The American Bar Association’s (ABA) pro bono project enjoyed the most volunteer participation ever in 2021, with more than 140 attorneys handling at least 50 legal inquiries last year.

The online program, ABA Free Legal Answers, includes participation from more than 10,000 U.S. lawyers in 45 states, according to information from the trade group. The web-based ask-and-answer service is aimed at helping income-eligible residents get legal assistance from volunteer attorneys.

“For those who cannot afford an attorney and have nowhere else to turn, ABA Free Legal Answers serves as a critical resource,” said ABA President Reginald Turner in a statement. “We are proud of the more than 10,000 volunteer lawyers nationwide who are helping to meet these important legal needs, and particularly pleased about the efforts of our FLA Pro Bono Leaders. We urge other attorneys to step up and assist as well.”

Recently, the ABA recognized the most prolific volunteer attorneys with the publication of its 2021 Pro Bono Leaders list. Texas led the pack with 14 individuals, organizations, schools or law firms answering more than 50 inquiries. Illinois, though, was a close second with 13 such entities qualifying for recognition.

“ABA Free Legal Answers offers a flexible online platform, even in pandemic conditions, to do this important pro bono work from our offices, homes, makeshift workstations at the courthouse and on our own time,” said attorney Brandon A. Robinson. “Participating on the platform with hundreds of North Carolinians has been one of my daily joys during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

From Twitter

Ukraine Advice Project UK @ukraine_advice Mar 11

"IMPORTANT UPDATE Since the project began on Monday 28 February, the response from the profession has been humbling, and somewhat overwhelming. The project has registered over 430 volunteer lawyers to date and given pro bono advice on almost 700 requests."

According to the ABA, the program has helped answer close to 200,000 inquiries and has doubled in volume over the last two years.

Earlier this year, The Association of Pro Bono Counsel put out a report detailing the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the pro bono service industry, and highlighted some of the ways to retain best practices moving forward. The report “Positive Change: How the Pandemic Changed Pro Bono and What We Should Keep,” includes analysis from the legal services community, non-profit legal advocates and experts in the field, according to the Counsel. “We hope it will spark thoughtful discussion about how we pro bono volunteers, legal services organizations, bar associations and the courts can continue to expand access to justice for all members of our communities,” reads information from the group.

According to the report, the Counsel recommends legal service providers offer things like virtual clinics, online platforms, in-person meetings when technological resources are unavailable, technological resources for volunteers and e-filing, among other things.

“This final report documents changes to the delivery of pro bono legal services during the pandemic, with the focus primarily on how the adjustments to intake, representation and advocacy impacted clients,” notes the report. “Our hope is that documenting and sharing these experiences and practices will inspire those responsible for delivering pro bono legal services… and those responsible for the systems with which pro bono client communities interact … to consider keeping the changes that benefited client communities, and to continue to develop accessible, client-centered systems that deliver just outcomes.”

What is document automation?

Document automation means creating automated templates, using software, for legal documents (such as contracts).

Once the templates are created, users of the software usually answer questionnaires. Once it has this information, the software can instantly generate the contract, and you’re done.

The purpose is to automate the repetitive process of building a document from scratch each time you need a new contract.

In practice, many contracts are extremely similar, with just a few variations. So, for example, once you create an NDA template, the next time you need an NDA, you can generate the template much more quickly using the questionnaire.

 

 

 

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As a lawyer, you might not think of your work as “creative.”

True, on your off time, you might pursue creative endeavors such as writing, cooking, painting, or practicing a musical instrument. But the practice of law requires a rigorously analytic mindset that relies on precise, predictable processes and precedents.

From a professional standpoint, you probably relegate “creativity” to realms like advertising and product design.

But take a closer look at what you do, and you’ll see that you’re often called upon to come up with solutions that aren’t necessarily found in case law and legal textbooks.

