Open City Advocates – Washington, DC

Holistic Defense for DC’s Youth

Open City Advocates is a pioneering non-profit law firm in Washington, DC that is reshaping juvenile defense. Founded in 2005 (formerly known as Mentoring Today), the organization addresses a critical gap in the justice system: the lack of legal support for youth after sentencing. While most public defenders close their files once a child is sentenced, Open City Advocates steps in to provide zealous representation and long-term mentoring. 🧑‍⚖️ Their mission is to ensure that young people committed to the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) are not forgotten, protecting their due process rights and helping them navigate the path to reentry.

A Unique Model of Representation

Open City Advocates employs a model of ”mentoring-enhanced lawyering.” This innovative approach combines aggressive legal defense with the supportive relationship of a mentor.

• Post-Disposition Defense: representing youth during their commitment to ensure they receive appropriate services, education, and safe placements.
• Reentry Support: helping clients transition back into the community by securing housing, employment, and educational opportunities.
• Mentoring: matching youth with dedicated mentors who provide consistent emotional support and guidance.
• Systemic Reform: Utilizing data from their direct representation to advocate for policy changes that reduce racial disparities and mass incarceration in the juvenile system.

Fighting for Equity

The organization focuses on the most marginalized youth in the District, tackling racial inequity head-on. They recognize that the juvenile justice system disproportionately impacts Black and Brown communities, and they strive to be a force for anti-racist transformation. By staying involved in a young person’s life for the duration of their commitment (often until age 21), Open City Advocates ensures that the system remains accountable to the child’s rehabilitation and well-being. Their work has been instrumental in securing the right to counsel for all youth in post-disposition proceedings in DC.

Located in the U Street Corridor

The firm’s office is located at 1328 Florida Ave NW, on the second floor. Situated in the vibrant U Street Corridor neighborhood, the office is accessible and embedded in the community it serves. The location reflects the organization’s grassroots origins and its commitment to being a welcoming, safe space for youth and their families. Open City Advocates stands as a vital lifeline for young people facing the daunting challenges of the legal system, offering them not just a lawyer, but a dedicated champion for their future.