Falsely Imprisoned in Haiti, Tortured in Mexico, Detained in Texas: One Client’s Journey to Asylum

Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is proud to announce a significant victory in our ongoing mission to fight for the right to asylum. Today, we celebrate our client Marc’s¹ victory. Project Corazon, along with its partners, fought for almost a year to free this man who only wished to find a safe place to live his life. He is now reunited with his family after almost a year and a half of separation and nine months of detention.

This is the first in a series about fighting for asylum seekers, the cruelties of the system, and the impact it has on those fighting the system.

False Imprisonment in Haiti and Torture in Mexico

January 2023: Initial Contact

Project Corazon received distressing images showing Marc with severe injuries from a kidnapping and torture in Mexico.

In January 2023, our team met a man who would show us all the trials and tribulations of the current US asylum system. Marc, a Haitian asylum seeker, had been subjected to unthinkable trauma, including abuse in his home country and then kidnapping and torture in Mexico. When we met him, he was stuck in Mexico, recently freed from his abusers, and unable to access the US asylum system.

Jessica Riley, Project Corazon staff attorney, took on Marc’s case from the beginning, from when we were seeking a humanitarian parole exemption to Title 42, to the final hearing deciding whether or not Marc would be granted asylum, navigating the complex asylum process with determination and legal acumen. At every turn, we faced barriers that even Priscilla Orta, our Director with over 12 years of immigration law experience, had never seen.

In a pivotal moment in March 2023, Marc's story was brought to the public eye through a story in the Washington Post, amplifying the urgent need for reform in the asylum process at the US-Mexico border. Comprehensive documentation of Marc’s dire situation and persistent legal advocacy from the Project Corazon staff eventually led to a breakthrough.

In March, Marc was finally granted entry into the U.S. to pursue his asylum claim, but his journey was far from over.

Unfortunately, DHS detained him and sent him to a detention center in Laredo where he would remain, away from his family, for the next nine months while he prepared for his case to be heard in front of a judge. Jessica and Priscilla represented him during his Credible Fear Interview, which he passed. However, his parole was denied time and again by DHS, meaning he was stuck in a for-profit detention center, resembling a jail. For the next nine months, Jessica and our volunteer Becky were the only people able to visit him during that time. Together, our team continued to provide unwavering support, legal guidance, and representation, getting him ready to tell his story and fight for a final ruling in his case.

9 Months Later: Marc’s Trial

December 2023: Post-Trial: Family Reunion and Reflection

After a year of legal advocacy, Marc was finally reunited with his family on Christmas Eve.

After months of fighting for basic rights–from the right to sit with our client to the right to have him in court before the judge–the trial came days before the holidays in December 2023. Our team was shocked when we arrived at court; despite this being a civil proceeding, we found Marc shackled hands to waist, waist to feet, in an orange jumpsuit, and with two armed guards standing over him. We objected to this behavior, but Marc, forever stoic, simply asked us to let the trial begin.

Despite being under immense pressure, Marc delivered powerful testimony about the harrowing experiences he had overcome and why his claim of persecution was valid. His testimony, along with his legal team's staunch defense led to a miracle–in a court with a 3-5% win rate, we won, ensuring Marc would not be returned to any place he feared. With this decision, Marc was finally released and reunited with his family on Christmas Eve.

Marc’s eventual reunion with his family marked not only a personal triumph but also a significant victory for L4GG and Project Corazon. It underscored the critical importance of legal advocacy in protecting the rights and dignities of asylum seekers.

The Fight For Asylum Is Far From Over

This case sheds light on the broader challenges within the immigration system and reinforces the necessity for a more humane and equitable approach. Marc only won his case because he was the fortunate recipient of a pro bono lawyer who was willing to spend countless hours fighting for him when others had written him off. The vast majority of immigrants, particularly detained immigrants, do not have access to attorneys in their asylum cases. L4GG is proud to have represented Marc, but we also know we cannot represent every asylum seeker who we meet because there simply aren’t enough Jessica’s to go around. Instead, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to providing legal support and advocacy for those who are most vulnerable and in need of protection. 

As we celebrate this victory, we also recognize the ongoing struggles faced by countless others in similar situations. Marc's story is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated legal advocacy can have and the importance of continuing our fight for justice and human rights.

