Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of the District of Columbia. Know your rights and find help.
Provides free civil legal services to low-income D.C. residents in housing, family, public benefits, consumer, and immigration matters since 1932.
Visit Website →Offers free legal services alongside social services to low-income D.C. residents in housing, family, public benefits, and immigration law.
Visit Website →Connects D.C. residents with free legal help through volunteer attorneys, legal clinics, and self-help resources across a wide range of civil legal issues.
Visit Website →Provides free civil legal services to low-income DC residents in housing, family, public benefits, and consumer matters.
Visit Website →Offers free legal services alongside food, clothing, and social services for low-income DC residents.
Visit Website →The District of Columbia Court of Appeals is the highest court in D.C., equivalent to a state supreme court, with nine judges. The Superior Court of the District of Columbia is the trial court handling all civil, criminal, family, probate, tax, and landlord-tenant matters. Unlike states, D.C. courts operate under federal authority granted by Congress. The D.C. Court of Appeals also hears appeals from administrative agencies.
One of the strongest tenant rights laws in the nation, giving tenants the right of first refusal to purchase their rental property when the landlord intends to sell.
One of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in the country, prohibiting discrimination based on 21 protected traits in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education.
Prohibits unfair and deceptive trade practices with enforcement by the Attorney General and private right of action with treble damages under D.C. Code 28-3901.
Provides up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, 12 weeks of paid family leave, 12 weeks of paid medical leave, and 2 weeks of prenatal leave for D.C. workers.
24/7 confidential support
1-800-799-7233
24/7 support for victims of crime in DC
1-844-443-5732
Call or text 988 for crisis support
988
Expanded rent stabilization protections and updated allowable annual rent increase percentages for covered units.
Continued implementation of police reform measures including enhanced accountability and use-of-force policies.
Statute of Limitations: 3 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 3 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 3 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 3 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 3 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Typical filing fee: $5-$45 (claims up to $10,000)
Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.
Typical filing fee: $120-$200
Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.
Typical filing fee: $80-$120
Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.
Free civil legal services for low-income DC residents in housing, family, public benefits, and consumer matters.
Visit Website →Free legal services in housing, family, public benefits, and immigration for low-income DC residents.
Visit Website →Civil legal aid for low-income DC residents east of the Anacostia River.
Visit Website →