ABOUT I.B.J. LEGAL ADVOCACY
At the Institute for Black Justice, we are committed to advocating for the civil rights of all individuals. The main purpose of I.B.J. 's Legal Advocacy Program is to increase access to legal services to the vulnerable communities who need legal aid and education from reliable providers for family law and vacation of convictions (that apply under the State v. Blake Washington Supreme Court Ruling that declared drug possession convictions as unconstitutional).
Two projects support I.B.J.’s legal advocacy program, Unlocking Justice and Project Gideon. Unlocking Justice focuses on community education of rights and options for dealing with civil legal trouble. Project Gideon centers on vacating certain Washington state criminal convictions, relief from legal financial obligations, and restoration of civil rights.
I.B.J. provides legal advocacy to marginalized community members through referrals to legal partners and partial financial assistance for consultation fees with our partners.
Disclaimer: I.B.J. does NOT provide legal services through our organization, but we do have a Senior Paralegal that coordinates referrals to our partners, depending on the legal services you’re seeking.
types of legal advocacy
Civil Aid
Legal Referral
Legal Referral
Our team can provide funds in legal support to help with family law or civil matters that are impacting your family's ability to thrive.
As of June 1, 2025, aid is limited to current I.B.J. clients, not members of the public.
We will update you on our funding as the status changes. Thank you!
Legal Referral
Legal Referral
Legal Referral
Meet with our Paralegal / Referral Coordinator to discuss vacation of convictions, with specific focus on drug-related convictions ruled unconstitutional by the State v. Blake Washington Supreme Court Decision. Also, obtaining refunds of court fees, and restoring your civil rights.
Interested in meeting with our Paralegal?
Complete the pre-interview questionnaire to see if you qualify.
Complete an INTAKE FORM
Are you seeking legal services and want to participate multiple I.B.J. Programs? Complete the intake form!
i.b.j. partner referrals
Partner Referral Form
Partner Referral Form
Partner Referral Form
If you're an I.B.J. partner agency, use this form to complete an agency referral for your client.
Partner Interest Form
Partner Referral Form
Partner Referral Form
Want to join our network of partners in Pierce and King County? We're interested in expanding to all 39 counties in Washington! If your firm or organization is interested in partnering with us on this project, please use the button below to reach out to our Director of Advocacy at admin@instituteforblackjustice.org.