News & Stories

News & Stories

Justice starts with one person. Read the stories and voices of NJP’s clients along with updates to our legal advocacy challenging unjust practices.

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Press Release: Washington Appeals Court: Eviction Settlements that Strip Tenants’ Rights Are Void

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SEATTLE, WA – April 5, 2024 – The Elves for the Homeless and four unhoused individuals residing in Clarkston, Washington, filed a lawsuit today challenging the city of Clarkston's Ordinance 1706 as unconstitutional and in violation of the American with Disabilities Act.

Michael Shapsnikoff overcomes addiction and eviction

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After overcoming addiction and working to get his life back, Michael Shapsnikoff was unable to secure housing because an eviction was part of his rental history, and many landlords screen out prospective tenants with an eviction record.

As Michael pursued recovery, he reached out to Northwest Justice Project (NJP) for help. NJP worked with Michael to petition the court for an Order of Limited Dissemination (OLD), which removes an eviction from a person’s rental history. The court granted the OLD in 2023, clearing the path for Michael to find stable housing.

From the Fishing Wars to Today: Tribal Communities Pursue Justice

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On February 12, Town Hall Seattle hosted a panel Reflecting on Treaty Justice and Tribal Sovereignty, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Boldt decision. A group of Northwest Justice Project attorneys who work with Tribal communities attended the event. Here, they reflect on that event and the ongoing impact of the Boldt decision.

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A Milestone Appointment: Bree Black Horse to prosecute cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

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The historic appointment of Bree Black Horse as the first Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Assistant United States Attorney for the Northwest Region. Black Horse's new role is part of the Department of Justice's MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which aids in the prevention and response to MMIP through the resolution of MMIP cases where federal jurisdiction exists, and through collaboration, coordination, and communication with Tribal, federal, state governmental and non-governmental partners.

Justice in Action: Legal advocacy that supports victims of violence and their communities  

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May 5 was a day to honor, remember and raise awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The MMIW crisis impacts entire communities as families are devastated by the loss of loved ones and face challenges and barriers navigating law enforcement and legal systems that have allowed this epidemic to persist for generations. […]

Press Release: Unhoused Clarkston Residents and the Elves for the Homeless Sues Clarkston Over Unconstitutional Ordinance

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SEATTLE, WA – April 5, 2024 – The Elves for the Homeless and four unhoused individuals residing in Clarkston, Washington, filed a lawsuit today challenging the city of Clarkston's Ordinance 1706 as unconstitutional and in violation of the American with Disabilities Act.

Justice in Action: Migrant Worker Victory Against Deceptive Labor Contractors

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In a pivotal case in Washington State, a group of H-2A visa workers from Mexico successfully sued deceitful farm labor contractors and were awarded $84,000 in damages. As a result of the case, Washington State denied farm labor contractor licenses to the contractors and their companies last year, preventing them from using the H-2A visa program to traffic workers.

Justice in Action for Victims of Sexual Assault: Victory at the Washington Supreme Court

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In August 2020, Carmella, a 22-year-old college student, embarked on her first solo trip amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her plan was to visit a friend in Nevada. But the events that followed changed Carmella’s life and led to a legal case that lasted more than three years as Carmella and her Northwest Justice Project (NJP) attorneys pursued a Sexual Assault Protection Order (SAPO) against a man that sexually assaulted her while she was incapacitated from alcohol intoxication.