• 901 4th Street NW, Suite 6000 Washington, DC 20001
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Get Help from Rising for Justice

When your housing is at risk, a past record is preventing you from securing a job or apartment, or you are involved in a civil protection order case, finding a lawyer can feel overwhelming and expensive.

Rising for Justice provides free legal services for civil matters to eligible individuals in Washington, DC. We are currently accepting clients in the following areas: Housing, Record Sealing, and Respondent Representation in Civil Protection Order and Anti-Stalking Order cases.

If you need legal help or legal advice, you can start by completing our online intake form. Submitting the intake form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Our staff will review your request and may contact you within two business days.

Get Help: Online Intake Form

If you have a court date within the next 7 days, please contact the appropriate department directly.

You can also select a program below to learn more about the services we provide and eligibility requirements.

Housing & Tenant Justice

Record Sealing

Respondent Representation

Free Legal & Social Work Support

There is no cost for our services if you qualify.

 

All clients receiving legal support may also be referred to our Social Work Program, which can help address related needs and connect you to additional support.

Housing

Are you facing eviction or a landlord dispute?

  • Do you have an upcoming court date in DC Superior Court, Landlord-Tenant Court?
  • Have you received an eviction notice?
  • Is your landlord refusing repairs?
  • Are you dealing with a Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher termination?

Our attorneys may be able to provide advice before or at your first court date and, when appropriate, offer legal representation. Rising for Justice is the largest provider of same-day legal services in DC Landlord-Tenant Court. Read more about our Housing and Tenant Justice services.

Get Help
  • Where to Find Us

Rising for Justice Courthouse Intake Center

Superior Court of the District of Columbia  

Court Building B, Room 225  

510 4th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 

Our courthouse office is located on the second floor, near the Landlord-Tenant courtrooms. If you have a hearing or need to file paperwork, you can visit us on your court date or the day your filing is due. 

  • Office Hours

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

  • Emergency Support for DC residents facing eviction

Rising for Justice Master of Social Work interns have compiled this list of emergency resources to support DC residents facing eviction. Because available resources in DC can change quickly, this list is updated regularly to help ensure the information remains current and useful. 

Read More

If you have updated information or a new resource to add, please email socialwork@risingforjustice.org.

Criminal Record Sealing

Is a past arrest, charge, or conviction from making it hard to find a job or housing?

If you are a DC resident or a Maryland resident with a DC criminal record, our Record Sealing Program can help determine whether you are eligible to seal or clear your DC criminal record.

 

We offer free intake interviews to explain your options and your rights. Read more about our Record Sealing services.

Get Help
  • How to Reach Us

Phone Intake – Record Sealing Program
Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
(202) 607-2721 

Rising for Justice provides record sealing services only for criminal matters that occurred in Washington, DC. If your case is not eligible for our services, please refer to our Expungement & Reentry Services Referral List for additional resources.

Please note, this list is informational only. Availability or services from outside organizations is not guaranteed.

Read More

Respondent Representation

Has a temporary Civil Protection Order (CPO) or Anti-Stalking Order (ASO) been filed against you? Are you facing a full CPO or ASO hearing?

If you are a DC resident, Rising for Justice’s Respondent Representation Program (RRP) may be able to help. We facilitate settlements of both CPOs and ASOs and work to resolve controversies as effectively as possible.

 

We provide:

  • Legal information and education
  • Mediation services
  • Representation in CPO and ASO cases

 

Read more about our Respondent Representation services.

Get Help
  • How to Reach Us

Phone Intake – Respondent Representation Program  

Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm 

Frequently Asked Questions

We serve Washington, DC residents with low household incomes, generally below 201% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The only exception is our criminal record sealing program, which may assist Maryland residents if the offense occurred in Washington, DC.

 

If you live outside DC, you may visit LawHelp.org for legal resources in your area.

Rising for Justice participates in the DC Resource Bridge, a city-funded referral system that connects DC residents with legal and social services.

 

If your issue falls outside our practice areas, your income is above our guidelines, or you need additional help, you can contact DC Resource Bridge at dcresourcebridge.org or call (202) 933-4357.

Our services are free for eligible clients. We do not charge for representation or advice. We’re here to help you move toward stability, not create more stress. 

In some cases, law students may assist with your case under the close supervision of an experienced attorney. Supervising attorneys oversee all student work and ensure that your representation meets professional and ethical standards. 

You do not need to bring everything listed below to get help. Bring what you have. 

 

For All Clients 

  • A photo ID, if available 
  • Any court papers, notices, or letters related to your case 
  • Your case number, if you have one 
  • A phone number or email where we can reach you 

For Housing Cases 

  • Eviction notices, court filings, or hearing notices 
  • Your lease or rental agreement (if you have it) 
  • Any notices from your landlord (written or text messages) 
  • Proof of rent payments or housing assistance (if available) 
  • Photos of unsafe housing conditions  

For Criminal Record Sealing 

  • Any paperwork related to your arrest, charge, or conviction 
  • The date and location of the case, if you know it 

For Civil Protection Order / Anti-Stalking Order Cases 

  • Court papers related to the CPO or ASO 
  • The date of your next court hearing, if scheduled 

If you are missing documents, you can still visit us during office hours or call. Our team will help you figure out the next steps.