Each month, we highlight individuals working to make the justice system more accessible to DC residents. Meet Lucy Newton, Supervising Attorney and Co-Director of the Eviction Defense Unit for DC Law Students in Court.
Name Lucy Newton
Job/Position Supervising Attorney and Co-Director, Eviction Defense Unit
Organization DC Law Students in Court
Years on the Job Less than a year, although I have been a legal service attorney in DC since 2005.
Where did you grow up? Waycross, Georgia
What brought you to DC? A fellowship
What was your first job in DC, and what did you learn?
I worked at a large nonprofit, and I learned a lot about coalition building and policy work.
What is your relationship to DCBF? DCBF Grantee
INTERESTING FACTS
Favorite Vacation Spot Anyplace with trees and stars
Guilty Pleasure Dark chocolate
Hobbies I am a classically trained singer. I sing a lot.
Your News Source(s) The Washington Post, mostly
One thing (other than your phone) you never leave your house without is… Chap stick
You get to paint a mural on the side of the White House. What do you paint? The Statue of Liberty
If I hadn’t become a lawyer, I would be a… Piano teacher
LEGAL AID
Most rewarding element of your work The connection with my clients.
Legal aid is important to me because … Access to justice shouldn’t be about your income.
The most pressing civil legal aid issue in DC is… Lack of access to affordable housing.