Legal Resources - Children’s Law Center
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Legal Resources

Below is a compilation of organizations that may be able to help with your legal matter. Please note, Children’s Law Center does not endorse any of these agencies, and we cannot guarantee that they will be able to accept your case.

Legal Issue Area

DC Resource Bridge (DCRB)
The DC Resource Bridge is a one-stop service that makes it easier for District residents to access free or low-cost civil legal help. Built in collaboration with a wide network of legal service providers, the DC Resource Bridge is designed to make access to justice simpler, fairer, and more effective. The DCRB is a free referral and navigation service that helps DC residents find legal aid based on their individual needs. Call (202) 933-HELP (4357) or Online Intake

If You Have a Legal Issue Outside of DC

Housing and Homelessness

For Lawyers for DC Tenant Issues

Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network (LTLAN):

Evictions, threats of evictions, utility shut–offs, lockouts, housing condition issues  

  • Call (202) 780-2575 or Online Intake
  • In-person at DC Superior Court Room 223 on the second floor of DC Superior Court Building B, at 510 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20001. Please note that lawyers are not there every day. Please call LTLAN number to ask about in-person days if possible. 

Landlord Tenant Resource Center

  • In person Assistance: The LTRC is located in Room 223 on the second floor of the D.C. Superior Courthouse, Building B, 510 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20001. The LTRC also refers eligible tenants for legal advice and representation.
  • More information about the LTRC can be found on this flyer.
  • Hours of Operation for the Landlord and Tenant Resource Center
    Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For Lawyers for Homelessness Issues

Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless: 

Legal services to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness on issues involving discrimination based on homeless or housing status, street rights (including encampments and police misconduct), emergency shelters, housing vouchers, rapid re-housing, other affordable housing programs, eviction record sealing, criminal record sealing, denials of rental housing applications, public benefits, identification documents, other civil legal issues 

  • Call (202) 328- 5500

Other Resources

Office of the Attorney General Consumer Mediation Program: 

Mediates consumer and tenant complaints when the consumer is a DC resident, or when the business or landlord is located or headquartered in the District of Columbia. 

*Note they will not provide an attorney, but may reach out to the landlord outside of the court

Office of the Tenant Advocate: 

DC Agency that provides information and advice about landlord disputes and other housing issues.  

  • Call (202) 719- 6560. 

Office of the People’s Counsel

OPC assists DC residents with consumer complaints about utilities (water, electric, gas, phone) A consumer complaint can be the result of a billing dispute, difficulty in getting service or repairs completed to your satisfaction, poor quality of service, or other utility related issues.

Rising for Justice 

Housing & Tenant

Neighborhood Legal Services Program

Housing

  • Apply online at Intake   
  • Apply by Telephone: (202) 832- 6577  
  • Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Housing Conditions: Seeking Repairs

Department of Buildings (“DOB”):

Government agency that can conduct housing code inspections 

Department of Energy and Environment (“DOEE”):  

Mold Information for Tenants:

Housing Conditions Calendar at DC Superior Court: 

Tenants can sue landlords to fix housing code violations. Does not handle evictions or any money issues. You can file your own case with:  

  1. Housing Code – Housing Code Complaint Filing Instruction Sheet 
  2. Housing Conditions Summons
  3. Fee Waiver (to ask to file without any costs)
  4. Instruction Sheet for Service 
  5. Temporary Restraining Order forms (if you have an emergency housing conditions issue)

Utility Support

DC Energy Assistance

DC Water Financial Assistance

Education

Special Education

DC Resource Bridge

Advocates for Justice and Education: 

Free legal services for educational issues involving children and youth, birth to 26. Focus on K-12 education, disability rights (504, IEP), and school discipline matters. 

School Justice Project: 

SJP’s education attorneys work with 17–22-year-olds who have been involved in DC’s juvenile or criminal legal system. SJP tries to help clients get the support and services they need to reach their education goals. 

Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities: 

Providing individual representation to people with developmental disabilities on issues involving capacity, self-determination, and alternatives to guardianship; disability discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations; and transition-age services for young adults still eligible for special education services. 

Education Services – Non-Lawyer Resources

DC Board of Education, Office of the Ombudsman:

The Ombudsman’s Office will not give you a lawyer. They may be able to help you resolve issues with your child’s school through conflict resolution services. They work in the areas of student discipline, special education, truancy, student enrollment, transportation, academic progress and bullying.  Call (202) 741-0886 or email om.budsman@dc.gov

Office of Student Advocate:

Can provide information on many public education issues (DCPS and charter). The website also has many know your rights resources. 

Assistive Technology & Medical Equipment

DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP): 

The DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) helps DC residents with disabilities and seniors increase their independence and access to the community with assistive technology (AT).

  • Call (202)547-0198

DC Assistive Technology Resource Center:

Allow individuals to explore assistive technology devices that may increase their independence and functional capability. 

