Supporting Communities Through Legal Aid

As the DC Bar Foundation’s board president, I am honored to have this opportunity to discuss some of the critical work the legal aid community is doing and some of what has been achieved. I have served on DCBF’s board for the last five years and as president for the past year. Serving in this capacity has allowed me to participate in many conversations that have enhanced my understanding and appreciation for what has been accomplished within the legal aid community, much of it thanks to the public funding we receive from the DC government through its Access to Justice Initiative.  

When I attend DCBF events, talk with staff, and go to board meetings, it is clear to me that everyone is deeply passionate about ensuring DC residents have access to legal aid services. Here is some of what has been accomplished as a result of the public and private funding the Foundation receives:  

• CLCPP attorneys contributed to the District’s safety and stability by helping 365 families remain housed. During the last reporting period (July 1 – December 31, 2024), Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) attorneys helped 365 clients retain possession of their homes. Of these clients, 132 (36%) had minor children living in the home, and 128 (35%) reported having a household member living with a disability.  The latest CLCPP biannual report details the Program’s progress.   

• Loan repayment assistance programs have positive benefits for legal aid attorneys and organizations. Since 2007, DCBF has forgiven over $3 million of public and private debt for DC legal aid attorneys who have enrolled in the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP). This program gives attorneys the opportunity to pay down their student debt and helps legal aid organizations attract and retain staff attorneys, which allows them to increase their client capacity.  

• Evaluation shows the DC Social Justice Transformations Network offers increasing value to network members. Results from the latest DCSJTN survey found that 42% of participants developed a deeper understanding of programs to help DC residents, an increase from 19% in 2022. In addition, client referrals continue to be the most common activity within the network, which is creating more opportunities to meet the needs of DC residents. 

You can also read more about the impact of civil legal aid in Legal Services Corporation’s new study, The Economic Case for Civil Legal Aid. It found that for every $1 invested, civil legal aid returns an average of $7. The study also covers additional benefits, such as boosting local economies and taxpayer savings.  

As the Foundation prepares for the FY26 DC budget hearings, this work could not be achieved without the generous public funding we receive through the Access to Justice Initiative. Our thanks to the Mayor, the DC Council, and private donors who make it possible to reach some of DC’s most vulnerable populations with life-changing legal assistance. The investments made in civil legal aid have strengthened individuals, families, and our entire community.  

Thank you for your ongoing work and continued partnership.  

Sincerely,  

Ben Wilson  

DC Bar Foundation 

Board President