Tzedek DC

Tzedek DC is an independent public interest center headquartered at UDC’s David A. Clarke School of Law, now with a second office located in Ward 8. Founded in 2016, Tzedek DC safeguards the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes who are dealing with often unjust, abusive, and illegal debt collection practices, as well as other consumer protection problems like credit reporting issues, exploitative economic schemes and scams, identity theft, and predatory lending. The organization takes its name from the ancient Hebrew teaching, “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” meaning “Justice, justice shall you pursue.” 

Having arisen from a fellowship granted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Tzedek DC is the first legal aid nonprofit organized by the Washington Jewish community. During a 2015-17 incubation period, Tzedek DC’s founders entered into key partnerships (e.g., with UDC School of Law, pro bono attorneys at major law firms, and community organizations), built a governance structure, laid the foundation for future financial sustainability and accountability, and evolved a three-part programmatic approach encompassing (i) direct, free legal and financial counseling services, (ii) community outreach and education, and (iii) advocacy for systemic reforms. 

For those sued in debt cases, the most common outcome is a default judgment—an adverse judgment handed down when a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit. Such default judgments often have life-altering consequences—from impaired credit ratings, wage garnishment, and bank account attachment to difficulties in finding a job or housing and increased risk of homelessness. Against this backdrop, Tzedek DC seeks to increase access to the civil justice system and to address debt-related legal problems before they become irreversible, catastrophic crises that can shatter family stability and financial health.