Access to justice and diversity, equity and inclusion Programs – history and activities

1. Access to justice and diversity, equity and inclusion Programs – history and activities June 26, 2019 Kevin Plachy, Interim Director, Advancement Department

2. Access to justice - history 1992 - WSBA formed an Access to Justice Task Force which proposed solutions to the lack of continuity, coordination, and organization in the delivery of civil legal services to low-income people and ultimately recommended creation of the WA State Access to Justice Board 1994 – The Washington Supreme Court established the Access to Justice Board to serve as an autonomous body operating under the auspices of WSBA with authority granted by the Supreme Court. 1995 – The Equal Justice Coalition (EJC) was established to serve as a strong voice to advocate for adequately funding civil legal aid programs in WA State. The EJC serves as a standing committee of the Access to Justice Board. Mid 90’s – The Access to Justice Board created the Access to Justice Network which included legal aid and pro bono programs, judges, law librarians, county clerks and others. 2003/2015 – Civil Legal Needs Study showed low-income households experienced 3.3 legal problems per household – 2015 study found that number jumped to 9.3 2004 – With the goal of addressing the Access to Justice Network’s need for a common mission and strategic messaging, the ATJ Board’s Communications Committee developed a Communications Plan which included the formation of the Alliance for Equal Justice(alliance of more than 35 organizations throughout WA State). 2016 – The WA State Supreme Court reauthorized the ATJ Board indefinitely.

3. Access to justice Program WSBA administers the Access to Justice Board and most of its initiatives and working committees. Convene and facilitate coordination among the Alliance for Equal Justice (organizations which deliver and/or support legal services to people who experience poverty and marginalization) (e.g., created, convene and staff the Alliance for Equal Justice, through its Delivery System Committee, identifies and addresses gaps in organizational and inter-organizational infrastructure, facilitated and oversees the implementation of the State Plan(adopted in 2018) organizes the biennial Access to Justice Conference, organizes various other symposiums and forums where Alliance members come together to discuss emerging issues). Evaluate the effectiveness of the civil legal services delivery system (e.g., developed Best Practices for Pro Bono in Washington and Performance Standards for Legal Aid) Promote adequate levels of public, private and volunteer support for civil legal services (e.g., partners with the Equal Justice Coalition, educates policymakers and the public about importance of civil legal aid in our communities and advocates for public funding, coordinates with the Office of Civil Legal Aid to ensure adequate levels of funding)

4. Access to justice program, continued… Manage communication and information dissemination to Alliance for Equal Justice (e.g., manages the Alliance for Equal Justice website which serves as an inter-organizational communication tool as well as a communication tool for the public, manages statewide access to justice related listserves) Promote, develop and implement policy initiatives and criteria which enhance the availability of resources for essential civil equal justice activities (e.g., convened and facilitated a coordinated and collaborative approach to fundraising for civil legal services) Develop and pilot innovative programs and measures designed to expand access to justice (e.g., piloted Equal Justice Community Leadership Academy and WA Web Lawyer) Promote jurisprudential understanding of how the law and the justice system impact people who experience poverty and marginalization (e.g., developed guides for Washington Courts and Administrative Courts on ensuring access for people with disabilities) Promote public education about civil legal needs and services (e.g., partners with the Equal Justice Coalition to educate the public about civil legal aid, supports Alliance organizations to engage in community legal education and outreach through developing trainings and resources) Promote responsiveness of the civil justice system to the needs of those who suffer disparate treatment or disproportionate access barriers (e.g., evaluating effectiveness of the intake system as part of the implementation of the State Plan, developed the Technology Principles and serve on court technology committees to ensure technology does not create more barriers to accessing justice) Address existing and proposed laws, rules, and regulations that may adversely affect meaningful access to the civil justice system (e.g., submits comments to rules impacting low income people’s access to the justice system)

5. Diversity, equity and inclusion – history 2003 - WSBA formally established diversity as one of its strategic goals. 2006 - the Board of Governors established the Diversity Committee. 2007- WSBA adopted “diversity, equality and cultural understanding throughout the legal community” as one of its five guiding principles. 2011- WSBA conducted a statewide membership study of the demographic composition and retention rates of WA attorneys, the first of its kind. WSBA shared this data with members and stakeholders from local, regional and national levels of the profession. The plan is to conduct the study every 10 years with the next due no later than 2022. 2013– WSBA (BOG) adopted the Diversity and Inclusion Plan with three objectives: 1. To improve diverse representation at WSBA (membership demographics) 2. Education and training around why diversity matters to everyone. 3. Collaboration and partnership with stakeholders. 2015 studies continue to identify the prevalence and persistence of challenges underrepresented populations face in the profession.

6. Diversity, equity and inclusion activities WSBA Diversity Committee - Composed of 14 members of the Bar and four members of the BOG who support the work of the WSBA Diversity Program Inside Out Approach to Diversity Community Networking Events – Collaborate with minority bars, local bars, and other stakeholders in the legal community. Attendance ranges from 20-80 members depending upon location Presentations, Workshops and Consulting – Diversity staff provides free training and education to legal organizations, law firms and other stakeholders (AG’s office, prosecutor’s offices, etc…) Law school partnerships – The diversity program hosts a variety of programs with all three law schools and undergraduate legal programs, including IL diversity fellowship support, an annual Summer Inclusion Reception for SU ARC and incoming law students, panel presentations, and mentoring events. Education for WSBA Members – Three Legal Lunchbox programs focused on diversity topics and Beyond the Dialogue Town Halls Statewide Convener of Diversity and Inclusion Stakeholders - provide support to the MBAs, including hosting a biannual leadership meeting. Convene gatherings of diversity and inclusion stakeholders from across the state to provide the lay of the land and share best practices.

7. Questions?