Access to Justice Board
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More information about the Access to Justice Board and its work can be found on the Alliance for Equal Justice website.
Recognizing that access to the civil justice system is a fundamental right, the Access to Justice Board (ATJ Board) works to achieve equal access for those facing economic and other significant barriers. The ATJ Board was established by the Washington Supreme Court in 1994 at the request of the Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors in response to a growing need to coordinate access to justice efforts in Washington. The ATJ Board also oversees the work of a number of standing committees and special initiatives to address access issues. The standing committees include the Communications Committee, Delivery System Committee, Rules Committee, Technology Committee, the Equal Justice Coalition, and the Pro Bono Council. The Board reports regularly to the Washington Supreme Court and the Washington State Bar Association. View the 2022 Access to Justice Board Annual Report .
In carrying out its mission, the ATJ Board is guided by:
- The Order of the Washington Supreme Court
- The Hallmarks of an Effective Statewide Legal Services Delivery System
- The ATJ Board's Statement of Principles and Goals, and
- ATJ Board Operational Rules .
State Plan for the Coordinated Delivery of Civil Legal Aid to Low-Income People
The ATJ Board is charged with planning for the statewide delivery of civil legal aid services. The recently adopted 2018-2020 State Plan for the Coordinated Delivery of Civil Legal Aid to Low Income People is the blueprint for this work. The purpose of the State Plan is to expand access to our civil justice system and identify and eliminate barriers that perpetuate poverty and deny justice. The State Plan sets forth five goals that represent a universal commitment of all Alliance for Equal Justice members as well as strategies and implementation steps to fulfill those goals.
Access to Justice Board Meetings
The ATJ Board meets once a month. Currently, all meetings are being held by videoconference from 10 a.m.-noon, unless otherwise noted. Everyone is welcome to attend a meeting in person or via teleconference. If you are interested in receiving notices of meetings, please email atj@wsba.org.
Access to Justice Board Members
The ATJ Board consists of 10-11 members nominated by the WSBA Board of Governors and appointed by the Washington Supreme Court. Members are appointed based on experience and commitment to expanding access to justice.
Board Members
Esperanza Borboa
Michael Chin, Seattle Office for Civil Rights
Hon. Frederick P. Corbit, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Washington
Brynn Felix, Peninsula Community Health Services
Hon. David S. Keenan, King County Superior Court
Michelle Lucas, Northwest Justice Project
Carnissa Lucas-Smith,
King County Department of Public Defense
Terry J. Price, University of Washington School of Law
Vanna Sing, Tacoma
Healing Awareness Community
Jane Smith, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Access to Justice Board Staff
Diana Singleton
Chief Equity and Justice Officer
Bonnie Sterken
Equity and Justice Lead
Find the Access to Justice Board on Facebook.
Resources
- If you are looking for legal assistance or referrals, learn more about Finding Legal Help.
- Please support the Campaign for Equal Justice.
- The Access to Justice Board is the convener of The Alliance for Equal Justice.
