Nonprofit · EIN 52-0847160
RISING FOR JUSTICE INC
Also known as DC LAW STUDENTS IN COURT
Tax-exempt · WASHINGTON, DC 20001
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2025 | 990 | $2,976,518 | $3,054,901 | -$78,383 | $3,746,302 | $2,021,661 | $1,724,641 |
| December 31, 2024 | 990 | $1,732,327 | $3,598,359 | -$1,866,032 | $4,117,531 | $2,408,493 | $1,709,038 |
| December 31, 2023 | 990 (amended) | $3,038,660 | $3,993,147 | -$954,487 | $6,311,233 | $2,812,865 | $3,498,368 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $2,774,429
- Program service revenue
- $96,119
- Investment income
- $92,134
- Net income from fundraising events
- $13,836
- Other revenue
- $13,836
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $0
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $120,391
- Other salaries and wages
- $1,576,475
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $1,937,433
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Legal fees
- $1,502
- Accounting fees
- $31,800
- Occupancy
- $469,665
- Travel
- $1,932
- Depreciation
- $448
- Program services (functional)
- $2,652,084
- Management and general (functional)
- $254,127
- Fundraising (functional)
- $148,690
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $4,117,531
- Total assets, end of year
- $3,746,302
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $2,021,661
- Net assets, end of year
- $1,724,641
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $407
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $522,666
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $1,201,975
- Gross receipts
- $3,027,109
- Employees
- 27
- Volunteers
- 226
- Year formed
- 1980
- State of legal domicile
- DC
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHIJIOKE AKAMIGBO | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Trustee or director, Officer | 40 | $172,689 | $8,563 |
| CHAZ J KOHLRIESER | DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WORK Highest-paid employee | 40 | $120,391 | $7,505 |
| ANDREW W RABINOWITZ | DIRECTOR OF TENANT JUSTICE PROGRAM Highest-paid employee | 40 | $119,678 | $7,247 |
| HELEN DOOLEY | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 10 | $0 | $0 |
| BRIAN STEKLOFT | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MARGARITA K ODONNELL | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| CURTIS LU | VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| NITA S CUMELLO | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CARMEN IGUINA GONZLEZ | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| IAN A HERBERT | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| THEODORE A HOWARD | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| TASHA HAILEY HUTCHINS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| JONATHAN S JEFFRESS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| PHYLLIS A JONES | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| WILLIAM G LAXTON JR | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
5 more people on this return
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEATHER PINCKNEY | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| JAMES KOUKIOS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| JEREMY MERKELSON | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| ANNE Y LEE | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| MELINDA WARNER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2024: 21 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHIJIOKE AKAMIGBO | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Trustee or director, Officer | 40 | $169,342 |
| CHAZ J KOHLRIESER | DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WORK Trustee or director, Officer | 40 | $119,560 |
| JOHN R PENN IV | DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATION Trustee or director, Officer | 40 | $116,298 |
| HELEN DOOLEY | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 10 | $0 |
| BRIAN STEKLOFT | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
| MARGARITA K ODONNELL | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
| CURTIS LU | VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 |
| NITA S CUMELLO | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| CARMEN IGUINA GONZLEZ | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| IAN A HERBERT | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| THEODORE A HOWARD | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| TASHA HAILEY HUTCHINS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| JONATHAN S JEFFRESS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| PHYLLIS A JONES | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| WILLIAM G LAXTON JR | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| HEATHER PINCKNEY | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| BARRY POLLACK | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DONALD J RIDINGS JR | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| JEREMY MERKELSON | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| ANNE Y LEE | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| MELINDA WARNER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2023: 21 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DANIEL M CLARK | DIRECTOR TENANT JUSTICE PROGRAM Trustee or director, Officer | 40 | $114,094 |
| LUCY NEWTON | DEPUTY DIRECTOR Trustee or director, Officer | 40 | $105,647 |
| GRACE LOPES | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Trustee or director, Officer | 40 | $95,999 |
| CHIJIOKE AKAMIGBO | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Trustee or director, Officer | 40 | $60,819 |
| HELEN DOOLEY | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 10 | $0 |
| BRIAN STEKLOFT | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
| MARGARITA K ODONNELL | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 |
| CURTIS LU | VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| NITA S CUMELLO | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| CARMEN IGUINA GONZALEZ | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| THEODORE A HOWARD | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| JONATHAN S JEFFRESS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| IAN HERBERT | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| HEATHER PINCKNEY | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DARRELL MOTTLEY | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| TASHA HAILEY HUTCHINS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| PHYLLIS A JONES | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| BARRY POLLACK | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DONALD J RIDINGS JR | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| WILLIAM G LAXTON JR | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| DONALD SALZMAN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 901 4TH STREET NW 6000, WASHINGTON, DC 20001-3074
- Principal officer (990 for 2025)
- CHIJIOKE AKAMIGBO, 901 4TH STREET NW 6000, WASHINGTON, DC 20001
- Signed the 990
- CHIJIOKE AKAMIGBO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- Phone
- (202) 638-4798
- Return prepared by
- SB & COMPANY LLC
Mission
THE MISSION OF RISING FOR JUSTICE IS TO LEVERAGE THE COLLECTIVE FORCES OF LAW STUDENTS AND SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS WHO WORK ALONG WITH OUR EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS TO ACHIEVE JUSTICE FOR OUR CLIENTS. WE DIRECTLY REPRESENT INDIVIDUALS WHO CANNOT AFFORD COUNSEL BEFORE THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS AND VARIOUS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES. WE TRAIN LAW STUDENTS FROM AREA LAW SCHOOLS IN TRIAL ADVOCACY AND OTHER LAWYERING SKILLS AND SEEK TO INSTILL IN THEM A COMMITMENT TO PRO BONO SERVICE. WE ALSO SERVE AS A FIELD PLACEMENT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS FROM MSW PROGRAMS WHO WORK ON TEAMS WITH OUR LAW STUDENTS AND ATTORNEYS TO SERVE THE SOCIAL SERVICES NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS THROUGH AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO CLIENT REPRESENTATION.