Join L4GG as we continue to champion the rights of asylum seekers like Marc. Here’s how you can help:

1. Donate to Project Corazon: The more money we raise, the more we can represent asylum seekers like Marc.

2. Volunteer with Project Corazon: We could never have done this without help from volunteers. If you are interested in helping with anything from writing supportive letters to our clients to fighting an asylum case with us there to guide you, please sign up here.

3. Share this story: The world is filled with negative stories of asylum seekers. Show those closest to you a counter-narrative--the story of a man whose story starts with torture and ends with reunification with his family on Christmas.

4. Contact your elected officials: Call your elected officials on EVERY level and let them know that YOU support immigrants. Your local officials need to know your opinions as every city faces difficult decisions ahead.

¹ Name changed to protect identity.

White House Must Quickly Fix Critical Tax Issue Blocking Public Sector Benefits in the Inflation Reduction Act

Tax Year Issue is Currently Blocking Two-Thirds of Cities and Counties, Public Schools, and Every State Agency that Would Otherwise be Eligible for Imminent Tax Credits

Washington D.C. – Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a nationwide nonprofit organization that comprises a network of over 125,000 legal advocates in all 50 states working to expedite the equitable implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), urges the White House and Treasury Department to fix a critical issue related to the rollout of the inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that is blocking many tax-exempt and governmental entities (public sector entities) from receiving critical tax credit payments for 2023 clean energy projects.

In 2023, many public sector entities completed clean energy projects (such as buying electric school buses or EVs or constructing rooftop solar) with the expectation of reimbursement through the IRA’s Elective Pay Program, also known as ‘Direct Pay’. Direct Pay gives public sector entities and other tax-exempt entities the ability, for the first time, to receive a direct payment equal to the full value of tax credits for completing qualifying clean energy projects. Unfortunately, Treasury’s current guidance, which seems to contradict the text and intent of the IRA, deems hundreds of 2023 projects ineligible based solely on the fact that the applicant’s fiscal years do not match a calendar year.

Based on Treasury’s current informal guidance, these entities now believe their projects are ineligible and that they will not receive the projected financing, which can be between 30-50% of project costs. This would mean the loss of millions of dollars in projected revenue for small cities and school districts that were counting on these funds. The issue impacts approximately two-thirds of all cities and counties, every single state, and many school districts, universities, and nonprofits with eligible 2023 projects that all have Fiscal Years that do not match the calendar year. L4GG has identified hundreds of projects at the state and local level that may not receive Elective Pay as a result of this issue.

L4GG has identified a straightforward solution to the issue that would only require an informal announcement from the Treasury, but Treasury have indicated that they likely will wait until issuing final regulations to address the issue, which would be too late for entities facing a filing deadline of May 15th. L4GG recently sent a letter to the White House, documenting the issue and the solution, in partnership with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and signed by 48 entities, including 18 cities and counties from 13 states. On February 14, the letter was also endorsed and sent by the governors' offices of eight states of the U.S. Climate Alliance: Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Washington.

“If these public-sector entities are kept from entering the process now, we anticipate that many of them will choose not to participate in this powerful new tool created under the IRA in subsequent years for fear of hidden pitfalls. Unless the Administration works to remove this early barrier to collecting earned IRA tax credits, risk-averse state and local actors may not feel comfortable relying on Elective Pay to finance clean energy projects in the future.”

— Jillian Blanchard, L4GG's Director of the Climate Change and Environmental Justice Program

The White House and the Treasury must act immediately to clarify that these 2023 projects are eligible to ensure public sector entities that completed projects in 2023 will receive the benefits created by the IRA and to ensure the successful rollout of this revolutionary new program. Without immediate action, the hundreds of public entities will lose out on critical funding for clean energy projects and likely will be unwilling to rely on Direct Pay in future years.  The successful rollout of the IRA in its first year hinges on fixing these types of critical issues.

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Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) coordinates large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts to protect human rights, defend the environment, and ensure equal justice under the law, and has a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. The Climate Change and Environmental Justice Program leverages its vast pro bono network to expedite the just, equitable, and fair transition to a green economy. 

Trading Lives for Funding: L4GG Condemns the Proposed Exchange of Asylum Rights for Military Aid

Washington, D.C. - Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading non-profit organization that mobilizes legal support for asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border and throughout the country, vehemently opposes the Senate supplemental funding bill that would violate the due process rights of asylum seekers, exacerbate humanitarian conditions on the border, and dangerously restrict access to the asylum system in the United States. These immigration proposals, which are part of a deal tied to foreign military funding, threaten to deny the freedom, protection, and lives of countless immigrants while expanding deportations.

