Bill Would Restore DOJ Office Supporting Poor Communities By Justin Wise | December 18, 2020, 8:36 PM EST A pair of Democratic lawmakers on Friday introduced legislation to reestablish an office within the U.S. Department of Justice dedicated to serving marginalized communities in the criminal and civil legal system. Introduced by Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., and Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., the bill would restore the DOJ's Access to Justice Office, which was set up in 2010 during the Obama administration before being closed in 2018 by President Donald Trump's Justice Department. While President-elect Joe Biden has the opportunity to reestablish the office on his own, the bill is designed to permanently require the DOJ to provide the necessary funds and personnel for an office focused on issues including access to legal representation. The office was also formerly considered to be a leader in areas including court fines and fees and juvenile justice.