DC LSIC is an invaluable organization for people in the District who cannot afford legal services. As a law student, I spent a year as an intern representing clients accused of misdemeanors in the city. The goal of the program is twofold: To make sure clients get the best possible representation in their cases, and to train new attorneys and instill in them both the skills and desire to continue helping the less privileged members of our society through the rest of their legal careers. LSIC achieves both of these goals because it is well-run, efficient, and staffed by the kindest, most dedicated, and knowledgeable professionals you could hope to find. Partly as a result of my experience there, I became a public defender and today I use the skills I gained at LSIC every day. I am a far better advocate for my clients because of everything I learned as an LSIC intern. Thanks, LSIC!
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- EIN 52-0847160
- 202-638-4798
- 616 H Street Nw Suite 500 Washington DC 20001 USA
- http://www.dclawstudents.org
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Crime & Law, Education, Graduate & Professional Schools, Legal Services, Public & Societal Benefit
Mission: 1) to provide free, high-quality legal assistance to low-income individuals in Washington, D.C. who are unable to afford a lawyer,
2) to train third-year law students in lawyering and courtroom advocacy skills and imbue in them a commitment to pro bono service,
3) to help the courts by providing assistance and representation to indigent persons, and
4) to assist the legal profession by participating in educational and mentoring programs for volunteer lawyers in the areas of housing, consumer and criminal law, and by referring clients to appropriate legal counsel.
Results: LSIC’s legal assistance stabilized individuals and families in their living situations, prevented evictions and homelessness, helped to improve their living conditions, and increased their knowledge of tenant rights and the judicial systems. A 2010 survey results revealed that 100% of LSIC’s clients were very satisfied with the quality of legal services that they received and 71% were very satisfied with the outcome of their legal case.
Target demographics: The majority of LSIC’s clients are African-American and Latina women whose incomes often fall well below the federal poverty guidelines. They are heads of households with young children or heads of extended families either on public assistance, disability assistance or in welfare-to-work situations. Of the 118 clients we represented in FY 09-10: 66% are Female, 34% are Male, 85% are African-American, 8% are Hispanic, 4% are Caucasian and 4% are Other, while 17% are disabled. Our clients live in the following wards: Ward 1=12, Ward 2=7, Ward 3=5, Ward 4=15, Ward 5=18, Ward 6=9, Ward 7=26, Ward 8=26 The average age is 41 years and the average number of people living in the household is 3 people. The average annual income of the individuals we assist is $14,310.
Direct beneficiaries per year: 4,000-4,500 per year
Programs: LSIC is a consortium of law schools program. Civil division students are in Landlord - Tenant Court most days of the year to assist persons facing eviction unable afford attorneys. This unique program assists more tenants than any other D.C. legal service provider. There is also daily intake at LSIC offices. Students also assist and represent in other types of civil cases. Criminal division students work with adults with misdemeanor charges and juveniles.