The D.C. Access to Justice Commission was created by the D.C. Court of Appeals in 2005 to address low and moderate income residents' unmet need for civil legal services (Click here for the Court of Appeals Order creating the Commission). The Commission also is responsible for raising the profile in our community of the need for equal access to justice. The Commissioners include D.C. Court of Appeals and Superior Court judges, leaders of the D.C. Bar, legal services attorneys, and other community leaders. The Commission is chaired by Georgetown University Law Center Professor Peter Edelman.
Commission Goals
The Commission seeks to increase significantly the resources for civil legal services, improve planning and coordination of legal services delivery, and reduce other barriers preventing equal access to justice. The Commission works with the Court, legal services providers, bar members, and other community leaders to achieve these goals.
Jonathan M. Smith, Executive Director Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
About the Commission
District of Columbia Access to Justice Commission
The Court of Appeals established the Commission for an initial term of three years. In October 2007, the Court issued an Order continuing the work of the Commission indefinitely.