Mediation update + Another way to help WAP!

As some of you may have already heard, mediation between WAP and OPD was unsuccessful. The parties could not reach an agreement, and WAP is now preparing for trial, currently set for November.

It is truly unfortunate that OPD leadership has continued on the path that would set public defense back in Washington State by decades, and uproot the only nonprofit providing appellate defense in Washington. WAP’s sole mission is to provide indigent clients with high-quality, client-centered appellate defense.  Over two dozen attorneys with more than 200 years of collective experience alongside 5 dedicated administrative staff may lose their jobs soon, and much of that knowledge will be dispersed and lost. Despite hundreds of people pleading with OPD to change course, they will not budge from their unethical contract.

The fight isn't over yet. Supporters have launched a dedicated website to this cause: SaveWAP.org! They are gathering signatures for a letter to OPD leadership. If you signed this petition, please consider adding your name to the letter, too.

Please continue sharing this petition and the SaveWAP.org letter to everyone you know! Every bit of support would help WAP, and every signature provides another chance for OPD's leadership to make the right choice.

Thank you again everyone! Keep going - we are close to 1000 signatures on this petition now!