About ATJI

The Access to Justice Institute (ATJI) stands at the heart of Seattle University School of Law’s social justice mission, serving as the bridge between academics and action. ATJI strives to inspire law students toward a lifelong commitment to social justice, public interest, and public service, wherever their career paths may take them. The Institute aims to build a community for law students who share a commitment to serving marginalized or underrepresented individuals, communities and causes.  For more information about ATJI, please view our brochure.

The Access to Justice Institute works to:

• Empower and work with law students to collaborate with local and national social justice organizations to create and implement Partnership Projects that serve marginalized or underrepresented communities. Through these projects, law students serve our communities while developing and refining their leadership and legal skills.

• Promote and facilitate collaborative efforts between faculty and community service organizations that strengthen the tie between law students' academic excellence and education for justice. ATJI encourages creative scholarship that is responsive to the legal needs of underrepresented communities.

• Link law students to information, resources, and opportunities involving social justice, public interest, and public service. In collaboration with other law staff and faculty, ATJI helps law students gain an understanding of the equal justice community, learn about fellowship and scholarship resources, and take advantage of internships, externships, clinics, classes and volunteer opportunities.

• Host innovative and informative social justice forums, conferences, symposia, speaker series, and other events for the law school community as well our surrounding community.

• Work in collaboration with student organizations, coalitions, and other law school departments in order to increase funding for law students' summer and post-graduate social justice work and ensure diversity in the legal profession.

ATJI Staff

Read profiles of the staff.

The ATJI staff invites you to meet with us:

Social Justice Opportunities:

• When you have questions about current social justice opportunities posted in "The Link" electronic newsletter or want other students to know about social justice opportunities that are not currently listed in posted
• When you are interested in doing other social justice work not addressed in the current posted opportunities and want help connecting with a community organization
• When you or your student organization are planning a social justice project or event and need guidance on formulating a project plan, assistance with connecting with community organizations, and support to ensure success

Professional Development:

• The Center for Professional Development (CPD) staff is skilled and ready to help you set out a strategic career plan which includes career exploration, reviewing your resume and cover letter and identifying a network strategy. CPD may refer you to ATJI when:
• You need help with identifying specific people and organizations to network with.
• You need to gain experiences which help you hone your legal skills while also serving the community.

Community Advisory Board

The Access to Justice Institute's Community Advisory Board offers advice and guidance to the director and staff regarding policies and programs related to the empowering students in their social justice work, fostering community partnerships and advancing the social justice mission of the law school.