During a difficult negotiation you’re handling for a business client, say, or in researching a legal problem that seems to have no obvious precedents, you may have suddenly come upon the solution while reading a book on a different topic, or while mulling over the matter during a long walk.

 

 

 

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There’s no question about it, content marketing is today’s marketing. It’s what everyone in the marketing world is talking about and has been talking about for the last couple of years.

And with good reason: within one broad banner, content marketing encompasses almost every aspect of marketing, client engagement and brand promotion.

It makes sense, then, that content marketing has been touted as the “must have” strategy for businesses, and many have jumped on board the content marketing train.

According to Hubspot, content marketing generates three times as many leads as traditional marketing but costs 62% less. Furthermore, companies that publish at least 16 blog posts per month average 3.5 times more traffic than those that post four or fewer.

 

 

 

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General Electric's general counsel's 2012 compensation package afforded him almost $11 million in cash, making him the highest paid general counsel on Corporate Counsel magazine's latest list of the nation's 100 highest paid GCs. So reports Law.com.

At $1,853,671, the average take-home pay enjoyed by the lawyers on the list this year is the highest it has ever been.

Read the full article from Law.com here.

After entering a guilty plea, John Farahi, founder of Newpoint Financial Services Inc., was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on March 20, according to a National Law Journal story. The Beverly Hills businessman admitted his role in a $20 million Ponzi scheme and the plea could have ramifications for former Nixon Peabody securities partner David Tamman, who was found guilty for his role in the scheme.

Tamman’s lawyer, though, insists the two instances are different and “suspect the judge will listen to what we have to say and make a decision accordingly."

Read the full article from the National Law Journal here.

A Los Angeles nutrition company is locked in a legal battle with billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who has accused the company of perpetuating a pyramid scheme. Herbalife officials said the company will up their legal defense costs from $25 million to $40 million in the wake of Ackman’s accusations, according to a Los Angeles Times article.

Ackman, who reportedly bet $1 billion the company is a sham, has said most of the company’s sales people lose money and expects the company’s shares to fall to zero.

Read the full article from the Los Angeles Times here.

When attorney F. Lee Bailey was indicted for mail fraud in 1973, he quoted a popular aphorism referencing the difference between how England and the U.S. treat their criminal defense lawyers.  “In England they are apt to be knighted; in the United States they are apt to be indicted.”  There is quite a bit of truth in the saying and the dangers inherent in practicing law in the U.S. are not only faced by defense lawyers.  Sensing an opportunity, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently set its sights on corporate in-house counsel.

In November, 2010, Lauren Stevens, a former vice president and general counsel for pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, was indicted on federal charges of making false statements and obstructing a federal investigation.  Stevens was accused of making false and misleading statements in a series of letters to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on behalf of her employer.  Despite it having been obvious from the beginning that Stevens was only relaying information furnished by her client and had no intent or motive to mislead federal investigators, she was enthusiastically pursued by the DOJ.  “Where facts and law allow, the Justice Department will pursue individuals responsible for illegal conduct just as vigorously as we pursue corporations,” Tony West, assistant attorney general for the civil division, said in a statement.  It should be noted that despite the DOJ’s stated commitment to pursue corporations, GlaxoSmithKline’s name was noticeably absent from the Stevens indictment.  West continued, “Criminal charges are appropriate when false statements such as those alleged here are made to the FDA.”

Read the full article here...

Discover how AI is transforming legal research and practice, enhancing efficiency, and posing new ethical challenges for law firms.

Artificial intelligence has begun to redefine the boundaries of legal practice, specifically in the domain of legal research. The implementation of AI technologies enables attorneys and law firms to enhance their research capabilities, providing faster and more accurate outcomes than traditional methods.

AI tools are streamlining the document review processes, making it more efficient to sift through massive amounts of legal information. These software solutions can identify patterns and offer predictions that were once the domain of human expertise alone. Implementing AI in legal research not only saves time but also reduces the potential for human error.

