DCALF serves DC’s “forgotten middle,” residents who are too “wealthy” to qualify for free legal services but cannot afford private representation. Some 93% of this group represent themselves in divorce or custody matters and 97% appear in Probate Court without a lawyer. Whether clients need brief advice or full representation, DCALF ensures that income is never a barrier to legal representation. Supporting domestic violence survivors to obtain custody of their children, guiding immigrants in how to attain status and safety, advocating for Black and Brown families to preserve homeownership–these are just a few examples of the critical work in which DCALF routinely engages. Cultivating the next generation of public interest attorneys, its fellowship program provides recent law school graduates with experience, mentorship, and a competitive salary. DCALF advances economic justice by making the law accessible to all.
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