Urgent Need for Pro Bono Attorneys
The recent, disruptive cancellation of critical DOE grants (including EPA, USDA and NOAA projects), has created an immediate need for legal action in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
These organizations - non-profits, tribal nations, small municipalities and frontline communities - are facing devastating setbacks due to alleged breaches of contract with the Federal Government.
We are urgently recruiting attorneys with active bar licenses to help DOE, EPA, USDA, and NOAA grantees to bring claims in the Court of Federal Claims through limited scope assistance.
How You Can Help:
L4GG’s Court of Federal Claims Clinic connects pro bono attorneys with grantees who need legal guidance to navigate the complex process of preparing federal claims. Your expertise in contracts, administrative law, compliance, or federal procedures can make a critical difference—and you don't need to be a litigator or enter an appearance in court. If you don't have experience in these areas, we provide extensive training and supervision.
This is Phase 1 of our Clinic where you will be preparing a legal record (and potentially drafting a complaint), it does not require you to take a grantee through COFC.
Areas of Legal Expertise Provided to Grantees
Federal government contracts and breach of contract claims.
Court of Federal Claims procedures and filing requirements.
Administrative law and agency actions.
Grant compliance and contract documentation.
Legal record preparation and case development.
Ideal Experience Profile
Attorneys with experience in federal contracts, government grants, or administrative law.
Transactional or compliance attorneys interested in supporting litigation preparation.
Former DOJ or government contract attorneys seeking re-engagement.
Litigators with federal court or complex contract experience.
Retired partners or counsel from firms with federal practice groups.
What to Expect as a Volunteer
Training: You'll receive comprehensive training on the Court of Federal Claims, federal contract claims, and clinic procedures.
Client Matching: We'll match you with grantees based on your expertise and their needs.
Limited Scope Assistance: You'll help grantees prepare the legal record, analyze their contracts, gather documentation, and develop their claims strategy—without entering an appearance in court.
Resources: You'll have access to our resource library, including templates, guides, and subject matter experts.
Impact: Your work will directly help organizations access justice and protect critical investments in communities across the country.
Ways to Contribute
Limited Scope Preparation Assistance (Primary Need): Help grantees prepare a legal record to bring a claim in front of the Court of Federal Claims. This includes contract analysis, documentation review, claims assessment, and filing preparation. This work does not require entering an appearance in court.
Subject Matter Expertise/Mentoring: Offer specific expertise in contract law or Court of Federal Claims procedure on an as-needed basis.
Primary or Co-Counsel: For attorneys with litigation experience who wish to enter appearances: Lead or join a litigation team for a specific grantee’s breach of contract claim in the Court of Federal Claims.
Ready to Volunteer?
Join our network of pro bono attorneys defending frontline communities and clean energy projects.
Questions about Volunteering?
Contact our Pro Bono Team at probono@lawyersforgoodgovernment.org.