Free Legal Aid in District of Columbia(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
District of Columbia's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia and other organizations. These programs cover housing, family law, public benefits, expungement, and other critical legal needs for people who cannot afford an attorney.
Last updated:
Quick Answer
You can get free legal help in District of Columbia through Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia (call 1-202-628-1161) or apply online at their website. The largest civil legal aid provider in DC covering housing, family law, public benefits, consumer issues, and immigration. DC also has extensive reentry legal services. The DC Bar Lawyer Referral Service can also connect you with affordable attorneys. Income must generally be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level for most legal aid programs.
District of Columbia Legal Aid Organization
Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
Website: legalaiddc.org
Phone: 1-202-628-1161
The largest civil legal aid provider in DC covering housing, family law, public benefits, consumer issues, and immigration. DC also has extensive reentry legal services.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
DC Bar Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/district-of-columbia-- directory of free legal resources and self-help materials
Income Eligibility
Threshold: 125% of Federal Poverty Level
For a single person, this is approximately $19,088/year (2026). Some programs may accept up to 200% FPL for certain case types like domestic violence or veterans' issues.
Types of Legal Issues Covered
- ✓Housing & eviction defense
- ✓Family law (custody, divorce, protection orders)
- ✓Public benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI)
- ✓Consumer & debt issues
- ✓Expungement & record clearing
- ✓Employment disputes
- ✓Immigration (limited)
Notable Legal Aid Organizations
Largest legal aid provider in DC — housing, family, public benefits, and consumer law
Free civil legal services in DC's underserved communities
Reentry Legal Services
The PDS Community Defender Division provides reentry legal assistance including record sealing
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free record sealing assistance for DC residents under one of the most expansive record sealing laws in the nation
Law School Clinics
Criminal defense, juvenile justice, and appellate advocacy
Pro Bono Programs
Coordinates pro bono legal services across the District of Columbia
Public Defender System
Statewide
The Public Defender Service for DC (PDS) provides criminal defense representation and is widely regarded as one of the best public defender offices in the nation.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
Call 1-202-628-1161 or apply online at their website. You can also visit a local office in person.
- 2
Complete intake screening
Staff will verify your income, residency, and case type. Have proof of income, identification, and relevant documents ready.
- 3
Case assignment
If eligible, you will be assigned an attorney or referred to a volunteer lawyers program, law school clinic, or other appropriate resource.
- 4
Receive legal help
Services may include legal advice, document preparation, negotiation, or full representation depending on the case type and available resources.
Related District of Columbia Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in District of Columbia?
- Contact Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia at 1-202-628-1161 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/district-of-columbia for a directory of free legal resources, or call the DC Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-202-296-7845 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in District of Columbia?
- Most legal aid programs in District of Columbia require income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $19,088/year for a single person in 2026). Some programs accept higher incomes for certain case types like domestic violence, veterans' issues, or disaster relief.
- Can I get free help with expungement in District of Columbia?
- Yes. DC PDS — Record Sealing provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
- Does District of Columbia have a public defender I can use?
- If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you have a constitutional right to a public defender. The Public Defender Service for DC (PDS) provides criminal defense representation and is widely regarded as one of the best public defender offices in the nation. Contact the court clerk in your jurisdiction to request a public defender. Note: public defenders handle criminal cases only, not civil matters.
Take Action -- Direct Links
- Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-202-628-1161 for free civil legal assistance.
- District of Columbia LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for District of Columbia residents.
- DC Bar Lawyer Referral Service
Find an attorney through the state bar's referral service.
- ABA Free Legal Answers
Get free answers to civil legal questions from volunteer attorneys online.
Related Resources on This Site
More for your state
- Jobs by CityFelony friendly jobs in Washington, DC
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Washington, DC
- ExpungementDistrict of Columbia expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in District of Columbia
- Gun RightsFelon gun rights in District of Columbia
- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in District of Columbia
- ProbationProbation & parole in District of Columbia
- SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in District of Columbia
Helpful guides
- Phone & InternetFree government phone (Lifeline program)
- UtilitiesShutoff / disconnection protection
- HealthHow to apply for Medicaid
- Drug TestingDrug test detection times — how long do drugs stay in your system?