THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA works to ensure that families, individuals and communities living in poverty have equal and meaningful access to justice by providing advice, brief assistance, representation and referrals. In addition to direct client services, and Organization advocates for systemic change on matters that grow directly from individual cases. The core priorities of the Organization include keeping people housed, securing access to health care and public benefits, protecting limited assets and income, protecting immigrants' rights, securing safety from domestic violence and finding family stability. The Organization also has a nationally-recognized appellate practice, the Barbara McDowell Appellate Advocacy Project.