Program accomplishments
- HOUSING PROGRAM: RISING FOR JUSTICE (RFJ) ADVANCES HOUSING STABILITY AND PREVENTS EVICTION THROUGH ITS HOUSING ADVOCACY AND LITIGATION CLINIC (HALC), STABILIZING COMMUNITIES (STABCOMM) PROGRAM, AND TENANT JUSTICE PROGRAM (TJP). TOGETHER, THESE INITIATIVES PROVIDE CRITICAL LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND SOCIAL-WORK SUPPORT TO LOW-INCOME DC RESIDENTS FACING EVICTION, UNSAFE HOUSING CONDITIONS, OR BARRIERS TO STABLE HOUSING. DC'S ONGOING HOUSING CRISIS, MARKED BY SOARING RENTS, LOSS OF AFFORDABLE UNITS, AND WIDENING RACIAL DISPARITIES, HAS LEFT MANY TENANTS VULNERABLE TO DISPLACEMENT AND HOMELESSNESS.RFJ'S UNIQUE POSITION AS THE SOLE LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN DC OFFERING IMMEDIATE LEGAL ADVICE AND EVICTION DEFENSE IN THE LANDLORD AND TENANT BRANCH OF DC SUPERIOR COURT UNDERSCORES THE URGENCY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF ITS WORK. ATTORNEYS, LAW STUDENTS, AND SOCIAL WORKERS CONDUCT IN-PERSON INTAKE AT THE COURTHOUSE, ASSESS EACH TENANT'S LEGAL AND SOCIAL NEEDS, AND PROVIDE ADVICE, BRIEF SERVICES, OR EXTENDED REPRESENTATION. RFJ'S INTERDISCIPLINARY MODEL COMBINES COURTROOM ADVOCACY WITH HOLISTIC CASE MANAGEMENT, CONNECTING CLIENTS TO RENTAL ASSISTANCE, FOOD SECURITY PROGRAMS, MENTAL-HEALTH CARE, AND OTHER SUPPORTS THAT STRENGTHEN LONG-TERM STABILITY.IN FY 2025, RFJ AND ITS PARTNERS REPRESENTED THOUSANDS OF TENANTS CITYWIDE, HELPING FAMILIES AVOID EVICTION, NEGOTIATE FAIR SETTLEMENTS, AND REMAIN SAFELY HOUSED. THROUGH OUTREACH, SYSTEMIC ADVOCACY, AND LITIGATION, THESE PROGRAMS ADDRESS BOTH INDIVIDUAL CRISES AND THE STRUCTURAL INEQUITIES DRIVING DC'S HOUSING EMERGENCY. BY PAIRING LEGAL DEFENSE WITH SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTION, RFJ ENSURES THAT DC'S MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS HAVE A FAIR CHANCE TO PRESERVE THEIR HOMES AND REBUILD STABILITY.Expenses $88,003 · revenue $96,119
- EXPUNGEMENT & RECORD SEALING: RISING FOR JUSTICE (RFJ) PROVIDES LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND HOLISTIC SUPPORT TO DC RESIDENTS SEEKING TO SEAL OR EXPUNGE CRIMINAL RECORDS. NEARLY 68,000 DC RESIDENTS, DISPROPORTIONATELY PEOPLE OF COLOR, LIVE WITH CRIMINAL RECORDS THAT RESTRICT ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, AND EDUCATION. BLACK RESIDENTS MAKE UP 43% OF THE CITY'S POPULATION BUT 86% OF ARRESTS, A DISPARITY THAT PERPETUATES CYCLES OF POVERTY AND EXCLUSION.THROUGH ITS CRIMINAL RECORD SEALING PROGRAM, RFJ ASSISTS CLIENTS IN NAVIGATING COMPLEX ELIGIBILITY AND FILING REQUIREMENTS, DRAFTING MOTIONS, COLLECTING DOCUMENTATION, AND PREPARING EVIDENCE OF REHABILITATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. THE PROGRAM INTEGRATES LEGAL AND SOCIAL WORK SERVICES, ENSURING THAT EVERY CLIENT NOT ONLY SECURES RECORD RELIEF BUT ALSO CONNECTS WITH EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, AND EDUCATION RESOURCES TO SUSTAIN LONG-TERM STABILITY. BY COMBINING LEGAL EXPERTISE AND WRAPAROUND SUPPORT, RFJ HELPS CLIENTS OBTAIN LIFE-CHANGING RELIEF. ONCE RECORDS ARE SEALED, INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCE MEASURABLE GAINS IN EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME, WITH STUDIES SHOWING AVERAGE WAGE INCREASES OF 22% WITHIN 1 YEAR. THE PROGRAM RESTORES OPPORTUNITY, DIGNITY, AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY FOR DC RESIDENTS REBUILDING THEIR LIVES AFTER INVOLVEMENT WITH THE JUSTICE SYSTEM.Expenses $230,503