At a prominent law firm where I once consulted, AI-driven research tools were revolutionizing how attorneys approached case preparation. With the ability to analyze thousands of legal documents in a fraction of the time previously required, lawyers could focus on strategy rather than groundwork. This reflects a broader trend across the industry, where AI is not merely a tool for efficiency but a catalyst for deeper innovations in legal strategies.

Moreover, AI is enhancing decision-making in legal cases. Machine learning algorithms can explore past cases, assess legal probabilities, and even anticipate judicial outcomes based on historical data. Such predictive analytics are invaluable for crafting more effective legal strategies and for advising clients with greater assurance.

The rise of AI in legal practice also poses certain ethical challenges. There is an ongoing debate regarding the extent of AI's role in the legal decision-making process and its implications for human accountability. While AI can offer remarkable insights, it is crucial that attorneys remain vigilant in assessing these outcomes and complement AI's capabilities with their critical judgment.

The future of AI in legal practice calls for a dialogue among legal professionals to address these challenges while embracing the immense potential AI offers. As we witness firsthand the transformation of legal practices through AI, it becomes evident that those who adapt and integrate these technologies are poised to lead in an ever-evolving legal landscape.

An exploration of the growing influence of AI in legal practices, focusing on innovation and ethical challenges.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly revolutionizing various sectors, and the legal industry is no exception. As legal professionals seek to enhance efficiency and accuracy in their daily operations, AI solutions are becoming indispensable tools. However, this technological evolution is accompanied by ethical considerations that law firms must address.

Legal technology is advancing rapidly, with AI-driven tools being employed for tasks such as contract analysis, due diligence, and legal research. AI has the ability to sift through vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and deliver insights in a fraction of the time it would take a human, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing operational costs.

One prominent example is the use of machine learning algorithms in contract review processes. Firms like Deloitte and PwC have integrated AI solutions that can efficiently review and analyze complex contracts, minimizing the risk of human error and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. These tools not only streamline workflows but also liberate legal professionals from mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic aspects of legal practice.

However, the integration of AI into legal workflows is not without its challenges. Ethical concerns are at the forefront, with issues such as data privacy and algorithmic bias garnering significant attention. Law firms need to ensure that AI systems are transparent, whose operations can be easily interpreted by human supervisors. Moreover, the confidentiality of client data remains imperative.

Addressing these concerns requires a robust framework that combines technological innovation with firm ethical guidelines. Law firms should collaborate with tech companies and regulatory bodies to establish standards that ensure AI systems are implemented responsibly. Additionally, ongoing training for legal professionals on AI ethics and data management is crucial to harnessing the benefits of AI while maintaining professional integrity.

The case of Ernst & Young illustrates successful AI adoption. By incorporating AI into their processes, EY managed to increase efficiency without compromising ethical standards, setting a benchmark for other legal practices aiming to navigate the complexities of AI technology.

In conclusion, AI in legal practices offers unprecedented opportunities for growth and innovation. As the industry embraces these technologies, balanced integration with ethical guidelines will be key to sustaining success and trust in legal services.

Explore how AI is transforming legal practice, from research to contract review, highlighting the benefits and challenges of integrating technology into law.

The legal industry is witnessing a seismic shift with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its practice. Recent advancements in legal technology have seen AI move beyond theoretical discussions into real-world applications that are reforming how legal professionals operate.

One of the most notable advancements is in the realm of legal research. Platforms powered by AI algorithms are redefining the research landscape, offering attorneys the ability to comb through vast databases of case law, statutes, and legal briefs with unprecedented speed and accuracy. This not only saves time but also enhances the quality and precision of legal analysis. Notably, law firms that have embraced these technologies report increased efficiency and improved client satisfaction.

AI is also making inroads in contract review and management. Sophisticated AI tools now facilitate the review of complex contracts by identifying potential issues and ensuring compliance with current regulations. This automation not only reduces the manpower required but also minimizes the risk of human error, providing a robust safeguard for law firms and their clients.

