Washington Office
Defending Liberty in the Evergreen State
Since opening in 2003, the Institute for Justice’s Washington Office has been at the forefront of protecting constitutional rights in the Pacific Northwest. From Seattle to Spokane, our team fights for economic liberty, property rights, free speech, and educational choice—ensuring that Washingtonians can live free from unnecessary government interference.
Our Legacy of Victories
Over the past two decades, IJ-WA has secured landmark wins that have reshaped Washington law and influenced national jurisprudence:
- Eminent Domain Reform (2006)
Following IJ’s national fight against eminent domain abuse after Kelo v. City of New London, IJ-WA helped push reforms in Washington. Governor Christine Gregoire signed legislation requiring personal notice before property condemnation—a critical victory for property owners.
- Free Speech Wins
IJ-WA defeated efforts to classify radio commentary as a political contribution, winning a unanimous 9-0 decision before the Washington Supreme Court. We also prevailed in the Ninth Circuit for Blazing Bagels, ensuring small businesses could use portable signs to reach customers.
- Economic Liberty for Entrepreneurs
Our lawsuit on behalf of African hair braider Salamata Sylla led to a 2015 rule change eliminating costly cosmetology licensing for braiders—opening doors for cultural entrepreneurs statewide.
- Educational Choice at the U.S. Supreme Court
IJ-WA Senior Attorney Michael Bindas argued Carson v. Makin (2022) and obtained a victory shutting down discriminatory restrictions on school choice programs. This victory built on IJ’s earlier success in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris and expanded educational freedom nationwide.
- Campaign Finance and First Amendment
Managing Attorney Bill Maurer successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court against Arizona’s punitive campaign finance system, and IJ-WA has continued to dismantle unconstitutional restrictions on political speech.
IJ-WA attorneys have been leaders in fighting unjust fines and fees systems across the country, including successfully arguing the case of Timbs v. Indiana before the U.S. Supreme Court, which extended the protections of the Excessive Fines Clause to fines imposed by state and local governments, as well as obtaining a groundbreaking consent decree against the city of Pagedale, MO, when that city began using fines and fees as a source of revenue and not a means to protect its residents.
Recent Litigation and Advocacy
Today, IJ-WA remains deeply engaged in cutting-edge cases:
- Seattle’s Mandatory Housing Affordability Program: Challenging unconstitutional conditions imposed on property owners.
- Defending Charitable Work in Wenatchee: Fighting for Lighthouse Christian Ministries’ right to serve the homeless after the city revoked its permit.
- Excessive Fines Advocacy: Continuing the fight to enforce the Eighth Amendment’s Excessive Fines Clause in Washington and beyond.
Community Engagement
IJ-WA hosts legal fellows, mentors aspiring attorneys, and participates in coalitions like Free to Drive, advocating against unjust fines and fees. Our attorneys regularly speak at CLE programs and national conferences, sharing expertise on property rights and civil liberties.
Washington Team
Contact Us
Institute for Justice – Washington Office
600 University Street, Suite 2710
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: (206) 957-1300
Email: [email protected]