These proposed legislative changes include the following harmful provisions:

• A new Title 42-like expulsion authority, mandating that asylum seekers be turned away from our borders and barred from commencing an asylum claim based on border “trigger numbers,” or quotas

• Dismantling of due process for asylum seekers via a new fast-tracked system for asylum processing at the border, under surveillance and with no judicial review

• Heightened standards and new bars to eligibility at threshold asylum screenings, which will cause passage rates to plummet and return legitimate asylum seekers to life-threatening situations

Priscilla Orta, Supervising Director of Project Corazon at Lawyers for Good Government, states, “Removing judicial review and the ability to appeal from asylum decisions is a grave violation of due process rights for a proceeding that has the highest possible stakes - life or death. This is just one of many threats to the fundamental principles of human rights present in the Senate supplemental funding bill, which will certainly disproportionately endanger the lives of Black, Indigenous, LGBTQI+, women, and children asylum seekers. These measures are not about enhancing border security but about closing our doors to those in dire need of sanctuary."

Estuardo Cifuentes, a Guatemalan asylum seeker and Client Manager of Lawyers for Good Government’s Project Corazon, further emphasizes, “The proposed legislation is a step in the wrong direction and instead marks a disturbing escalation beyond even what we saw under the Trump Administration. We must remember these policies will impact real people fleeing persecution and danger, people in extremely vulnerable conditions who have stories, dreams, and the fundamental right to seeking safety. As a nation, we have the power and responsibility to offer more than just shelter. Any immigration reform should align with our deepest values ​​and our long-term commitment to justice and humanity.”

Nearly 200 organizations, along with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and multiple Senators, have raised alarms about these proposals. They stand in solidarity with L4GG in urging Congress and the White House to reject these inhumane measures that compromise the very essence of the U.S. asylum system.

Priscilla Orta concludes, "We call on Majority Leader Schumer, President Biden, and Congress to stand firmly against these efforts to end asylum in the supplemental funding bill and instead uphold our moral duty to protect refugees and asylum seekers.”

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Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) coordinates large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts to protect human rights, defend the environment, and ensure equal justice under the law, and has a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts.

In Celebration of Pro Bono Week, Lawyers for Good Government Honors Kirkland & Ellis with 2023 Pro Bono Paragon Award

Washington D.C. – In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 22-28, 2023), Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading non-profit organization that mobilizes pro-bono legal support for human rights programs, is proud to present the 2023 Pro Bono Paragon Award to Kirkland & Ellis, in gratitude for their unparalleled commitment and exemplary contributions to L4GG’s pro bono programs.

While many law firms collaborate with L4GG, Kirkland & Ellis has consistently showcased their dedication, acting as co-architects for a multitude of L4GG’s pro bono initiatives. “From the very inception of our projects, Kirkland attorneys have been there beside us, turning ambitious visions into reality,” says Traci Feit Love, L4GG’s Founder and Executive Director.

Their expansive work spans various vital issues, from state legislative advocacy, to immigrant rights, to environmental and racial justice. Notably, Kirkland has been a leader in building programs such as L4GG’s COVID-19 Small Business Remote Legal Clinic, which provided critical legal assistance to 2,149 microbusinesses and nonprofits during the pandemic, and the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Pro Bono Project for Ukraine, a program designed to provide remote legal assistance to Ukrainian nationals in the U.S., created in the aftermath of the 2022 Russian invasion.

“It probably won’t surprise you to learn that Kirkland was our very first pro bono partner. We’ve been collaborating with their team since 2018, and today, they remain one of our most invaluable allies.””

— Lauren Worsek, L4GG’s Director of Pro Bono Initiatives

However, the partnership's depth transcends legal expertise. "Their unwavering collaborative spirit and genuine passion for the cause solidify Kirkland & Ellis as a true partner," says Traci. "Their monumental contributions have undeniably transformed countless lives and driven monumental human rights initiatives forward."

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Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a non-profit organization committed to upholding human rights and achieving equal justice, with a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. Through large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts, L4GG tackles pressing issues such as climate change, environmental racism, reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and racial justice.

Kirkland & Ellis is an international law firm known for its leadership in complex litigation, arbitration, and transactional matters. With a commitment to pro bono work, they have been at the forefront of numerous human rights initiatives in collaboration with organizations like L4GG.

