07/14/2026
Access to justice is built in courtrooms, community spaces, and everywhere people can find the tools to protect their rights.
This quarter, RFJ's attorneys, social workers, interns, and advocates worked alongside our neighbors and partners to support low-income residents move from hardship to stability.
Here's a look at what we've been up to:
📣 Advocating at the DC Council
RFJ joined the D.C. Access to Justice Commission and fellow legal aid organizations to urge the Council of the District of Columbia to fully fund the Access to Justice Initiative, which supports civil legal services for more than 40,000 DC residents each year.
🎓 Welcoming our summer interns
We're excited to welcome our interns from across the DC region. This summer, they'll gain hands-on experience supporting clients seeking protection orders and criminal record sealing while learning what community-centered legal advocacy looks like in practice.
🤝 Connecting with the community
Interns Rose and Coral represented RFJ at Community College Preparatory Academy, sharing information about our free criminal record sealing services with students and community members.
💼 Supporting returning residents
Rising for Justice partnered with the DC Department of Employment Services to lead a record sealing workshop for returning residents. Participants learned how clearing eligible records can remove barriers to employment and where to access free legal help through RFJ.
🎉 A win for access to justice
We celebrated the restoration of full funding for the Access to Justice Initiative in the District's budget. Thank you to our partners, advocates, and city leaders for investing in civil legal aid and the communities it serves.
We'll be back in October with another Justice Round Up!