Moreover, AI's role in predictive analytics is setting the stage for what could be a revolutionary change in strategic legal planning. By analyzing historical case data, AI can offer probabilistic outcomes on case rulings, giving legal practitioners valuable insights to guide their litigation strategies.

However, this transformation is not without its challenges. Ethical concerns arise with the delegation of traditionally human tasks to machines. The fear of AI-induced job displacement looms large, calling for a balanced approach where technology acts as an enabler for human expertise rather than a replacement.

Reflecting on my time at top firms such as Deloitte and EY, where we implemented early AI tools for audit and compliance, the trajectory of AI in the legal field is reminiscent of that experienced in accounting. The success lies in adopting a forward-thinking mindset, preparing for new legal tech by investing in continuous learning and embracing a future where man and machine work hand-in-hand.

Today, AI is not just an add-on tool in the legal arena; it is an integral component poised to redefine the future of law practice. As firms continue to adapt, those that successfully navigate the integration of AI into their processes will likely gain a significant competitive advantage.

A new task force set to examine the intersection between law, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) will include several former high-ranking government officials and legal experts including ex-secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and Stanford Law School professor Daniel Ho.

The new American Bar Association (ABA) initiative entitled the Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence, was formally unveiled on Monday, August 28. In addition to Chertoff and Ho, who is also a member of the National AI Advisory Committee and associate director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, the task force will also include:

• Michelle Lee, former director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and undersecretary of commerce for intellectual property
• Miriam Vogel, who also sits on the National AI Advisory Committee
• Seth Waxman, a former U.S. solicitor general.

“The work of the ABA AI Task Force is critical to identifying solutions to AI risks–from countering the creation and spread of disinformation, to protecting privacy in AI development, to guarding against security threats from use of AI in informational warfare,” Chertoff said.

The AI Task Force will be chaired by attorney and cybersecurity engineer Lucy L. Thomson, who was also a founding member of the ABA Cybersecurity Legal Task Force. Additionally, Laura Possessky, Cynthia Cwik and James Sandman will serve as its vice chairs, according to the ABA announcement.

From X (formerly Twitter)

Dr. Vinícius Almada Mozetič @_Mozetic

"I’m honored to share that I’ll be one of the speakers at the X International Seminar on Law, Technology, and Innovation, discussing the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and the Right to Health. Grateful to Prof. Dr. Ingo Wolfgang Sarlet and the organizing committee for this opportunity. Excited to engage in meaningful conversations at PUCRS from November 20-22, 2023."

The role of AI in the legal space has been a hot-button topic in the U.S., especially over the last three years, and the task force comes during a time of rapid development and intense research in the space. As such, the US. Department of State has also taken a noteworthy role in the development of policies aimed at safely and effectively leveraging the technology.

“A global technology revolution is now underway. The world’s leading powers are racing to develop and deploy new technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing that could shape everything about our lives–from where we get energy, to how we do our jobs, to how wars are fought,” said Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. “We want America to maintain our scientific and technological edge, because it’s critical to us thriving in the 21st century economy.”

One way the Department of State seeks to achieve this goal is through guidance provided by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development AI Policy Observatory. In 2019, notes the department, the U.S. adopted a set of “intergovernmental principles” aimed at responsible AI development.

Along those lines, the new ABA task force is set to study:

• AI legal practices and their ethical implications
• Risks related to bias, privacy, cybersecurity and the spread of disinformation
• Generative AI
• Access to justice through the utilization of AI
• AI’s role in governance
• AI’s role in the legal education space

“At a time when both private and public sector organizations are moving rapidly to develop and use artificial intelligence, we are called again to lead to address both the promise and the peril of emerging technologies,” said ABA President Mary Smith.

Legal pros operating in virtual environments overwhelmingly said the “ability to travel and work from anywhere” was the defining characteristic of their practice.

