Legal Assistance Services

At the Washington West African Center (WAWAC), we believe that every community member deserves access to trusted, culturally responsive legal support regardless of language, income, immigration status, or past involvement with the justice system.

We provide free and low-cost legal assistance, legal navigation, referrals, advocacy, interpretation, and community-based support services for individuals and families across Washington State. Our services are provided in a trusted community setting where people feel safe, respected, and understood.

Our legal support programs are community-centered, trauma-informed, and designed to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing justice.

Immigration Legal Services

Immigration legal services remain one of the most urgent needs in our community. WAWAC partners with experienced immigration attorneys and legal organizations to provide culturally responsive immigration legal support directly at our Lynnwood office.

We work with retained attorneys and legal partners including:

• Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
• Northwest Justice Project
• International Rescue Committee (IRC)
• Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network
• NAACP

We also collaborate with private attorneys and legal professionals who provide consultations, legal clinics, and representation for community members.

Services may include:

• Know Your Rights trainings
• Immigration legal consultations
• Family-based immigration support
• Asylum and humanitarian referrals
• Citizenship and naturalization guidance
• Referrals for deportation defense and other immigration matters

Legal clinics and consultations are hosted at our community center in Lynnwood, allowing community members to receive services in a familiar and trusted environment.

Language Access, Interpretation & Community Support

WAWAC understands that language and cultural barriers often prevent immigrant and African communities from accessing legal help.

To address these barriers, we provide:

• Language interpretation in multiple African languages
• Translation support for legal and court-related documents
• Community resource navigation
• Assistance completing forms and applications
• Childcare support during legal consultations and workshops

Our trained staff and community navigators include individuals with lived experience who understand the challenges many community members face.

Legal Navigation, Advocacy & Referrals

Many community members face legal challenges but do not know where to begin. WAWAC helps individuals navigate legal systems and connect with appropriate legal professionals and services.

We assist with matters related to:

• Criminal law
• Family law
• Child support matters
• Employment law
• Housing and landlord-tenant disputes
• Workplace exploitation and discrimination
• Civil legal matters

In addition to referrals, we also advocate for community members by communicating with landlords, employers, institutions, and service providers when appropriate and legally permissible.

Free Community Notary Services

WAWAC provides free notary services to community members through our Executive Director, who is a licensed notary public.

Many community members experience difficulty accessing affordable notary services due to cost, transportation, or language barriers. Our office provides a trusted and accessible alternative where individuals can receive assistance in languages they understand.

Community members may walk in or schedule an appointment to notarize documents.

Post-Conviction Legal Assistance Program

A New Start Is Possible

Clear Your Record. Restore Your License. Remove Old Court Fines & Fees.

Beginning May 1, 2026, WAWAC partnered with the Washington State Department of Commerce to provide legal assistance and reentry support services for individuals impacted by past criminal convictions.

This program helps remove barriers that prevent people from rebuilding their lives and accessing opportunities.

Services are free, confidential, and culturally responsive.

We help community members overcome barriers related to:

• Housing applications denied because of old records
• Employment and background checks
• Driver’s license suspensions caused by unpaid tickets or court debt
• Immigration and family law complications connected to prior convictions

What Legal Help Is Available?

Criminal Record Vacating & Expungement

We help eligible individuals clear or vacate criminal records so old convictions no longer create barriers to employment, housing, and opportunity.

Legal Financial Obligation (LFO) Relief

We assist individuals seeking reduction or elimination of court fines, fees, and legal debt they cannot afford to pay.

Driver’s License Reinstatement

We help community members restore suspended driver’s licenses when the suspension is related to non-safety issues such as unpaid tickets or court debt.

Non-Conviction Data Deletion

We assist with deletion and expungement of eligible non-conviction records through the Washington State Patrol under RCW 10.97.060.

Professional License Reinstatement

We support individuals seeking reinstatement of occupational or professional licenses impacted by prior convictions.

Other Civil Legal Assistance

We provide referrals and support related to:

• Housing discrimination
• Family law matters
• Small business concerns
• Employment barriers
• Reentry and workforce navigation

We also connect community members to employment and workforce programs, including WorkSource, Employment Security resources, and other community reentry partners.

Removing Barriers to Justice

We understand that legal systems can feel overwhelming. WAWAC helps remove practical barriers that often prevent people from getting help.

We provide:

• Free transportation assistance, including bus cards and rides to court or legal appointments
• Language interpretation in multiple African languages
• Trusted community-based support from staff with lived experience
• A safe and judgment-free environment

You Are Not Alone

Many members of our community carry the burden of an old conviction, unpaid court debt, or a mistake from years ago. One past incident should not close every door for the rest of your life.

Our team is here to listen, support, and help you move forward.

All services are confidential.

Contact Us

Washington West African Center

19203 36th Ave W, Suite 210
Lynnwood, WA 98036

 Call or Text: (425) 758-3269
Email: info@wawac.org

Community members may walk in or contact us to schedule an appointment.