Adult Directory 2013

XVII. LEGAL ASSISTANCE
DC has two primary sources of legal representation for indigent persons charged with a
crime. The Public Defender Service for DC generally handles the more complex,
resource-intense, and time consuming criminal and juvenile delinquency cases. A panel
of pre-selected attorneys (CJA attorneys) who are appointed pursuant to the District’s
Criminal Justice Act of (CJA) represent the remaining case as well as case conflicts.
Individuals seeking a civil remedy are not entitled to court-appointed representation.
This chapter lists many of the non-profit organizations and law school clinics which
provide consultations, resources, and representation to individuals and groups who are in
need of civil legal services and unable to pay the cost of an attorney. Clients must meet
income guidelines to receive services.
Low and moderate income persons seeking legal assistance for a non-criminal matter can
start by using the on-line service called www.lawhelp.org (LawHelp.org is not accessible
by telephone or walk-in). LawHelp.org provides basic information about legal rights and
makes referrals to local legal aid and public interest law offices that provide free or low
cost legal representation. The DC Bar Pro Bono Programs sponsors walk-in legal advice
and consultation clinics on selected dates at Bread for the City (see this Chapter).
Each of the DC law schools (American, Catholic, Georgetown, George Washington,
Howard, and UDC) offer legal clinics that handle a limited number of cases in a variety
of specialty areas. Case representation by law school clinics are generally handled by
second and third-year law students who are supervised by licensed attorneys.
Representation by a law school clinic is generally pro bono, the client may be expected to
cover the cost of filings, transcripts and witness expenses. Law school clinics make
every effort to schedule the progression of a case during the academic school years
(September to May). Accordingly, the chances are better in getting a case accepted for
representation by a law school clinic if the application is made in July or early August.
Advocates for Justice and Education - 25 E Street, NW 20001
(202) 678-8060, (888) 327-8060, Fax (202) 678-8062 www.aje-dc.org
Weade Wallace, Director of Programs, weade.wallace@aje-dc.org
Direct services and individual advocacy to parents of special education students when a
third party is necessary to ensure the child receives the educational support and services
needed to progress in school. Education and training for parents to learn more about the
laws supporting special education and related services.
American University Law Clinics - 4801 Mass Ave, NW 20016
(202) 274-4140, Fax (202) 274-0659 www.wcl.american.edu
Robert Dinerstein, Clinical Programs Director
Provides supervised law student representation to low-income individual and
organizations. All applications processed through the clinic’s intake office.
Civil Advocacy Clinic – Elliott S. Milstein, Director
Direct legal representation in cases involving: Bankruptcy, consumer protection, family
law, health, housing, public benefits, and special education.
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Adult Resource Directory: 2013
Community & Confinement Access Guide