Lawyers for Good Government Honors Goodwin with 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award

Washington D.C. – In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono, Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) named Goodwin a recipient of its 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award. L4GG is a leading non-profit organization that mobilizes pro bono legal support for human rights programs, and the Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award recognizes firms for their exceptional contributions to L4GG’s mission of mobilizing lawyers for social justice.

Traci Feit Love, L4GG’s Founder and Executive Director, emphasized, "Goodwin has been an exceptional collaborator and a true champion in our mission to mobilize pro bono legal support for equal justice. Their unwavering support and dedication, particularly in our Reproductive Health Legal Assistance Project (RHLAP), has been instrumental in creating impactful, positive change."

Lauren Worsek, L4GG’s Director of Pro Bono Initiatives, elaborated on the importance of the RHLAP Program: "In today's shifting legal landscape, reproductive health clinicians are faced with daily decisions requiring clear, up-to-date legal guidance. L4GG's RHLAP has mobilized over 500 attorneys to provide essential support, and Goodwin took on the challenge.”

Goodwin partner Sabrina Rose-Smith shared, “Being part of L4GG's Reproductive Health Assistance Project appealed to Goodwin deeply. With increasing attacks on both reproductive rights and transgender rights, pro bono services are in more critical need now than ever before. Goodwin is proud to partner with L4GG on this important work.”

In addition, Goodwin’s work on L4GG’s Transgender Health Report underlined the systemic challenges faces by the transgender community. Through a comprehensive state-by-state analysis, Goodwin and L4GG managed to highlight disparities, discriminatory practices, and areas ripe for advocacy.

“Goodwin’s dedication extends far and wide. From the RHLAP to the Lawyers for Racial Justice program, and even the TPS Pro Bono Project for Ukraine, Goodwin’s contributions have been vast and impactful.”

— Lauren Worsek, L4GG’s Director of Pro Bono Initiatives

As the legal community prepares to celebrate pro bono efforts nationwide, L4GG recognized Goodwin with the Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award as a testament to how instrumental the firm’s partnership has been in the fight for a more just future.

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Award Video:

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Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a non-profit organization committed to upholding human rights and achieving equal justice, with a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. Through large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts, L4GG tackles pressing issues such as climate change, environmental racism, reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and racial justice.

Goodwin is a global law firm where more than 1,800 corporate and litigation lawyers leverage their specific experience and assemble full-service teams to advise clients in these and adjacent industries.

In Celebration of Pro Bono Week, Lawyers for Good Government Honors Orrick with 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award

Washington D.C. – In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 22-28, 2023), Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading non-profit organization that mobilizes pro-bono legal support for human rights programs, is pleased to announce Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP as a recipient of their 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award. L4GG commends Orrick for their exceptional contribution to L4GG's Climate Change and Environmental Justice program. Orrick’s dedicated pro bono service has significantly advanced the mission to expedite America's just transition to a green economy and directly address environmental racism.

Orrick took notable initiative in L4GG's Disadvantaged Communities Report, a pivotal 50-state survey that offers indispensable guidance on state-level policies for accessing the unprecedented $2 trillion in federal infrastructure funding allocated through recent legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act, Biden’s Infrastructure Law of 2021, and the American Rescue Plan Act.

“Orrick’s pro bono commitment has been instrumental in our mission to tackle climate change and to bring forth environmental justice. Their tenacity and expertise were critical in the development of our Disadvantaged Communities Report. This is a prime example of how Orrick’s contributions have been invaluable in helping states and communities understand how to distribute federal climate funds equitably.”

— Jillian Blanchard, L4GG’s Director of Climate Change & Environmental Justice

Due to the ambiguous definitions and complex identification processes of “disadvantaged communities” across states, accessing this funding has been challenging for decision-makers. Orrick’s outstanding efforts were vital in converting scattered, inconsistent information into a user-friendly, consolidated guide. Orrick mobilized 30 attorneys to perform 1,000 hours of research, transforming complexity into clarity and facilitating equitable distribution of climate funds.

Orrick’s collaboration didn’t stop with the creation of the report. They further showcased their expertise by producing a comprehensive training webinar. The session provided an overview of the report and its effective use, attended by dozens of decision-makers, tribal representatives, community representatives, and nonprofit advocacy groups.

“The attorneys at Orrick have been a pleasure to work with and their dedication to our cause is truly inspiring. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Orrick as we strive to advance justice and equality in every facet of our society.”

