University Legal Services – Washington, DC

Protecting Rights and Promoting Housing in DC

University Legal Services (ULS) represents a powerful force for advocacy and social justice in the nation’s capital. Established in 1967, this private, non-profit organization has dedicated over 50 years to safeguarding the rights of District of Columbia residents. ULS is unique in its dual mission: it serves as the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system for people with disabilities in D.C. (under the name Disability Rights DC), and it operates a robust housing counseling program to support low-and-moderate-income residents. 🏡

Disability Rights DC (DRDC)

As the designated protection and advocacy agency for the District, ULS’s Disability Rights DC unit fights to ensure that people with disabilities are treated with dignity and have full access to community life. Their attorneys and advocates work tirelessly to prevent abuse, neglect, and discrimination.

• Investigating Abuse: Conducting investigations into reports of abuse or neglect in facilities and community settings.
• Access to Services: Advocating for quality mental health services, developmental disability supports, and vocational rehabilitation.
• Special Education: Ensuring students with disabilities receive the free and appropriate public education (FAPE) they are entitled to under the law.
• Community Integration: Helping individuals transition from institutions back into the community with appropriate supports.

Housing Counseling and Advocacy

ULS is a leader in housing advocacy, helping to stabilize communities and prevent displacement. Their housing counseling program is HUD-approved and provides essential guidance to residents navigating the D.C. housing market. If you need to find a lawyer or counselor to help with housing issues, ULS offers specialized expertise.

• Tenant Purchase (TOPA): Assisting tenant associations in exercising their rights to purchase their apartment buildings, preserving affordable housing.
• Foreclosure Prevention: Counseling homeowners who are falling behind on their mortgage payments to help them keep their homes.
• Credit and Budget Counseling: Empowering residents with financial literacy tools to achieve long-term stability.

Committed to Equity

Whether they are representing a tenant facing eviction or an individual with a traumatic brain injury fighting for services, ULS attorneys provide aggressive and compassionate representation. They are deeply embedded in the community, with a history that traces back to the Civil Rights movement. Their work ensures that the most vulnerable populations in Washington, D.C. have a voice in the legal system.

University Legal Services champions the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities and promotes financial stability for all Washingtonians.

If you urgently need an attorney for a disability rights violation or require expert housing counseling, University Legal Services provides critical resources. Their longstanding presence in the District makes them a trusted partner for those seeking justice and equity.