To that end, more than three-quarters of all those surveyed by the American Bar Association (ABA) identified travel flexibility as the most important component of their virtual operations, and a majority of attorneys identified an improved work/life balance as a key reason for their decision to work remotely.

These results, among others, are included in the ABA’s recently published TechReport 2023, which will be released in parts every Monday through February and covers a litany of tech topics ranging from AI to cybersecurity to training and budgeting, according to the trade association.

AI has been an increasingly hot topic legislatively and in the legal community itself. As such, there was no shortage of legislation introduced in 2023 aimed at ensuring artificial intelligence is developed properly, and the Brennan Center released a tracking portal to make it easier to keep tabs on federal legislation addressing the emerging tech.

“Just as artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving, so is the legislative landscape. A plethora of bills have already been introduced this session, with many more coming down the pike,” according to the center. “The tracker adds to the Brennan Center’s research on the risks AI poses to elections and the discriminatory impact of AI used in immigration, law enforcement social media monitoring, and facial recognition.”

Per the ABA data, virtually practicing attorneys make up 11% of the total population in the field. Additionally, 60% cited “minimal contact with clients” and 53% identified a “lack of traditional physical office” as the top characteristic defining their work.

“The Legal Technology Survey Report, launched more than two decades ago by the ABA Law Practice Division, is recognized as the primary source for information regarding the use of technology by attorneys in private practice. It is based on responses by practicing lawyers—not consultants, vendors or IT staff,” according to the ABA.

The survey is separated into nine separate sections and is focused on tech issues rather than actual products used to execute legal practices, notes the study.

From X (formerly Twitter)

Relativity @RelativityHQ ·Dec 21

"Artificial intelligence has been the story of 2023 in #legaltech. Dr. Aron Ahmadia, Senior Director for Applied Science at Relativity, believes the release of GPT-4 represents the “dawn of a new era in legal technology.” https://ow.ly/RQYe50QkOkH #Predictions #AI #GPT4"

Other examples of data in the report include:

• More than half (56%) of respondents reported regular use of fee-based online services in support of legal research, while 21% indicated occasional use
• Only 12% said of respondents “never” use fee-based internet services to do legal research
• Compared to 65% of firms in 2022, 64% in this year’s survey indicated they are budgeting for technology
• In each of the last four years, fewer attorneys reported using a desktop for their “primary computer.” In 2020, 49% of those asked reported as much, a number that steadily dropped to 40% in 2023
• In 2023, 54% of those asked said a laptop computer is their primary work device

From X (formerly Twitter)

Tom Martin @lawdroid 

"Free Law Project Seeks to Develop Open Access System to Disrupt Court E-Filing; Seeks Court Partners https://buff.ly/3tvQcWb #lawtwitter #futureoflaw #legaltech #courts #justicetech #a2j #accesstojustice"

Retired U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the nation’s highest court, was praised for her independence, commitment to the rule of law and advocacy for civic education after her Friday, Dec. 1 passing.

O’Connor was appointed to the bench in 1981 by then-President Ronald Reagan and retired in 2006. An announcement from the Court indicated the 93-year-old trailblazer died in Phoenix from complications related to dementia, a respiratory illness and possibly Alzheimer’s.

“A daughter of the American Southwest, Sandra Day O’Connor blazed an historic trail as our Nation’s first female Justice. She met that challenge with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candor,” said Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. in a statement. “We at the Supreme Court mourn the loss of a beloved colleague, a fiercely independent defender of the rule of law, and an eloquent advocate for civics education. And we celebrate her enduring legacy as a true public servant and patriot.”

O’Connor, a Stanford Law graduate, published five books during her career including her most recent work, Out of Order: Stories from the History of the Supreme Court, which was released in 2013. She also founded the well-regarded education platform iCivics, reads information from the announcement.

