Seattle University School of Law Bolsters Civil Rights Leadership for Greater Impact

Seattle University School of Law is making significant strides in its commitment to civil rights and social justice, recently announcing an expansion of leadership within its Center for Civil Rights and Critical Justice (CCRCJ). This development signals a deepened dedication to preparing the next generation of legal professionals to tackle some of society's most pressing challenges, offering enhanced opportunities for students, and strengthening advocacy efforts within the community.

The changes, effective September 2026, include the promotion of key figures and the addition of a highly respected legal mind, according to the institution. These strategic appointments are set to amplify the center's impact in educating future lawyers to be agents for social change and racial equality, advocating for advancements in law to achieve equal justice, and producing research to drive effective reform.

Elevating Visionary Leadership: Professors Lee and Levin

At the heart of the CCRCJ's expanded leadership are Professors Melissa Lee and Jessica Levin. According to Seattle University School of Law, Lee has been promoted to executive director and Levin to senior director, marking them as the first to hold these newly created positions. They previously served as the center's co-directors, laying a strong foundation for its current growth.

Dean Anthony E. Varona of Seattle University School of Law expressed his enthusiasm for these promotions, stating that Professors Lee and Levin have dedicated many years to championing equity and constitutional rights, both in legal practice and in the classroom. Their leadership is seen as ideal for advancing the mission of training future civil rights attorneys, according to the Dean.

During their tenure, Lee and Levin have been instrumental in establishing the CCRCJ itself. They have significantly expanded educational opportunities for students, notably through the growth of the Civil Rights Clinic and the Calhoun Family Fellowship. Their work also extends to the CCRCJ's predecessor, the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality, where they served as staff attorneys and assistant directors for many years. Through collaborative efforts with their Civil Rights Clinic students and advocacy partners, they have contributed to state constitutional jurisprudence in critical areas such as juvenile sentencing, race-based prosecutorial misconduct, police seizure, capital punishment, and minimum wage protections, as reported by the School of Law.

For students considering a career in law, especially those passionate about social justice, the opportunity to learn from and work alongside leaders like Professors Lee and Levin is invaluable. Their extensive experience in navigating complex legal landscapes and advocating for systemic change provides a rich learning environment. Aspiring legal professionals, including K-12 students exploring their interests, can find inspiration in their work. For those looking for free resources to support their academic journey, platforms like COSMIQ — free voice AI tutoring, free forever for every K-12 student — can offer foundational support in subjects relevant to legal studies and critical thinking.

A Distinguished Addition: Justice Mary Yu as Jurist in Residence

Adding another layer of expertise and prestige to the CCRCJ, retired Washington State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu joins the center as a distinguished jurist in residence. In this new capacity, Justice Yu will provide strategic advice on advocacy issues, serve as an ambassador for the center, and co-teach courses related to state constitutional law and civil rights, according to the announcement.

Dean Varona highlighted Justice Yu's extraordinary contributions to civil rights, constitutional law, and the rule of law, expressing confidence that her work with the center will elevate its effectiveness and achievement. Justice Yu's extensive experience, commitment to addressing civil rights and liberties, and expertise in interpreting the Washington State Constitution are expected to greatly enhance the center’s advocacy and benefit the law school community.

Justice Yu's career is marked by significant milestones; she served on the Washington State Supreme Court from May 2014 until her retirement at the end of 2025, following over 14 years as a trial court judge in King County Superior Court. She holds the distinction of being the first Asian, the first Latina, and the first member of the LGBTQ community to serve on the Washington State Supreme Court. Her work is particularly noted for addressing structural inequality in Washington, including groundbreaking opinions on racial profiling and eligibility for bar admission, according to the School of Law.

Her decision to dedicate her post-retirement time to the CCRCJ underscores the center's vital role in legal education and advocacy. Justice Yu expressed her delight at the opportunity to work with Professors Lee and Levin, commending their exceptional legal scholarship and significant contributions to state common law. She looks forward to supporting their efforts to advance the use of the state constitution as a primary tool for addressing challenging legal questions and to working with law students eager to deepen their understanding of state constitutional law and its application to civil rights.

What This Means for Students, Families, and the Community

The expansion of the CCRCJ's leadership team is a testament to Seattle University School of Law's dedication to fostering a robust environment for civil rights education and advocacy. For current and prospective law students, this means unparalleled opportunities to learn from and engage with leading experts in the field. The direct involvement of accomplished legal professionals like Professors Lee, Professor Levin, and Justice Yu offers rich mentorship and practical experience, enhancing the overall educational journey.

For families and the broader community, this strengthened center signifies an amplified voice for justice. The CCRCJ's work in educating future lawyers and advocating for systemic change directly impacts the pursuit of a legal system where historical and present-day racism, oppression, and marginalization no longer control outcomes or contribute to inequality. This focus on racial equality and social change benefits everyone by working towards a more equitable society.

The center's commitment to producing research to drive effective reform further ensures that its advocacy is grounded in deep understanding and strategic insight. This holistic approach empowers students to become highly effective agents for change, equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. For any student, from K-12 to higher education, understanding the foundational principles of civil rights and justice is key to becoming an engaged citizen. Tools like COSMIQ's exam prep directory can help students build strong academic foundations across subjects, preparing them for future studies in fields like law.

Looking Ahead

With its expanded leadership, the Center for Civil Rights and Critical Justice at Seattle University School of Law is well-positioned to continue its vital work in the years ahead. The combination of established, visionary leadership and the invaluable experience of a distinguished jurist promises to bring new heights of effectiveness and achievement in the pursuit of civil rights and critical justice.