LCE empowers, defends, and protects Washington’s older residents, taking care of critical legal matters like nursing home safety, wills, and power of attorney, but also addressing fundamental human needs: economic security, housing, mental health/social isolation – all needs that pre-existed the pandemic but were exacerbated by it. LCE began working with clients who had lost jobs or were experiencing debt and also with those who needed counsel to address evictions and illegal landlord activity. In the face of increased mental health concerns, it began conducting regular wellness checks, provided civil protection orders in response to complaints of domestic abuse, added training for staff on how to navigate challenging conversations on topics like suicidal thoughts, and addressed food security and other services needed to keep vulnerable clients safe and healthy. Surely, one test of a community's compassion is how it cares for its older adults.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 2

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; DC-Ward 1; DC-Ward 2; DC-Ward 3; DC-Ward 4; DC-Ward 5; DC-Ward 6; DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 8

Age Groups Served: Seniors (50+)

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic; Other

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Women/Girls


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) your organization serves annually:   6,000
  • Number of volunteers who work with your organization annually:   600
  • Number of hours of volunteer work you record annually:   20,000
  • Additional impact:  
    $10,000,000 in monetary benefits and/or legal victories obtained for our clients annually

Awards & Recognition

Received the Community Cornerstone Award from D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds for making "an extraordinary impact in improving the quality of life and well-being of District residents" (August 2015)
Received the prestigious Potter Stewart Award from the Council on Court Excellence in recognition of its superlative advocacy efforts (May 2014)
Received the Laura Lisner Award "for outstanding achievements enhancing the quality of life for older adults" (May 2011)
Named the "Best Place to Volunteer in D.C." by the Washington City Paper (March 2011)
For 12 consecutive years LCE's Pro Bono Publico newsletter has received an "APEX Award for Excellence"

Press

Budget (FY2015)

  • The current budget for Legal Counsel for the Elderly is: $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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