Updated: Oct. 1, 2025

Access to Justice Board

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.

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.

    About the Access to Justice Board

    The Washington State Supreme Court created the original Access to Justice Board Court Order in 1994 to “achieve equal access to the civil justice system for those facing economic and other significant barriers.” (Source:  Access to Justice Board Order 2016)

    The Board convenes and collaborates with a broad network of partners committed to advancing equity and justice - known as the Alliance for Equal Justice. Our community includes:

    • Civil legal aid providers
    • Legal system partners across civil, criminal, juvenile, and youth welfare systems
    • Community leaders and grassroots advocates from communities most harmed by poverty, racism, and systemic injustice
    The Board welcomes working with all who share commitment to dismantling legal barriers, centering impacted communities, and working toward a more just and equitable future.

    In 2024, the ATJ Board conducted its first comprehensive review of its mission, vision, and values in more than 30 years. Guided by extensive outreach with legal and community partners—and especially people most impacted by poverty and racism—the Board reaffirmed its commitment to:

    • Addressing systemic oppression in all its forms
    • Recognizing how poverty and racial inequities amplify barriers to justice
    • Strengthening the statewide civil legal aid system so people in poverty receive the legal support they need
    • Working to dismantle systemic inequities that prevent justice in our legal system

    Board Meetings

    • The ATJ Board meets 10–12 times per year.
    • Meetings are currently held via videoconference from 10–11:30 a.m., unless otherwise noted.
    • The full schedule is available on our events calendar.

    Board Members

    • Crissy Anderson, Administrative Office of the Courts
    • Citlalli Briseño, Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition
    • Michael Chin, Chair, Seattle Office for Civil Rights
    • Sergio Flores, City of Auburn Prosecuting Attorneys
    • Nicholas Larson, Murphy, Pearson, Bradley & Feeney
    • Maya Manus, Lavendar Rights Project
    • Yvette Perrantes, Mother Nation
    • Mercedes Riggs, Soar Immigration Legal Services
    • Carla Sullivan, Office of Administrative Hearings

    Learn More

    For more information about the ATJ Board and the statewide Alliance for Equal Justice, visit the Alliance website.

    Contact the ATJ Board at atj@wsba.org.

     

    Access to Justice Board Staff

    Diana Singleton, Chief Equity and Justice Officer

    Bonnie Sterken, Equity and Justice Lead

    Resources