Washington Appellate Project

“The form 990 is reviewed by the executive director and all members of the board of directors prior to filing.”

“Conflict of interest policy is signed annually by all directors, principal officers and members of any delegated committee. They are required to disclose annually interest that could give rise to conflicts. Periodic reviews are also conducted. Conflicts of interest are presented to governing board or delegated committee which considers proposed transaction or arrangement in conflict of the "interested person". After disclosure of all material facts and presentation by interested person, they must leave the meeting while determination of conflict is discussed and voted upon by remaining disinterested board or committee members. Further investigation may be opened. Alternative arrangement or more advantageous transaction not raising conflict may be considered by disinterested governing board directors or committee members. If not possible, governing board or committee may take further action; this may include appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.”

“Compensation for the executive director is determined by the board of directors based upon their independent evaluation and personal experience in the market.”

“Senior attorney compensation is determined by the executive director using their personal experience and independent data. The board of directors then approves or disapproves these senior attorney salaries. However, please note that none of the attorneys are key employees or officers under definition, except for the executive director.”

“It is the washington appellate project's policy to fully comply with federal and state public disclosure requirements with respect to irs forms 990 (990-t), 1023 and 5227 upon request for disclosure whether made in writing or in person. Additionally, the articles of incorporation and by- laws are available for public inspection.”

“The washington appellate project provides legal representation pursuant to constitutional and statutory mandate to indigent persons in the state and federal appellate courts by appointment from designated governmental administrators. We provide legal counsel and vigorous representation in the appellate review of criminal convictions, dependent child proceedings and parental rights terminations, as well as involuntary civil commitments pursuant to rcw 71.05 and 71.09. This requires our staff foster relationships with our clients, review trial court records, conduct legal research, prepare appropriate legal pleadings and advocate on behalf of clients in various forums. In 2018, the washington appellate project represented approximately 775 clients. Consistent with the organizations's commitment to providing access to equal justice for all people, no matter their economic status, the project's staff is regularly called on to provide training at the local, state and national level. The project has been a leader in the community, setting standards for appellate practice and advocating for indigent individuals in the legal system. We are called upon to consult with and advise public defense administrators regarding best practices. The organization's staff has been regularly engaged with state and community leaders to increase awareness about the issues facing indigent people and their right to effective legal representation on appeal. We have been involved with diverse stakeholders seeking to improve outcomes for marginalized populations in their dealings with legal processes. In 2018, this included: providing guidance nationwide regarding tools to limit racial inequality in the criminal justice system; participation in task forces and committees formed by courts and legislative bodies to assess the impact of and proposed changes to procedural and substantive rules; membership and leadership on bodies reviewing the proper delivery and funding of indigent legal representation; and consulting and monitoring public defense delivery systems within the state.”