From X (formerly Twitter)

US Capitol Historical Society @CapitolHistory ·Dec 1

"Our thoughts are with Sandra Day O’Connor’s family. In her last public remarks, she said: 'If we want our democracy to thrive, we must commit to educating our youth about civics' and helping them 'understand their crucial role as informed, active citizens in their communities.'”

President Joe Biden also heaped praise on the late O’Connor for the objectivity and pragmatism she brought to the Court. “Justice Sandra Day O’Connor … spent her career committed to the stable center, pragmatic and in search of common ground. I did not agree with all of her opinions, but I admired her decency and unwavering devotion to the facts, to our country, to active citizenship and the common good,” read Biden’s statement. “Defined by her no-nonsense Arizona ranch roots, Justice O’Connor overcame discrimination early on, at a time when law firms too often told women to seek work as secretaries, not attorneys.”

Biden also pointed to O’Connor’s dedication to her work and her family in his remarks, noting she left the nation’s highest court to care for her ailing husband, John. “She knew that for democracy to work, we have to listen to each other, and remember how much more we all have in common as Americans than what keeps us apart,” he added. “Our hearts today are with Justice O’Connor’s three sons, Scott, Brian, and Jay; her brother, Alan; her six grandchildren; and all those who loved her.”

From X (formerly Twitter)

Sen. Lisa Murkowski @lisamurkowski ·Dec 1

"Sandra Day O’Connor was more than a brilliant legal mind, more than the first woman on the United States Supreme Court – she was an inspiration who impacted an entire generation of young women who saw that it was possible to serve our country in the highest office."

American Bar Association President Mary Smith said O’Connor’s legacy extends “far beyond” being named as the first female justice to the Supreme Court.

“In addition to her many accomplishments, O’Connor was a great friend to the American Bar Association in which she remained active, after her retirement from the high court, working as a tireless advocate for judicial independence and the Rule of Law throughout the world.”

Smith noted several landmark rulings penned by O’Connor including Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, which “reaffirmed the core holding of Roe v. Wade.” She also wrote the Hamdi v. Rumsfeld opinion rejecting the government’s claim it could shirk due process while holding detainees in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.

From X (formerly Twitter)

Condoleezza Rice @CondoleezzaRice ·Dec 1

"Remembering today the legacy left by the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, Sandra Day O’Connor. She was a @Stanford alumna and spent her post-court years advocating for civics education. She was an important trailblazer in the American story and a friend. Rest in Peace."

The Supreme Court also announced O’Connor will “lie in repose” on Monday, Dec. 18, in the Great Hall of the Supreme Court of the United States. The public will be allowed to pay respects beginning at 10:30 a.m. after a private ceremony hosted by the Court starting an hour earlier.

A private service is scheduled for the next day at the National Cathedral, and the late justice’s family has asked for donations to icivics.org in lieu of flowers.

From corrupt politicians in Miami to hitmen in Fort Lauderdale, here are some notable verdicts from last month.

Most Open Verdict: Florida Dentist Guilty In Murder-For-Hire Plot 

Wealthy Fort Lauderdale dentist Charlie Adelson was convicted of murder for ordering the hit of law professor Dan Markel, according to an article from the Tallahassee Democrat. The jury deliberated for only a few hours before coming to the unanimous decision in the case that began in 2014. Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman said the case remains open and it is unclear if anyone else will be charged for their role in the plot.

Most Impactful Verdict: Family Of Murder Victim Calls For Changes In Truancy Law After Brutal Carjacking Homicide

John Honore, of Louisiana, was found guilty of second-degree murder for killing Linda Frickey during a brutal carjacking, according to an article from Fox. The victim’s family has called for changes in state truancy law as Honore and his co-defendants committed the crime while they were supposed to be in school. He will be sentenced Friday, Jan. 12.

