About the Access to Justice Board

Mission

The Access to Justice (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 State to provide continuity and focus.

Recognizing that access to the civil justice system is a fundamental right, the Access to Justice Board works to achieve equal access for those facing economic and other significant barriers. In carrying out its mission, the ATJ Board is guided by the enabling 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 the ATJ Board’s Operational Rules.

The ATJ Board is charged with planning for the statewide delivery of civil legal aid services. Its Plan for the Delivery of Civil Legal Aid to Low Income People in Washington State (State Plan) is the blueprint for this work. The ATJ Board oversees the work of a number of [standing committees] and special initiatives to address current and ongoing access issues. The ATJ Board coordinates an annual Access to Justice Conference in collaboration with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA).

The ATJ Board is administered by the Washington State Bar Association. 

The ATJ Board reports annually to the Washington Supreme Court and the Washington State Bar Association. 

ATJ Board Staff Contacts

Joan Fairbanks
Justice Programs Manager
206-727-8282

Allison Durazzi
Justice Programs Coordinator
206-733-5942