The Access to Justice Initiative is the District of Columbia’s largest public investment in civil legal services for low- and moderate-income District residents. The legal services offered through the Initiative support a wide range of legal issues, including family law, protection from abuse, economic security, housing, public benefits, education, consumer protection, employment and much more.

Mayor Bowser’s proposed FY26 budget eliminates $21.2 million in one-time funds added by the Council in FY25. This amounts to a 67% overall reduction from last year’s total ATJ appropriation. Alarmingly, the Mayor also proposes converting approximately $4.3 million of the FY26 funding from recurring to one-time, which could jeopardize even the baseline funding in future years.

The following is testimony that one of our legal clients, who we have not named to protect their identity, gave during the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety hearing on June 12. 

First, I want to say thank you for having me here and being open to hear me. I want to share how important it is to have access to a free attorney through Bread for the City — not just in theory, but from personal experience. When I was going through the most terrifying and uncertain time of my life, I was overwhelmed and completely lost in a legal system that felt cold, confusing, and impossible to navigate on my own.

Then I met Attorney Nicole Joseph.

Although she only officially represented me in my civil case, Nicole showed up for me in ways that went far beyond what anyone could expect. She stood by my side through both my civil and criminal trials, offering guidance, knowledge, and — maybe most importantly — kindness. She never made me feel small or judged. She explained things with patience, listened to me, and treated me like a human being at a time when I felt like I was being reduced to just a case number. Even though Attorney Nicole Joseph only officially represented me in my civil case, she stood by me throughout both trials. Her guidance, compassion, and commitment gave me the strength to face situations I never imagined I’d be in. She listened, she explained things clearly, and most importantly, she believed in me when I felt like no one else did. That kind of support made all the difference — not just in the outcome of my case, but in my life. Nicole helped make something unmanageable feel manageable. With her support, I didn’t feel alone anymore. Her presence gave me the courage to keep showing up and fighting for myself.

That’s why I’m urging the D.C. Council to continue funding free legal services like those Bread for the City provides. Without them, people like me — people who don’t have the resources to hire an attorney — will face the system completely alone. And no one should have to do that.

This is why it’s so important that the D.C. Council continues to fund free legal representation for residents who can’t afford it. Everyone deserves a fair chance and a voice in court, regardless of their income. Without programs like this, too many people will fall through the cracks. I urge the Council to keep investing in justice — by ensuring that everyone has access to skilled, compassionate attorneys like Nicole Joseph. Nicole changed my life. And I know there are so many others out there who need someone like her in their corner. Thank you for hearing me and please strongly consider continuing funding for free attorneys in DC.