Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is Washington’s largest publicly funded legal aid program. Each year NJP provides critical civil legal assistance and representation to thousands of low-income people in cases affecting basic human needs such as family safety and security, housing preservation, protection of income, access to health care, education and other basic needs.
NJP works to secure justice through high quality legal advocacy that promotes the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families, and communities. As a dynamic statewide law firm, we pursue our mission through legal advice and representation, community partnerships, and education to empower clients and combat injustice in all its forms.
NJP operates a toll-free intake and referral hotline called CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education Advice and Referral). CLEAR serves as the statewide, centralized point of access for clients seeking free legal help, including advice, education, limited legal services, self-help materials and, where available, referrals to other legla aid and local volunteer lawyer programs. CLEAR also refers cases to NJP offices around the state, where attorneys provide assistance and direct representation in high priority, complex cases, including cases that address barriers to accessing our justice system as well as engage in community education efforts.
NJP maintains Washington LawHelp, a public website containing an extensive library of legal resources and self-help materials including do -it -yourself court forms in areas of law needed most by low income persons, the great majority of whom are forced to appear in court unrepresented. In addition, NJP is an integral member of and provides support for the Alliance for Equal Justice, Washington’s coordinated statewide civil legal aid delivery system, which brings together a network of volunteer attorney programs, specialty legal aid providers, and supporters working to ensure equal justice for all low-income communities in Washington.
Consistent with NJP’s commitment to combat injustice by improving access to our civil justice system, all NJP facilities are accessible. NJP provides language and sign interpreters for persons needing assistance to access our services. As a statewide organization whose staff, Board and clients are diverse in background, experience, culture and other qualities, NJP is also committed to a policy of equal opportunity and fosters a mutually respectful environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices in all its activities. NJP works to ensure its commitment to basic fairness by adherence to NJP’s Guiding Principles.