DC Shares (Durable Medical Equipment Recycling):

Provides free durable medical equipment to DC residents with income levels below $30,000 per year. 

DC FUNDS (Alternative Financing Program):

This federally funded program allows DC residents to borrow money at a very low interest rate in order to purchase much-needed assistive technology devices. 

Equipment Connections for Children: 

Supplies adaptative equipment for children living with disabilities.

Concerns and Complaints (DC)

CARE Team (DCPS Only): 

Responsible for receiving claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying (based on a protected class), or any unfair treatment a student, parent or visitor encounters at a DC Public School. The CARE team collaborates with school staff to resolve issues in a timely, equitable and comprehensive manner 

Office of Integrity: 

The Office of Integrity (OI) is available for general, school or student-specific inquiries and concerns from parents, students, school staff and community stakeholders. These issues can vary, including measures around safety and security for students, interactions or disputes with school staff, and coordinating academic supports to improve academic outcomes. Ideally, if an attempt to address a concern has proved unsuccessful at the school level or with Central Office administrators, stakeholders can contact OI to review the concern, complaint or allegation made. OI will investigate the concern and/or inquiry and will issue a response upon assessing the information. 

DC Public Charter School Board (Charter Schools):

OSSE Early Learning Complaints and Unusual Incident Reporting (Daycares):   

Adult Guardianship and Supported Decision Making

Guardianship Cases

Probate Resource Center (to file yourself):

  • Appointments recommended via Phone (202)879-9460 or online
  • Court Building A (515 5th St. NW) Room 316 
  • Monday-Friday: 9am-4pm, with closure from 12 noon-1pm for lunch 

Alternatives to Guardianship

Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities: 

Providing individual representation to people with developmental disabilities on issues involving capacity, self-determination, and alternatives to guardianship; disability discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations; and transition-age services for young adults still eligible for special education services. 

Access to Healthcare

DC Resource Bridge

Assistive Technology & Medical Equipment

DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP): 

The DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) helps DC residents with disabilities and seniors increase their independence and access to the community with assistive technology (AT).

  • Call (202)547-0198

DC Assistive Technology Resource Center:

Allow individuals to explore assistive technology devices that may increase their independence and functional capability. 

DC Shares (Durable Medical Equipment Recycling):

Provides free durable medical equipment to DC residents with income levels below $30,000 per year. 

DC FUNDS (Alternative Financing Program):

This federally funded program allows DC residents to borrow money at a very low interest rate in order to purchase much-needed assistive technology devices. 

Equipment Connections for Children: 

Supplies adaptative equipment for children living with disabilities.

Public Benefits (SSI, TANF, SNAP)

DC Resource Bridge

Bread for the City:

Helps individuals facing problems with getting or keeping public benefits, like TANF, Food Stamps, and Medicaid.

  • Call (202) 386 – 7616 

Catholic Charities Legal Network 

Serves low-income families and individuals with Public Benefits concerns whose earnings are equal to or less than 250 percent of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines. 

  • Apply by phone at: (202) 350 – 4305 // En Español: (202) 772 – 4325 

Neighborhood Legal Services Program

Public Benefits

  • Apply online at Intake   
  • Apply by Telephone: (202) 832- 6577  
  • Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Criminal Law

DC Resource Bridge

Public Defender Services Duty Day Program:  

The PDS Duty Day Program provides free walk-in and telephone assistance for a variety of legal and collateral matters, including arrest warrants, grand jury representation, reentry, confinement preparation, civil commitment issues, and referrals to mental health, immigration, and social service resources. When direct assistance is not available, the program can provide referrals to appropriate community services and legal resources.

  • Call (202) 628-1200 or toll-free (800) 341-2582;
  • Call-in Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding federal and District holidays) 
  • Walk-in (in-person) Hours: Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (excluding federal and District holidays) 633 3rd Street, N.W. Washington, D.C.  20001

Reentry, Record Sealing & Expungement

Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia 

Expungement/Criminal Record Sealing

Rising for Justice 

Record Sealing

Family Law

DC Resource Bridge

Parent-to-parent custody and child support | Non-Parent Caregiver custody, child guardianship, or adoption for children

DC Kincare Alliance:

Legal services to relative caregivers in court to obtain custody of and to adopt at-risk D.C. children; represent them in applying for benefits and services to ensure a safe and stable home.  

  • Call (202)-505-5803  

Mothers Outreach Network:

Free legal services for parents who are facing a crisis, an investigation, tax credit problems, or a family legal issue, you are not alone 

Catholic Charities Legal Network 

Serves low-income families and individuals with Public Benefits concerns whose earnings are equal to or less than 250 percent of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines. 

  • Apply by phone at: (202) 350 – 4305 // En Español: (202) 772 – 4325 

Family Law Assistance Network

This organization can provide limited legal assistance in family law matters.

