2021 Access to Justice Conference

Crisis and Reckoning: A Call to Dismantle Unjust Systems

Every two years, the Access to Justice Conference brings together community members, legal system advocates, judges, attorneys, and policymakers across Washington State who are committed to dismantling systems of oppression and poverty.

The 2021 Access to Justice Conference theme is Crisis and Reckoning: A Call to Dismantle Unjust Systems. The COVID-19 crisis and resulting economic downturn have laid bare and contributed to deep systemic inequalities, and particularly exposed the ways in which systemic racism continues to impact Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. This time of crisis calls upon law and justice advocates, working in partnership with communities of color most impacted by systemic racism, to reckon with and dismantle injustice within the legal system.

This year will be the first ever entirely virtual Access to Justice Conference. The Planning Committee chose to move forward with a virtual conference as a way to improve accessibility and ensure the health and safety of conference attendees and presenters.

Call for Proposals

We are seeing session proposals from communities who are impacted by the justice system as well as those who work in the civil justice system. We seek to connect community members and legal system professionals who can work together to move towards a system that supports the work of and centers the expertise of impacted communities.

Proposals must be received by February 26, 2021. If possible, please submit your session proposal via the online form found online here. If you cannot access the online form, please email atj@wsba.org to receive a word version that you can complete and return or if you have other accommodation requests.

2019 Access to Justice Conference

Read on to learn about our 2019 conference, Amplifying the Power of Community, held in Spokane, WA.

View the full program agenda here.

The conference featured an outstanding line-up of advocates, activists, and community leaders from Spokane and across the state. Attendees participated in focused conference-tracks about mass incarceration and justice-involved individuals; trauma-informed advocacy and self-care; race equity and leadership skill building; and community lawyering.  The Conference also offered stand-alone sessions about the intersectional barriers faced by LGBTQ and trans communities, combatting islamophobia, building community-centered technology, strengthening volunteer engagement, learning to use a reproductive justice framework, and more.  The conference also featured dedicated time and space for facilitated affinity groups, an equity-themed book discussion, a re-entry simulation, and ample opportunities to connect with colleagues.