The D.C. Access to Justice Commission was created by the D.C. Court of Appeals in 2005 to help improve the ability of low– and moderate–income residents to access the civil justice system. The Commission also is responsible for raising the profile in our community of the need for equal access to justice. Established initially for a three–year term, the Court, in 2007, ordered the Commission’s work to continue indefinitely.

The Commission has twenty-five Commissioners, including D.C. Court of Appeals, Superior Court, and D.C. Office of Administrative Hearings judges and administrators; prominent members of the D.C. Bar; legal services leaders; corporate counsel; legal academics; and community leaders. It is chaired by Peter Edelman and vice-chaired by Jim Sandman. Commissioners are appointed by the Court for three–year terms.

The Commission meets in full session every six-eight weeks. A substantial amount of work is done though the Commission’s committees, which include both Commission members and representatives from the larger community. Current committees include: Self Help, Policy, AI and Access to Justice, Civil Justice Data, and Resource Development with several other work groups.

The Commission is privately funded, predominantly by area law firms, foundations, and individuals. A separate 501(c)(3) organization, the D.C. Access to Justice Foundation, manages fundraising for the Commission. The Foundation has a separate Board of Directors.

The Commission celebrated its 20th anniversary at an event on November 13, 2025. To see photos from the event and learn more about the Commission’s impact over its 20 years, CLICK HERE. You can also view our 20th anniversary video below.

The Commission established a set of Justice for All priorities in January 2022. (See our Justice for All overview.)