  • DC Superior Court, 500 Indiana Ave, Room 1195
  • Monday – Friday 9 AM-3 PM

DC Superior Court Family Law Self-Help Center

This self-help center provides information about the family law court process but cannot provide any legal advice.

  • 500 Indiana Ave., NW – JM-570
  • Mondays-Fridays: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (No new intakes after 4:30 p.m.)

Neighborhood Legal Services Program

Family Law

  • Apply online at Intake   
  • Apply by Telephone: (202) 832- 6577  
  • Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Immigration

Families United DC Metro

An online guide that helps immigrant families prepare for immigration emergencies by providing information about legal rights, childcare and financial planning, and referrals to legal and community resources.

Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia 

Immigration

Neighborhood Legal Services Program

Immigration

  • Apply online at Intake   
  • Apply by Telephone: (202) 832- 6577  
  • Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights

Immigrants who are detained and at risk of deportation may qualify for free services.  We provide services to immigrants in DC, Maryland and Virginia (regardless of where they are being detained). 

  • Apply by Telephone: (202) 331 – 3329
  • Apply online at Intake

Immigration Power of Attorney

DC Resource Bridge

Employment & Workers’ Rights

Workers’ Rights Clinic – The Washington Lawyers’ Committee

The clinic provides advice on all areas of employment law at the clinic, including unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, family and medical leave act (FMLA) violations, unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, unlawful discrimination and harassment, barriers to employment based on arrest and conviction record, and wrongful termination.

  • Weekly Workers’ Rights Clinics are held every Wednesday in-person at Bread for the City’s Northwest location (1525 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001). At weekly Wednesday clinics, walk-ins are accepted from 5:00 PM-6:00 PM.
    • Apply by phone at: (202) 319-1040

Catholic Charities Legal Network 

Serves low-income families and individuals with Public Benefits concerns whose earnings are equal to or less than 250 percent of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines. 

  • Apply by phone at: (202) 350 – 4305 // En Español: (202) 772 – 4325 

Neighborhood Legal Services Program

Employment

  • Apply online at Intake   
  • Apply by Telephone: (202) 832- 6577  
  • Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Consumer Protection, Debt & Bankruptcy

DC Resource Bridge

Catholic Charities Legal Network 

Consumer debt and bankruptcy. Serves low-income families and individuals with Public Benefits concerns whose earnings are equal to or less than 250 percent of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines. 

  • Apply by phone at: (202) 350 – 4305 // En Español: (202) 772 – 4325 

Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia 

Consumer Law

Probate, Estate Planning & Elder Law

Catholic Charities Legal Network 

Serves low-income families and individuals with Public Benefits concerns whose earnings are equal to or less than 250 percent of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines. Estate planning: Wills, advanced health care directives and power of attorney.

  • Apply by phone at: (202) 350 – 4305 // En Español: (202) 772 – 4325

DC Affordable Law Firm

Provides affordable legal assistance with estate planning and probate matters, including wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, and estate administration for individuals who may not qualify for free legal services.

  • Apply by phone at: (202) 844- 5430 or email info@dcaffordablelaw.org

Legal Counsel for the Elderly

*Must be 60 years old or turn 60 by the end of the calendar year* 

Eviction, foreclosures, public benefits, Veterans benefits, advocacy for nursing home residents, wills, power of attorney.  

  •  Legal Hotline: (202) 434-2170  

Neighborhood Legal Services Program

Probate and Estate Planning

  • Apply online at Intake   
  • Apply by Telephone: (202) 832- 6577  
  • Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Virginia

CASA de Virginia

Housing, Employment, Immigration, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Citizenship

  • CASA’s Legal Hotline at 1-866-765-2272

Good Samaritan Advocates

Family Law, Domestic abuse/violence, debit/credit, employment, housing, landlord/tenant, evictions, Elder Law/Wills, Immigration

Legal Services of Northern VA

Civil, Family/DV, Employee, Housing, Elderly Only

Northern Virginia Family Services

Immigration Legal services, Community Health, youth and family Services, Mental Health & Trauma recovery

Maryland

Community Legal Services of PG County (CLS)

Divorce, custody, Child support, Visitation, domestic violence, Guardianship, Foreclosure Prevention, Landlord/tenant, bankruptcy, expungements, advance directive, wills

Maryland Legal Aid

Housing, Workers’ Rights, Family Law, Domestic Abuse, Economic Stability/ Support, access to health care, Wills and Estates

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

Housing, Special Education, Income Tax, Family, Estate Planning and Administration, Criminal Record Relief, Consumer

Montgomery County Bar Association

Absolute Divorce, Separation Agreements, Custody, Adoption/Guardianship, Simple Name Changes, Bankruptcy (Simple Chapter 7), Limited Debt Collection Defense, Private Landlord Tenant (Security Deposits Only), Limited Immigration cases (Simple Change of Status), Limited Employment cases (Wage Claims), Wills and Powers of Attorney

  • Apply by telephone: (301) 424-7651
    • Monday – Thursday | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 pm
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