ATJI offers countless ways for students and the law school community to deepen their understanding of social justice issues. Below is a listing of current offerings that help students connect academic learning with real-world issues and action. Please visit our Pro Bono Portal for the latest information on upcoming events or contact atji@seattleu.edu.
Social Justice Mondays is a weekly series that creates a forum to bring awareness and encourage discussion about the many issues that surround the idea of "social justice" in order to help strengthen the social justice community of students, faculty and staff at the law school. ATJI works with students and student organizations to organize weekly programs that often involve faculty, practicing attorneys, and other community leaders presenting or facilitating a conversation on a substantive legal issue.
Join us every Monday at noon during the academic year in Room C5! A simple soup lunch is served.
Interested in Organizing a Social Justice Monday?
We invite students, student organizations, faculty, and/or staff to submit proposals for a program/event idea. Please see the Social Justice Mondays Event Proposal Guidelines for more information.
Want to Learn More?
Pro Bono Prep
The Access to Justice Institute hosts “Pro Bono Prep” workshops each semester designed to introduce law students to the basic legal skills necessary to succeed in pro bono and public interest volunteer opportunities, internships, and future practice. These sessions provide students an opportunity to practice basic skills and learn about where to go for more intensive learning and support.
2017-18 Pro Bono Prep Trainings
Low Bono Brown Bag Trainings
ATJI offers a series of CLEs and workshops geared to support lawyers who are in the beginning stages of launching or running a solo practice designed to serve middle income clients. For more info visit our Low Bono and Solo Initiative Page.
Online Resources
In the past, ATJI has offered other trainings designed to prepare students to engage in pro bono and social justice work. Students can access these at any time:
Check our Pro Bono Portal for any future trainings.
RJLI is a professional development opportunity for SU law students, faculty, and staff in line with our commitment to the University mission. RJLI is designed to foster leadership skills for working in all areas of the profession in ways that resist systems of privilege and oppression. Please check back for information about upcoming sessions.
This year-long program is designed to give a group of selected 1Ls a unique opportunity to build skills that will set a foundation for leadership within and outside of the law school, as well as for a career in public interest and social justice work. It is also a terrific way to connect with other students and attorneys who share common interests and career goals. The Fellowship experience includes monthly workshops as well as networking and mentorship from attorneys and community leaders. Find out more information and how to apply for the 2017-18 program here.
1L students interested in becoming an ATJI First Year Fellow must provide a 1-page personal statement that answers the following: (1) What in your personal and professional background has motivated you to explore a career in public interest? (2) What motivated your decision to come to law school? (3) What do you hope to gain from becoming an ATJI First Year Fellow? (4) What activities and experiences do you most hope to participate in during law school? Applications must be submitted by email no later than 5pm on Friday, September 29, 2017, to Cindy Yeung at ATJI, yeungcy@seattleu.edu.
ATJI initiated a partnership with the Legal Writing faculty to bring real-world social justice issues into the classroom. The Legal Writing Collaborative has since been adopted by our world-class Legal Writing Program and the Ronald A. Peterson Law Clinic and is now called Real Clients in the First Year.