We are proud to announce that Tzedek DC has been named a recipient of the 2021 Paul Chapman Gold Medal, given by the Atlanta-based Foundation for Improvement of Justice. Tzedek DC is one of nine awardees selected from across the United States. The Chapman Gold Medal, which also comes with a gift of $10,000, recognizes innovative programs that have made demonstrable improvements to local, state, and federal systems of justice, and that can serve as models.
In announcing the award, the Foundation cited Tzedek DC’s collaboration with other local agencies and DC policymakers to bring about systemic reforms, including fines and fees and wage garnishment reforms. The Foundation also noted our pro bono direct legal services and track record of saving client households an average of $2,151 per full debt collection case representation (the equivalent of more than four weeks’ work at DC’s minimum wage).
Founding President & Director-Counsel Ariel Levinson-Waldman said “We are grateful and honored to receive the Chapman Prize, and to be in the company of the many distinguished organizations and individuals who have also received this award, with whom we share the goal of turning ideals of justice into lived reality for people regardless of their wealth and income.”
About the Foundation for Improvement of Justice. The Foundation for Improvement of Justice is a private, not-for-profit institution founded in 1984 for the purpose of improving local, state, and federal systems of justice within the United States. Past winners of the Chapman Prize include Steven Bright, AYUDA, and the National Immigrants Justice Center.
About Tzedek DC. Drawing from the Jewish teachings of “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue,” Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with low incomes dealing with the often devastating consequences of abusive debt collection practices and other consumer related issues. Tzedek DC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law.