Most Rejected Verdict: SCOTUS Punts On $40M ‘'Forever Chemical' Ruling Leaving Award Intact

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the $40 million verdict won by an Ohio resident against E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., according to an article from Reuters. The case originated when Travis Abbott sued the company for releasing “forever chemicals” into drinking water that contributed to his cancer diagnosis. The company asked for the case to be reviewed due to the fact that a lower court restricted the company from contesting allegations of negligence that took place during bellwether test trials that could have impacted Abbott’s case.

Most Garnished Verdict: Miami Pol To Have Earnings Garnished After Political Retaliation Verdict

The City of Miami has been ordered to garnish Commissioner Joe Carollo’s wages in the wake of a $63 million civil verdict against him, according to an article from NBC. While the exact amount to be diverted is unclear at the moment, federal law states the garnishment cannot exceed 25% of his wages. Carollo said he plans to appeal the civil penalty ruling that found he used his position to engage in political retaliation.

Most International Verdict: Dupond-Moretti Escapes Abuse Of Power Charges In High-Profile French Case

French politician Dupond-Moretti was acquitted of charges he used his position to “order probes targeting magistrates who investigated him, his friends and his former clients,” according to an article from Radio France Internationale. Tried in a special court used specifically to hear cases involving alleged foul play by government officials, the two-week trial came during calls for Dupond-Moretti to resign from his position as a justice minister. If convicted, he could have faced a maximum sentence of five years’ prison time, a fine and ban from future public office.

Notre Dame Law School is launching a new human rights clinic aimed at strengthening international protections for vulnerable populations, the school recently announced.

As such, the Notre Dame Law School Global Human Rights Clinic will represent cases in a slew of international venues as well as engage in advocacy and research in collaboration with the United Nations. Launching in the spring, it will be open to Human Rights LL.M students and J.D. students, and J.S.D. students will be able to participate in certain projects as doctoral fellows, according to the announcement.

“The creation of this new Global Human Rights Clinic is a testament to our unwavering commitment to make a lasting impact. The clinic will actively pursue justice under international law, hold perpetrators accountable, while providing crucial support to those striving for justice in their countries,” said G. Marcus Cole, the Joseph A. Matson Dean and Professor of Law, in a statement.

From X (formerly known as Twitter)

NBC News @NBCNews ·Nov 19
"Deputy national security adviser Jon Finer would not say whether the White House is confident that Israel is following international law after Israeli forces invaded Gaza’s main hospital last week.-@MeetThePress  https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/top-white-house-official-refuses-say-israel-international-law-rcna125880"

The institutions the clinic will engage with include the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the U.N. Human Rights Treaty Bodies. It will also address cases “challenging authoritarianism in the Global South, advocating for individuals who may not typically be represented by other human rights clinics.”

The International Criminal Court is tasked with the investigation and prosecution of individuals accused of the “gravest crimes of concern to the international community” like genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, according to the international court housed in The Netherlands.

Diane Desierto, a law and global affairs professor who oversees Notre Dame’s LL.M. Program in International Human Rights Law, will serve as the clinic’s founding faculty director. According to the school, Desierto comes with more than 20 years of experience dealing with human rights, international litigation and arbitration. “Growing 15 to 20 international human rights lawyers from all over the world itself creates a multiplier effect as they serve innumerable individuals and groups for the rest of their lives,” Desierto said. “We equip them to make a lifelong difference in their respective countries. That is our true mandate and mission.”

From X (formerly known as Twitter)

DW Politics @dw_politics ·Nov 14

“'The accusations being made against Israel are absurd.'” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Israel is acting in accordance with international law in defending itself against Hamas.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1724424201191260167"

Desierto added the endeavor serves as a call to arms to the school’s substantial alumni and provides a great opportunity to come together for those who need it most.

“We are truly witnessing the strength of community and collaboration, as nothing galvanizes our human rights lawyers more than the prospect of working together in the much-needed global defense of human rights, anchored in the best pedagogic and intellectual traditions developed and cultivated at Notre Dame Law School,” Desierto said.