DC Courts Introduce Community Justice Workers to Assist Civil Litigants
The District of Columbia Courts have announced a new initiative to allow non-attorneys to assist civil litigants who are unable to afford legal representation. This program, known as Community Justice Workers, is set to begin in April and aims to provide legal assistance in cases involving evictions, child custody disputes, and other civil matters. The initiative is designed to address the gap in legal representation for individuals facing significant life pressures without the means to hire an attorney. Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby emphasized the innovative nature of the program, which will allow trained nonlawyers to guide litigants through court proceedings, offer legal advice, and provide limited in-court support. The program will be supervised by attorneys and legal service providers approved by the D.C. Courts. 