- RESPONDENT REPRESENTATION: RISING FOR JUSTICE (RFJ) OPERATES THE RESPONDENT REPRESENTATION PROGRAM (RRP) TO ENSURE DUE PROCESS AND EQUITY IN CIVIL PROTECTION ORDER (CPO) AND ANTI-STALKING ORDER (ASO) CASES IN DC. EACH YEAR, OVER 6,000 OF THESE CASES ARE FILED IN THE DC SUPERIOR COURT. PETITIONERS OFTEN RECEIVE LEGAL ASSISTANCE, WHILE RESPONDENTS, WHO FACE SERIOUS RISKS TO HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT, AND FAMILY STABILITY, ARE ALMOST ALWAYS UNREPRESENTED. LAUNCHED IN 2018 AT THE REQUEST OF THE DC SUPERIOR COURT, THE RRP ADDRESSES ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT GAPS IN THE CITY'S CIVIL JUSTICE SYSTEM. JUDGES, ATTORNEY-NEGOTIATORS, AND COURT STAFF CONSISTENTLY AFFIRM THAT WHEN RESPONDENTS HAVE COUNSEL, CASES PROCEED MORE EFFICIENTLY, OUTCOMES ARE FAIRER, AND COMPLIANCE WITH COURT ORDERS IMPROVES, ENHANCING SAFETY FOR ALL PARTIES.RFJ'S SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM SUPPORTS THE PROGRAM AND HAS A PROFOUND IMPACT, PROMOTING FAIRNESS, STABILIZING FAMILIES, PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS, AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY SAFETY. THE RRP CONTINUES TO STAND AS ONE OF DC'S FEW REMAINING PATHWAYS TO EQUAL JUSTICE, ENSURING THAT BOTH SIDES IN PROTECTION-ORDER CASES HAVE ACCESS TO COMPETENT REPRESENTATION.Expenses $2,333,578
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 31, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | 990 on file |
| 2024 | December 31, 2024 | May 15, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | December 31, 2023 | May 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 52-0847160
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1980
- Accounting year ends
- December
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $3,746,302
- Income (IRS master file)
- $3,027,109
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | December 2025 | $2,976,518 | $3,054,901 | $3,746,302 | XML |
| 990 | December 2024 | $1,732,327 | $3,598,359 | $4,117,531 | XML |
| 990 | December 2023 | $3,038,660 | $3,993,147 | $6,311,233 | XML |
| 990 | December 2022 | $5,656,447 | $3,386,860 | $7,401,975 | IRS |
| 990 | December 2021 | $2,589,358 | $1,316,427 | $3,588,736 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 52-0847160).
Questions about RISING FOR JUSTICE INC
- What is the EIN of RISING FOR JUSTICE INC?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of RISING FOR JUSTICE INC is 52-0847160.
- Is RISING FOR JUSTICE INC tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1980.
- Are donations to RISING FOR JUSTICE INC tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does RISING FOR JUSTICE INC file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of RISING FOR JUSTICE INC due?
- The return for tax year 2026 (the year ending December 31, 2026) is due May 17, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did RISING FOR JUSTICE INC last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of RISING FOR JUSTICE INC?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 names CHIJIOKE AKAMIGBO.
- Who are the officers and directors of RISING FOR JUSTICE INC?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 lists 20 people; 3 received compensation from the organization, the highest $172,689 (CHIJIOKE AKAMIGBO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR).
- How much revenue does RISING FOR JUSTICE INC have?
- On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $2,976,518, expenses of $3,054,901 and total assets of $3,746,302 at year end.
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