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Access to Justice Board 

Vision

The Access to Justice Board envisions a future where justice is accessible and is achieved through equity, healing, belonging, and community-centered solutions, fostering a society where all can thrive.

Mission

The Access to Justice Board unites, guides, and advances collective efforts to make “justice for all” an accessible reality for all communities across Washington. As a bridge between systems and communities most harmed by structural oppression, we work to dismantle systemic legal barriers and design solutions for a more fair, inclusive, and equitable future.

About the Board

The Access to Justice Board was created in 1994 by WA Supreme Court Order to “achieve equal access to the civil justice system for those facing economic and other significant barriers.” The Access to Justice Board members are appointed by the WA Supreme Court to convene and collaborate with a broad network of partners committed to advancing equity and justice. Our core community includes civil legal aid providers, legal system partners across the civil, criminal, juvenile, and youth welfare systems, and community leaders and grassroots advocates representing communities most harmed by poverty, racism, and systemic injustice. We welcome all who share our commitment to dismantling legal barriers, centering impacted communities, and working toward a more just and equitable future.

In 2024, the Access to Justice Board undertook a deep reflection on our mission, vision, and values – the first comprehensive review in over 30 years. The Board was guided by extensive community outreach with civil legal aid providers, other legal and community partners, advocates, and those most impacted by poverty, racism, and other forms of structural oppression. The resulting mission and vision centers on advancing justice by addressing systemic oppression in all its forms, understanding how poverty and racial oppression amplify barriers. The Board is committed to strengthening the statewide civil legal aid system to ensure people in poverty receive the legal support they need while also addressing the systemic inequities that prevent justice in our legal system.

Examples of Our Work

Some of the key work that the Access to Justice Board leads includes the following:

  • Hosting the biennial Access to Justice Conference and other educational events.
  • Leading committees, workgroups, and other gatherings of Alliance members and partners to collaborate on initiatives, learn from each other, and drive collective impact.
  • Providing a platform and meaningful opportunities for individuals most harmed by povery, racism, and other forms of structural oppression and community advocates to influence policy and legal system reform.
  • Advocating for civil legal aid funding and resources.
  • Adopting the State Plan for the Coordinated Delivery of Civil Legal Aid and supporting Alliance members in implementing the plan.
  • Creating and upholding the ATJ Technology Principles.

Core Values

Justice for All

Justice means actively working towards a society where all individuals can thrive and contribute fully, where everyone belongs. Justice requires us to address historical and systemic inequalities, change the structures that perpetuate oppression, ensure fair treatment across systems, and advocate for intentional practices, policies, and supports that create fair, inclusive, and equitable outcomes for all.

Equity

We are committed to equity, ensuring that everyone receives the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. We center communities most harmed by racism, poverty, and other forms of structural oppression in our work; commit to actively dismantling systemic barriers that perpetuate inequitable outcomes; and work to build equitable practices, within our organization and beyond. Without achieving equity, we cannot reach justice.

Compassion

We respect and honor the inherent dignity and worth of every individual and their unique lived experiences. Our commitment to compassion means that we prioritize connection, mindfulness, and perspective-taking and that we actively work to alleviate harm and suffering. We approach our work with kindness and understanding, aiming to foster a supportive, inclusive, and healing community.

Courageous Integrity

We aspire to embody courage by standing up for what is right, just, and aligned with our values, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Our commitment to justice drives us to confront challenges directly, question the status quo and our own assumptions, and advocate for change. We support each other in encouraging honesty and addressing uncomfortable truths, knowing that progress requires the building of trust and a willingness to lead with conviction and purpose.

Accountability

We are committed to holding ourselves responsible to the people most invested in our work, to our values, and to the commitments we make. True accountability means being honest and transparent in our actions, staying open to feedback, continuously learning, and owning the impact of our actions, as we recognize that trust is foundational to establish and stay in right relationship with the communities we serve. By being accountable to each other, to community, and to principles, we build trust and stay true to our purpose.

Community

We recognize that our work requires strong, authentic relationships, across systems and communities. Further, we prioritize the voices and perspectives of those most impacted by poverty, racism, and other forms of structural oppression, ensuring that they actively shape our work. By fostering a welcoming, inclusive place that builds trust and connection, we will be empowered to work together toward a more equitable and just future. 

The Access to Justice Board was established by the Washington Supreme Court and is administered by the Washington State Bar Association. The communications on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions of individual WSBA members, the WSBA, or the Washington Supreme Court.

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Leadership & Staff

Meet the dedicated leaders guiding Washington’s Access to Justice efforts across the state.
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Board Meetings and Committee

Get involved with the Access to Justice Board’s meetings and standing committees working to improve Washington’s civil legal system.
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