— Lauren Worsek, L4GG’s Director of Pro Bono Initiatives

Lawyers for Good Government extends their sincere gratitude for Orrick’s support and unwavering dedication to creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

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Award Video:

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Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a non-profit organization committed to upholding human rights and achieving equal justice, with a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. Through large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts, L4GG tackles pressing issues such as climate change, environmental racism, reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and racial justice.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is a premier global law firm with a particular focus on serving companies in the technology, energy, and financial sectors. The firm is internationally recognized for its foundational belief that a commitment to corporate social responsibility, diversity, and pro bono is an intrinsic part of superior professional service.

In Celebration of Pro Bono Week, Lawyers for Good Government Honors Mayer Brown with 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award

Washington D.C. – In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 22-28, 2023), Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading non-profit organization that mobilizes pro-bono legal support for human rights programs, is proud to announce Mayer Brown as a recipient of its 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award. The award is an acknowledgment of Mayer Brown's exceptional contributions to L4GG's mission of mobilizing lawyers for social justice. Their consistent and robust support, particularly in the Lawyers for Racial Justice program, has been instrumental in creating impactful, positive change.

In 2020, Mayer Brown launched Project Equity initiative, underscoring the significant role legal firms play in addressing systemic racism and promoting equity within the law. The initiative, aiming to bring about meaningful change and foster strategic engagement on issues of racial and social justice, found a natural ally in L4GG's Lawyers for Racial Justice initiative.

Together, the partnership has achieved significant strides. A landmark collaboration is L4GG’s “Police in Schools” report, which scrutinizes state funding of police in schools. Through rigorous research and analysis, the report includes comprehensive state-specific findings on how school resource officers are protected by the law when they disproportionately target and harm students of color, further exacerbating the school-to-prison pipeline.

“What sets Mayer Brown apart is not just their legal prowess but their commitment to driving forward racial justice. Given this year’s theme, ‘Voices of Democracy: Ensuring Justice for All’, their dedicated efforts to highlight systemic imbalances, such as those faced by students of color, align directly with the broader call for true democracy. They are genuine collaborators who believe in the strength of collective action.”

— Traci Feit Love, L4GG’s Founder and Executive Director

Moreover, Mayer Brown's commitment goes beyond the realm of racial justice. Late in 2022, Mayer Brown collaborated with L4GG to author a groundbreaking report on state-level access to gender-affirming care, emphasizing discriminatory policies endangering transgender rights and healthcare access nationwide.

Their commitment to social justice is further highlighted by leading an initiative alongside L4GG and other law firms, aiming to assist a group of Afghan women in securing Temporary Protected Status. Their efforts currently aid approximately 60 Afghan women in their journey towards achieving immigration stability in the U.S.

As the legal community prepares to celebrate pro bono efforts nationwide, Lawyers for Good Government is elated to recognize Mayer Brown with the 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award, a testament to their enduring contributions towards not just L4GG, but to the broader mission of ensuring equal justice for all.

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Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a non-profit organization committed to upholding human rights and achieving equal justice, with a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. Through large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts, L4GG tackles pressing issues such as climate change, environmental racism, reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and racial justice.

Mayer Brown is a distinctively global law firm, uniquely positioned to advise the world's leading companies and financial institutions on their most intricate deals and disputes. With a formidable presence spanning four continents, Mayer Brown stands unparalleled as the only integrated law firm in the world with around 200 lawyers in each of the globe's three primary financial hubs—New York, London, and Hong Kong—serving as the linchpin of the global economy.

In Celebration of Pro Bono Week, Lawyers for Good Government Honors Comcast with 2023 Outstanding Corporate Partner Award

Washington D.C. – In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 22-28, 2023), Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading non-profit organization that mobilizes pro-bono legal support for human rights programs, is excited to announce Comcast as the recipient of its 2023 Outstanding Corporate Partner Award. The award is an acknowledgment of Comcast's exceptional contributions to L4GG's mission of mobilizing lawyers for social justice.

Traci Feit Love, L4GG’s Founder and Executive Director, emphasized, "Comcast has been an exceptional collaborator and a true champion in our mission to mobilize pro bono legal support for equal justice. Their unwavering support and dedication, particularly in our Temporary Protected Status Pro Bono Project for Ukraine, has been instrumental in creating impactful, positive change."

