VICTORY FOR TALBERT STREET OWNERS; COURT OF APPEALS DENIES DISTRICT’S MOTION FOR REHEARING AND HEARING EN BANC 

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 23, 2025 – In a significant affirmation of due process and accountability, the D.C. Court of Appeals has denied a request by the District of Columbia to reconsider its earlier ruling in September 2024 finding against the District and ruling that the District indeed can be a merchant under the D.C. Consumer Protection statute. This decision marks an important victory for six Black women who sued the District over four years ago in 2021 after their dreams of homeownership literally crumbled as a result of multiple failures by the District, its agents, and contractors. 

The Court’s ruling affirms the law that protects these six Plaintiffs as consumers—even when the District government fails to comply with its own laws. In an effort to undo what the Court determined, the District has engaged in concerted efforts and maneuvers—ratified by each of the District’s councilmembers and Mayor—to change the law that applies to them, including passing emergency legislation to retroactively remove District liability. In other words, every person and business is subject to the laws that protect the District’s consumers, but the District is seeking to immunize the government from its bad acts. 

“The Court of Appeals ruling is a reminder to all that the scales of justice are held by a blindfolded Lady Justice. We applaud the D.C. Court of Appeals for rejecting the District’s political maneuvers to be above the law,” said Je Yon Jung, partner at May Jung LLP and attorney for appellants. 

Jung continues by saying, “We will continue to fight in the courts, D.C. Council, and Capitol Hill to expose the District’s egregious actions that caused substantial harm and damage to these brave and resilient women who stood up to fight against all odds and against the very governmental entity that failed to serve them. We invite those who care about government accountability and consumer rights to fight with us.” 

“It is imperative that this ruling be supported by the D.C. Council, the D.C. Attorney General, and the Mayor and that it is clearly understood that future attempts to abuse their power over District residents will be met with unified resistance,” said LaRuby May, partner at May Jung LLP. 

We will continue to vigorously represent our clients to ensure that this victory is more than symbolic—it must be the foundation for lasting structural change to the treatment of District residents. 

Justice is not about empty words or promises—it must be done. 

About May Jung LLP 
May Jung LLP is a national civil rights and public interest law firm focused on justice for marginalized and underserved communities. The firm is known for its work on cases involving police misconduct, disability discrimination, and violations of constitutional rights. 

For more information or to schedule an interview with the legal team, please contact: info@mayjung.com 
For more information about May Jung Law, visit: www.mayjung.com