Overview
The Access to Justice Unit helps the DC Courts meet the strategic goal of Access to Justice for All by making sure people can take part in their cases, understand what is happening, and be heard. We work to remove barriers, especially for people without a lawyer or with language or disability needs.
Programs
Need legal help?
The court does not appoint lawyers in most civil cases. If you do not have a lawyer, free resources may be available to help you.
Court Navigator Program
Court Navigators are trained staff who help people understand court steps and fill out forms. They work in the Landlord and Tenant Branch, Small Claims Branch, Civil Actions Branch and Probate Division.
Access for People with Disabilities
We help people with disabilities take part in court. This includes reasonable accommodations such as wheelchair access or captioning services.
Virtual Hearing Assistance
We help people join their court hearings online using the courts' virtual platform (WebEx). We also offer community locations where you can log in to your hearing if you do not have access to a computer or the internet.
Pro Bono Legal Services Program
If you are a lawyer, you can volunteer to provide legal help to court users and help advance access to justice in the DC Courts and the District.
New Initiatives
Civil Legal Regulatory Reform Task Force
This court-led task force brought together judges, lawyers, legal aid organizations, and academics to explore new ways to improve access to civil legal help. The group studied how changes to rules and regulations could make it easier for people without lawyers to get the support they need.
Justice Resource Center (Coming in 2027!)
The Justice Resource Center will be a one-stop hub where court users can get connected to legal help, social services, technology support—all in one welcoming, accessible space.
The Center will be housed in the historic Recorder of Deeds Building at 515 D Street NW. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this site and its art program have been recognized for their importance in reflecting the interplay of social, political, and civic identity in Washington, DC.
Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to opening in 2027!
What is the Civil Justice Gap?
Many people have legal problems but cannot afford a lawyer or do not know where to get help. The reports below explain the gap between people’s legal needs and the help available, and highlight ways courts, legal aid providers, and communities are working to close it.