nationally-recognized Barbara McDowell Appellate Advocacy Project, which pursues an anti-poverty agenda, litigates important cases affecting persons living in poverty before the D.C. Court of Appeals every year.

Our Values

Justice. We strive to make fair and equal access to justice possible for clients and the DC community. We act with courage, creativity, and conviction and persist in the face of challenges.

Progress. We learn from past experiences, take on new challenges, and push to become better at our work every day. By constantly improving ourselves, we support the larger collective goal of a fairer, more equitable community in the District.

Advocacy. We amplify the voices of our clients with tenacity. We recognize that our values must be backed up by our actions, and we strive to live out our ideals every day.

Collaboration. We work together as a team for greater impact. We work across units and practice areas to best serve our mission. We collaborate with our clients as partners to advance justice. Our work is strengthened by partnerships with the larger DC justice community.

Community. We are a strong pillar for our DC community. We recognize the value of having a spectrum of experiences in our staff, including legal expertise, lived experience, client-centered thinking, and fresh perspectives. We have a collaborative, inclusive, and welcoming workplace.

Meet Our Staff

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