L4GG's Director of Pro Bono Initiatives, Lauren Worsek, elaborated on the importance of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Program, highlighting its role in offering relief to individuals from countries facing dire circumstances. "L4GG's TPS Pro Bono Program extends invaluable legal guidance to those qualifying for TPS, assisting them in crucial areas such as application preparation and employment authorization."

Comcast's involvement has been paramount to the program's success. A representative from Comcast shared, "Following the devastating invasion of Ukraine by Russia, we realized the urgent need for our partnership with L4GG. It wasn’t just about offering legal support but truly about changing lives. We witnessed firsthand the intricate landscape of Temporary Protected Status, and our legal team was deeply committed to assisting affected individuals from Ukraine every step of the way."

Furthermore, Lauren Worsek highlighted the unique and commendable nature of Comcast's involvement, especially given the typical challenges corporate legal departments face:

“Corporate legal departments often face challenges when it comes to engaging in pro bono efforts, but Comcast’s dedication has broken down those barriers. They haven’t just provided legal assistance; they’ve gone above and beyond, dedicating the most hours to our vital programs.”

— Lauren Worsek, L4GG’s Director of Pro Bono Initiatives

As the legal community prepares to celebrate pro bono efforts nationwide, Lawyers for Good Government is elated to recognize Comcast with this award, a testament to how instrumental their partnership has been in ensuring a safer future for many.

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AWARD VIDEO

Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a non-profit organization committed to upholding human rights and achieving equal justice, with a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. Through large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts, L4GG tackles pressing issues such as climate change, environmental racism, reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and racial justice.

Comcast is a premier global media and technology company, connecting hundreds of millions worldwide through its top-tier broadband, mobile, and entertainment services.

One Year into the IRA, L4GG is Fighting to Ensure No Community is Left Behind

As we mark the first anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), there's much to celebrate. But there are also pressing questions to address. At the heart of this reflection is a critical concern: Is the landmark Justice40 Initiative, under President Biden’s administration, genuinely steering 40% of funding to our nation's most disadvantaged populations?

The IRA, in just one year, has catalyzed the creation of approximately 170,060 jobs across 44 states. It has injected a staggering $278 billion in investments into the economy, sprouting 272 new clean energy projects that have reached both our bustling cities and quaintest towns. However, as these impressive numbers roll out, we must pause and ponder: Are Black, brown, and historically marginalized communities truly benefiting? Are they even aware of the myriad of opportunities, like the Direct Pay tax program, lying at their doorstep?

Jillian Blanchard, L4GG’s Director of Climate Change and Environmental Justice, raises a poignant observation, “The Biden Administration has made some incredible strides in moving the clean energy market and investing in disadvantaged communities…but it needs to do a better job of communicating these opportunities to the American people and sharing success stories.” This remark, while acknowledging the strides taken, also underscores the journey ahead.

So, how is L4GG acting on this?

1. Empowering through Knowledge: Recently, we hosted a comprehensive free legal training centered on the Direct Pay initiative. This session, facilitated by experts from tax, project finance, and energy law sectors, educated over 200 entities. The attendees ranged from state and local governments to frontline communities. They were equipped with strategies to tap into elective pay for innovative green projects.
   

2. Standing Up for Marginalized Communities: At L4GG, we believe in direct action. Through our Decarbonization and Climate Resilience Funding Clinic, we are actively offering pro bono representation to overburdened communities. An example is our representation of the Indiana NAACP at the IURC. The objective? To influence state-wide EV infrastructure policies, ensuring they cater to the needs of all. This mission was showcased in a recent press conference that united Black equity leaders from Indiana. You can watch the press conference to learn more about the Indiana NAACP’s mission here.
   

3. Mapping the Road Ahead: We will soon release an updated version of our 50-state Disadvantaged Communities Report. This document aims to shed light on best practices for implementing Justice40, promote genuine community engagement, and establish methodologies to truly identify and uplift disadvantaged communities.
   

Looking back at a year since the IRA’s inception, our nation stands at a pivotal juncture. We have the tools, the resources, and the intent. The challenge now is to ensure that the benefits of our green transition reach every corner of our nation, leaving no community in the shadows.

Lawyers play an indispensable role in this narrative. Their expertise can serve as the bridge that connects disadvantaged communities to the complex web of climate legislation. Through understanding, advocacy, and representation, they can demystify the opportunities and funding available, ensuring everyone gets a fair share of the green future. L4GG will continue to mobilize the legal community to champion the causes of overburdened communities, simplify the intricacies of laws like the IRA, and fight for an equitable future!