Access to Justice Commission Honors Firms Raising the Bar for Civil Legal Services in D.C.
July 01, 2026
The D.C. Access to Justice Commission has recognized 32 law firms for their financial support of civil legal services through the 2025 Raising the Bar in D.C. campaign.
Together, the honored firms donated $5.83 million in 2025 to local legal services organizations that serve low- and moderate-income District residents facing critical civil legal issues, including housing instability, family law matters, public benefits disputes, and consumer protection cases. The commission said private-sector support remains essential as demand for civil legal services continues to grow, all while organizations face increasing operating costs.
"The lack of access to legal help is an urgent crisis in the District," said James J. Sandman, chair of the D.C. Access to Justice Commission. "Demand has always exceeded the supply of legal help available for low- and moderate-income District residents, and the need continues to rise. That is why the campaign recognizes leadership firms that have tied their giving to their rising revenue. We urge more firms to follow this example."
Launched in 2010, Raising the Bar in D.C. encourages law firms to dedicate a benchmark percentage of their D.C. office revenue to organizations providing free civil legal assistance. The campaign recognizes firms at Platinum, Gold, and Silver Leadership Circle levels based on the percentage of revenue donated, allowing firms of all sizes to participate while encouraging increased giving as revenues grow. Since its inception, the campaign has expanded from 23 participating firms to 32, with aggregate giving increasing by more than $3.1 million.
The commission also recognized the six firms that increased their leadership circle giving level in 2025, and the 24 firms that maintained their previous level, including 10 firms that have sustained Platinum-level giving for three consecutive years.
Lisa Dewey, commission vice chair, said financial contributions to local legal services organizations strengthen connections between law firms and the communities they serve while creating meaningful impacts for District residents.
In congratulating the participating firms, the commission emphasized that their support helps ensure District residents do not have to face life-altering legal challenges alone. Financial contributions from the private bar complement the District's public investment in civil legal services through the Access to Justice Initiative and reinforce the legal profession's commitment to equal access to justice for all.
