The Problem
The U.S. Justice System doesn’t guarantee legal representation in civil matters. A public defender is only provided in criminal cases. No matter how complex or catastrophic a civil legal problem may be, low-income individuals and families in Washington have no right to legal assistance.
Navigating the courts on your own can be terrifying—especially against represented adversaries such as landlords, debt collectors, employers, or institutions. Northwest Justice ... Read More
The Problem
The U.S. Justice System doesn’t guarantee legal representation in civil matters. A public defender is only provided in criminal cases. No matter how complex or catastrophic a civil legal problem may be, low-income individuals and families in Washington have no right to legal assistance.
Navigating the courts on your own can be terrifying—especially against represented adversaries such as landlords, debt collectors, employers, or institutions. Northwest Justice Project clients could not afford a lawyer, and most would have been denied fair results as a consequence.
A Legal Lifeline
Whether they face eviction, domestic violence, foreclosure, unlawful debt, or consumer fraud, our low-income clients get the help they need at Northwest Justice Project (NJP)—at no cost. Our statewide team of attorneys will support their fight for safety and stability. With NJP on their side, our clients can access the justice system with confidence and improved outcomes.
NJP was established in 1995 and is recognized as a national leader in the delivery of civil legal services. NJP has 150 attorneys in 19 offices across the state. We provide legal assistance in person and through our toll-free hotline, maintain online self-help resources, and conduct outreach and offer clinics to inform and engage diverse communities.
The Justice Gap
Last year NJP provided legal support to over 11,000 households. This falls far short of adequate for 700,000 low-income households in Washington with legal problems. Washington’s justice gap is extreme and growing. More than 70% of the state’s low-income households experience at least one civil legal problem each year. These problems are rarely isolated—with households averaging nine related legal problems complicating their situation.
You Can Help
Your generous support can help close the justice gap, fuel our fight for justice, and help more people restore freedom and balance in their lives. Visit https://nwjustice.org/donate to learn more about how you can make a difference.
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