Oversight Committee

Oversight Committee 

The Civil Legal Aid Oversight Committee is a bipartisan body established by the Legislature in 2005 (RCW 2.53.010). The Oversight Committee oversees the activities of the Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) including reviewing the performance of the director of OCLA and, as needed, makes recommendations to the supreme court, the access to justice board, and the legislature regarding the provision of civil legal aid. 

Oversight Committee Mission 

To ensure that all people in Washington share in the fundamental right to civil justice, the Civil Legal Aid Oversight Committee, consistent with its statutory authority, shall oversee and support the Office of Civil Legal Aid and shall periodically make recommendations to the Supreme Court, the Access to Justice Board and the Legislature as to the most efficient and effective use of state-appropriated civil legal aid funds on behalf of low-income people. 

Membership

The Oversight Committee has 11 members who are appointed to staggered three-year terms. Members include: 

  • Three members appointed by the Washington State Supreme Court on recommendation of the Court’s Access to Justice Board, one of whom must be income eligible for state-funded civil legal aid at the time of appointment 

  • Two members appointed by the Board for Judicial Administration 

  • Four members appointed by the Legislature, one each from the majority and minority of the caucuses in the House and Senate 

  • One member appointed by the Washington State Bar Association 

  • One member appointed by the Governor 

Current Members 

Position 1 Board for Judicial Administration        Hon. Janet Chung, Washington State Court of Appeals, Div 1       
Position 2 Board for Judicial Administration Hon. Faye Chess, Seattle Municipal Court
Position 3 Supreme Court on recommendation of the Access to Justice Board Megan Johnston
Position 4 Supreme Court on recommendation of the Access to Justice Board Natasha Damien
Position 5 Supreme Court on recommendation of the Access to Justice Board Angela Cruze Boldt
Position 6 Senate Republican Caucus Senator Drew MacEwen. 35th District
Position 7 Senate Democratic Caucus Senator Yasmin Trudeau, 27th District
Position 8 House Republican Caucus Representative Matt Marshall, 2nd District
Position 9 House Democratic Caucus Representative My-Linh Thai, 41st District
Position 10 Office of the Governor Alejandro (Ale’) Sanchez
Position 11 Washington State Bar Association Molly Peach Matte

 

Upcoming Meetings 

The Civil Legal Aid Oversight Committee meets four times per year from 11:30am to 1:00pm. All meetings are open to the public. 

  • September 12, 2025 

  • December 5, 2025 

Past Meetings