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 persons, 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 contracts with the State of Washington and the Federal Government to provide legal representation to indigent persons on appeal.”

“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. This requires our staff to 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 2020, the Washington Appellate Project represented approximately 600 clients. The number of clients served is a reduction driven by the COVID pandemic's limitations on court operations. However, while the pandemic reduced the clients served, it substantially altered the challenges faced by the Organization's clients. In response, the Organization was called upon to address the unsafe conditions of incarceration faced by its clients. The Organization was also called upon to address and challenge the modifications of court procedures employed as a result of the pandemic, which disadvantaged the Organizations clients. Despite the pandemic, and consistent with the Organizations' commitment to providing access to equal justice for all people, no matter their economic status, the project's staff continued to provide training at the local, state, and national levels. The project's work continued to set standards for appellate practice and advocacy for indigent individuals in the legal system. We regularly consult with and advise public defense administrators regarding best practices. The Organization's staff regularly engages with government and community leaders to increase awareness about the legal challenges facing indigent people and their right to effective representation on appeal. In 2020, staff provided support nationally to court systems seeking rule changes to limit racism in jury selection. Staff chaired committees tasked with ensuring and improving quality public defense services across the State of Washington. Staff participated in task forces and committees formed by courts and legislative bodies to assess the impact of and proposed changes to procedural and substantive rules; supported an internship program to train law students in appellate representation and to provide avenues into the field for students of diverse backgrounds; organizing and providing local and national training to others involved in delivery of legal services to indigent populations.”