Council for Court Excellence
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Council for Court Excellence
@ccefordc.bsky.social
At the Council for Court Excellence, we work towards an equitable and accessible legal system in the District of Columbia. Through research, collaboration, advocacy, and public education, we create positive change and increase civic engagement.
CCE is now accepting applications for two paid fellowships for the '26–27 term. These roles offer recent & soon-to-be law grads a front-row seat to research, policy advocacy, and education work shaping a more just and accountable legal system in D.C. 👇

careers.smartrecruiters.com/CouncilForCo...
January 26, 2026 at 5:13 PM
CCE is kicking off oversight testimony season by reviewing MORCA's performance before the Committee of Housing chaired by CM Robert White.
January 23, 2026 at 3:05 PM
New research from CCE and the Second Chance Hiring Alliance outlines how D.C. can strengthen its reentry workforce ecosystem, support local businesses, and expand access to meaningful employment.

Read the full report and explore what D.C. can do next 👉 scha-dc.org/reentryworkf...
January 22, 2026 at 2:08 PM
The Council of the District of Columbia has published its upcoming hearing schedule and this is your opportunity to participate directly in the oversight process.

View the full hearing schedule here 👉https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/
January 21, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Dr. King’s words continue to guide our work. At CCE, we advance equitable justice reform in Washington, D.C. by shaping policies that strengthen accountability, expand access, and center communities most impacted by the justice system.

Today, we honor his legacy through action.
January 19, 2026 at 5:23 PM
As the DC Inspector General reviews MPD crime statistics, CCE Policy Director Tracy Velázquez underscores an important point: national trends show violent crime declining, and there’s no evidence DC’s data should be any different.
January 16, 2026 at 6:34 PM
A clip worth revisiting.

In April, during Second Chance Month, leaders gathered for Talent Beyond Barriers to advance second chance hiring in D.C. Here, Lamont Carey shares why employer engagement is critical to creating real pathways back to work.
January 15, 2026 at 8:20 PM
More programs ≠ more jobs.

Our latest Second Chance Hiring Alliance paper breaks down why D.C.’s reentry system isn’t working as intended — and potential next steps for D.C.

🔗 Read more: scha-dc.org/reentryworkf...
January 14, 2026 at 8:37 PM
At our latest Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue, NY Times immigration reporter Hamed Aleaziz shared the biggest challenge he’s faced covering immigration under the current Administration — navigating fast-moving policies that deeply shape people’s lives.
January 7, 2026 at 4:51 PM
2025 asked a lot of our justice system. And our community showed up.

By the numbers, the work was big. By the impact, it was even bigger. Thank you to every partner, advocate, volunteer, and supporter who made this possible!

Onward into 2026. 🚀
January 5, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Don't forget about SCHA's "The Workforce Solution: D.C. Employer's FAQ for Second Chance Hiring!” This valuable resource will answer your questions about the legal requirements, financial incentives, and protections available to you as an employer looking to second chance hire.
December 22, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Last night, the U.S. Senate confirmed three individuals to serve as judges in the D.C. Superior Court. All went through the established process of being vetted and recommended to the President by the D.C. Judicial Nominations Commission, showing the process works when the Senate votes.
December 19, 2025 at 5:18 PM
SJEP first launched in the 90s to inspire D.C. students to understand and value jury service. Each year, CCE partners with Georgetown Street Law to bring judges and attorneys into classrooms across the city for hands-on learning, including trial videos and mock jury deliberations.

[Continued]
December 16, 2025 at 6:47 PM
REMINDER! This Thursday! 👇

Join the Council for Court Excellence for a Virtual Lunch & Learn on Barriers for Victims with Disabilities this Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 12–1 PM.

Register now and please share with your networks: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
December 15, 2025 at 5:01 PM
In this powerful video, Lamont Carey urges D.C.’s employers not to overlook a hardworking population: returning citizens.

Watch it here, then visit the SCHA website to learn how to implement second chance hiring to benefit your organization. http://www.scha-dc.org
December 12, 2025 at 5:02 PM
People with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be victims of crime, yet often face barriers to accessing justice and services.

Join the Council for Court Excellence for a Virtual Lunch & Learn on Barriers for Victims with Disabilities on December 18, 2025, from 12–1 PM. [Continued]
December 8, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Today is International Volunteer Day and we are proud to celebrate the people who power CCE’s mission every single day.

We are especially grateful for our School Jury Education Program volunteers who begin their classroom service next week, bringing civic education directly to students across DC.
December 5, 2025 at 5:10 PM
D.C.’s justice-involved youth are waiting far too long while awaiting a placement where they can receive needed services.
December 3, 2025 at 6:59 PM
It's Giving Tuesday! When justice is under attack, truth must be funded. ✊🏽

Today, your gift is matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000, helping CCE push back against proposals that would harm D.C.’s Black and Brown communities.

secure.qgiv.com/for/dxftob?b...
December 2, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Today is Giving Tuesday and our Director of Development Sarah Baczewski’s birthday!

Whether it’s connecting with donors, fostering local partnerships, or engaging in community outreach, her work is integral to our efforts to deliver justice reforms in D.C.

We’re grateful for you, Sarah! Enjoy!
December 2, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Justice in D.C. is under attack — but you can help defend it.

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday and your chance to double your impact for justice. When you support CCE, you help protect D.C.’s fair and equitable legal systems from unprecedented federal overreach.
December 1, 2025 at 2:44 PM
CCE’s 'Victim’s Guide to the District of Columbia Legal System' is now available. This resource helps crime victims and the people who support them understand what to expect after a crime, how to access services, and how to stay safe in D.C.

www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/2...
November 24, 2025 at 4:13 PM
This week's House vote to advance HR 5214- D.C. Cash Bail Reform Act is disappointing, but not defining.

More than 180 community groups, legal organizations, advocates, and residents continue to oppose federal attempts to force cash bail on D.C.
November 21, 2025 at 4:44 PM
DYK that the third week of November is #RestorativeJusticeWeek?

Restorative justice is an ethos that prioritizes addressing root causes of crime and repairing harm done to people, relationships, and communities.
November 19, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Months of waiting inside YSC don’t just delay placements... they shape lives.

Our latest report looks at what these delays really mean for D.C. youth and what needs to change.

🔗 Read the full report: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/y...
November 13, 2025 at 7:29 PM