The Washington Defender Association has been committed to improving the quality of the criminal defense bar in Washington and in working for improved funding for public defense since 1983.

WDA provides its members with access to the most recent developments in criminal law through training seminars, publications, and its resource assistance. Members include the various types of public defender offices that operate in each county, individual attorneys who take indigent cases and persons who are interested in forwarding the cause of ensuring quality defense for all indigent persons.