Get Involved

The Access to Justice Institute helps students prepare for a lifetime in law in furtherance of social justice. Here you will find ways to get involved not only within the walls of Sullivan Hall but also out in the larger equal justice community of Washington and the nation. Please don't hesitate to meet with us if you'd like to hear more or share how you are engaged in doing social justice!

Do social justice work!

• Partner with a community organization doing pro bono or other service-related work. Check out opportunities (volunteer or paid) on our blog which is updated weekly 
• Find us on Facebook to keep in touch with the pulse of social justice at SU School of Law

Attend a conference!

ATJI facilitates student participation in several state, regional, and national social justice conferences throughout the year.  ATJI shares information about how students can attend including financial assistance with conference fees and travel costs prior to each conference. If you have any questions about the following conferences or are interested in seeking law school support for students attending a conference not listed, please contact Kerri Kline, ATJI Program Assistant at klineke@seattleu.edu.

• Equal Justice Works Conference & Career Fair, October 21 and 22, 2011 in Washington, D.C.
• Washington Access to Justice Law School Relations Committee's Goldmark Public Interest Mini-Conference, February 24, 2012 in Seattle, WA
• Trina Grillo Social Justice Retreat, March 30 and 31, 2012 at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, CA
• Washington Access to Justice and Bar Leaders Conference, June 8-10, 2012 in Yakima, WA  

Strengthen your Leadership Skills!

Student Leadership Within the Law School

Scholars for Justice

Seattle University School of Law offers the Scholars for Justice Scholarship, which allows two students who have proven their dedication to public interest to earn their degrees without incurring the debt that is often an obstacle in choosing such a career. These scholars make a commitment to devote much of their careers to public interest law or to donate to the law school's scholarship fund an amount at least equal to the scholarship should their career path change. The Access to Justice Institute support these Scholars in their social justice work and career paths to public interest by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and leadership development programming throughout their time at the School of Law.

Developing Student Leaders

The Access to Justice Institute works closely with student organizations that conduct pro bono work or otherwise engage in the community. ATJI is able to provide strategic planning support, troubleshooting assistance, and guidance in identifying community needs and partners in order to ensure that student organizations are having the most impact possible.

ATJI also offers skills training to students interested in engaging in pro bono work and developing their capacity as leaders committed to social justice. One example of these trainings is the Lawyering in a Diverse World Series. Please visit our blog for the latest training offerings. 

Leadership in the Equal Justice Community

Washington State Bar Association

The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) offers a variety of leadership opportunities for students. Law students are welcome to join any of the Washington Young Lawyers Division's committees which include the Public Service/Pro Bono Committee. Law students can also get involved with the various WSBA committees, boards, task forces and sections.

Washington State Access to Justice Board

Students interested in social justice should know about our local leaders who serve on the Washington Access to Justice (ATJ) Board, which was established by Washington Supreme Court Order in 1994  to achieve equal access to the civil justice system for those facing economic and other significant barriers. The ATJ Board accomplishes much of its work through its many committees, including the Justice without Barriers Committee, the Law School Relations Committee, and Technology Committee. There are many opportunities for students to get involved with the work of the Board and these committees. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Kerri Kline at klineke@seattleu.edu.

Equal Justice Works

Nationally, students can get involved by serving on boards like the Equal Justice Works National Advisory Committee. The National Advisory Committee provides a way to guide and advance the organization's goal of having students develop a lifelong commitment to working on behalf of underrepresented individuals, communities and causes.