In May, staffers from ELAP traveled to San Francisco to attend the 2025 national Equal Justice Conference.
This annual national gathering brings together more than 1,000 legal services and pro bono advocates to explore innovative ways to expand access to civil legal aid. Hosted by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA), the conference is focused on strengthening partnerships among key players in the civil justice system.
Participants took part in a wide range of workshops, plenary sessions, and networking events, all aimed at improving services for people with low incomes. The opening plenary featured writer and L.A. Tenants Union co-founder Tracy Rosenthal, whose remarks emphasized the urgent need for housing justice. Another highlight was a salon conversation with constitutional law scholar Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of UC Berkeley School of Law, who placed current legal challenges in broader historical context.
The closing plenary brunch focused on bridging the justice gap through economic empowerment and legal access, and was moderated by Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works.
ELAP was proud to join colleagues from the Access to Justice Board, Pro Bono Council, Office of Civil Legal Aid, Northwest Justice Project, and Skagit Legal Aid in representing Washington state’s commitment to justice for all.
