Court of Appeals Establishes Community Justice Worker Committee

June 26, 2026

On June 25, 2026, the D.C. Court of Appeals issued an administrative order establishing the Community Justice Worker Committee to facilitate, monitor, and assess community justice worker (CJW) programs authorized by the D.C. Courts.

The order follows the February 26, 2026, adoption of D.C. App. R. 49(c)(14), which establishes a framework allowing trained CJWs to provide legal assistance to people who cannot afford an attorney.

The new rule, which took effect April 6, defines CJWs as individuals who are not D.C. Bar members, including nonlawyers, who may engage in the limited practice of law under the supervision of a D.C. Bar member employed by an eligible nonprofit organization that provides free or low-cost legal services to residents of the District of Columbia. Eligible organizations must submit an application to the chief judge of the D.C. Court of Appeals to participate in the CJW program.

The committee will carry out duties and responsibilities necessary to support the implementation, oversight, and evaluation of CJW programs, including:

• Reviewing applications submitted by organizations seeking approval to operate CJW programs;
• Evaluating applications for compliance with D.C. App. R. 49(c)(14) and any requirements established by the D.C. Courts;
• Making recommendations to the chief judge of the D.C. Court of Appeals regarding approval, denial, modification, renewal, suspension, or revocation of CJW program approvals;
• Monitoring implementation of approved CJW programs;
• Identifying opportunities to improve the effectiveness of CJW programs and expand access to justice programs; and
• Performing other duties related to implementation of D.C. App. R. 49(c)(l4).

Erin Larkin, director of the Access to Justice Unit of the D.C. Courts, was appointed chair of the Community Justice Worker Committee for a term of two years, effective July 1, 2026.