APALRC's Legacy of Legal Service

The Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC)—a DC Bar Foundation grantee partner—has been a vital resource for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in DC since its founding in 1998. Initially a volunteer organization started by AAPI law students and attorneys , APALRC has since grown into a key legal service provider. Each year, APALRC provides services that range from housing dispute resolution to legal aid for victims of trafficking and hate crimes. The organization also conducts Know Your Rights seminars, helping the community better understand their legal rights, particularly for those who face language barriers.

A significant aspect of APALRC’s work is its collaboration with the Save Chinatown Solidarity Network, an AAPI-led collective of concerned DC residents focused on preventing displacement in DC’s Chinatown. APALRC works closely with the Network, providing legal support to tenants and businesses struggling against gentrification. They work to ensure that tenants in Chinatown understand and exercise their legal rights so they can stay in their community. 

Over the years, APALRC has achieved several notable successes, including its transition from a volunteer organization to a professional legal service provider, and its involvement in the passage of the DC Language Access Act, which ensures language access for all residents. The organization has also been instrumental in advocating for trafficking victims, forming tenant associations, and fighting anti-Asian hate through public awareness campaigns.

One of the most powerful success stories that encapsulates APALRC’s work is its ongoing support for Museum Square residents for over a decade. Due to ongoing displacement threats and unsafe living conditions, the 302-unit building now only has 60 occupied units. APALRC works with residents, many of whom are elderly residents with limited mobility, who are experiencing deteriorating living conditions.

Tenants have had to contend with unsafe elevators, overheating apartments, pests, and other health hazards. With the help of APALRC’s attorneys, residents have been able to request building inspections and demand repairs. In some cases, issues have been taken to housing court, resulting in small but significant victories that improve the living conditions of the residents. Though the battle is ongoing, these incremental successes highlight the organization’s commitment to advocating for vulnerable communities and improving their quality of life.

Please visit the DCBF website to learn more about how the DC Bar Foundation supports grantee partners like the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center.