Seattle University School of Law Access to Justice Institute
Seattle University School of Law Access to Justice Institute (ATJI) believes legal education is not just about understanding the intricacies of the law; it is also about instilling a sense of responsibility and commitment to social justice. ATJI houses a variety of programs and initiatives dedicated to equipping students with knowledge and opportunities that prepare them for careers in furtherance of social justice, including the Pro Bono Pledge initiative, Social Justice Mondays, First Year Fellows, Youth Education and Advocacy Program, the Moderate Means Program, and the Incubator Program.
Educating Students on Community Needs and Social Justice Issues
An important step in instilling a sense of responsibility and commitment to social justice is ensuring that students know the legal issues facing their communities.
Pro Bono Pledge
This is one of ATJI’s flagship programs, where students pledge to complete at least 100 hours of legal pro bono and community volunteer work before graduation. This initiative encourages students to build their legal and leadership skills in service to the community and connects them with valuable pro bono opportunities. These opportunities are shared in ATJI’s bi-weekly newsletter, The Link, highlighting important information, events, internships, and pro bono positions. Students who meet the pledge goal are formally recognized, which helps create a culture of service within the law school.
Social Justice Monday
ATJI organizes a weekly series of presentations by bringing students, faculty, and staff together every Monday to examine and discuss various social justice issues. In the process, these events help to educate and strengthen the law school community and foster a deeper understanding of these issues. Held in collaboration with student organizations, faculty, and community leaders, topics vary each week. They may include discussions on current local, national, and international events and legal issues, career tips from practicing attorneys, upcoming scholarship and fellowship opportunities, and more.
Programs that Provide Hands-on Experience
In addition to educating students about social justice issues, ATJI has several programs that provide opportunities for students at all levels to learn advocacy skills and use them in the public interest arena. ATJI also supports attorneys in closing the justice gap and addressing the needs of moderate means clients.
First Year Fellows
A year-long learning experience for 1L students, this initiative focuses on building foundational skills for careers in public interest and social justice work and leadership within and outside the law school. With monthly workshops and networking opportunities, participants engage with topics such as public interest careers, cultural competency, and the day-to-day life of a public interest attorney. This program equips students with skills and connects them with like-minded individuals and professionals who share common interests and career goals.
Youth Education and Advocacy Program
This workshop series is designed to inform youth and young adults who are systems-involved and homeless about legal rights and issues. ATJI hires, trains, and pays a Youth Education and Advocacy Program intern who visits a youth detention facility once a month to present “Know Your Rights” workshops, often in collaboration with other organizations and guest speakers.
Moderate Means Program
In collaboration with the Washington State Bar Association and Washington State’s three law schools, the Moderate Means Program (MMP) connects members of the community who are of moderate means—those who cannot afford private attorneys but whose incomes are too high to qualify for legal aid—to much-needed legal services in family, consumer, or housing law.
Students who participate gain practical, hands-on experience working with clients on actual legal issues by conducting initial intake interviews to confirm client eligibility, gathering relevant facts, and then working to assign cases to volunteer attorneys. This helps students hone their skills in interviewing, using legal databases, and other areas.
Incubator Program
Founded in 2014, this program was formed from a groundbreaking initiative by ATJI to bridge the justice gap for those of moderate means and is an embodiment of Seattle University School of Law’s commitment to justice, service, and innovation. Like the Moderate Means Program, this program serves the often-overlooked population who cannot afford an attorney but do not qualify for free legal services. It assists Seattle University School of Law alumni who agree to dedicate a portion of their practice to serve this crucial segment of the community.
Those accepted into the program are allowed to “incubate” a law practice for a year to create their own sustainable and successful law practice. Incubatees receive training, guidance, and resources as a cohort throughout the year to help launch and maintain a solo or small firm practice serving moderate-income clients.
Fostering a Community of Equal-Justice-Minded Advocates and Leaders
The Seattle University School of Law Access to Justice Institute goes beyond traditional legal education by fostering a community of equal-justice-minded advocates and leaders. ATJI not only prepares students for successful legal careers but also instills a deep sense of responsibility toward the communities they serve. By bridging the gap between legal education and public service, ATJI exemplifies the vital role law schools can play in creating a more just and equitable society.
