Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is a premier nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to securing equal justice for all through the rule of law. Founded at the request of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, it mobilizes the nation's leading lawyers and legal professionals to address persistent racial discrimination and inequality. The organization employs a multifaceted strategy of impact litigation, public policy advocacy, and coalition building to advance the rights of African Americans and other historically marginalized communities. Its work spans critical areas including voting rights, criminal justice reform, educational equity, and economic justice.

History

The committee was convened in 1963 by President Kennedy in response to the rising civil rights movement and the violent unrest in Birmingham. This call to action, supported by prominent figures like Burke Marshall of the Justice Department, aimed to engage the private bar in the struggle for racial equality. Its early work focused on providing legal support to activists and challenging Jim Crow practices across the American South. Over the decades, it expanded its scope to confront emerging threats to civil rights, from fighting housing discrimination in the 1970s to challenging modern-day voter suppression tactics. The organization has maintained its nonpartisan stance while operating through pivotal moments in American history, including the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Mission and activities

The core mission is to use legal advocacy to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure equal opportunity. Its activities are organized through several specialized projects and coalitions. The principal initiative is the Voting Rights Project, which litigates against restrictive election laws and promotes voter access. Other major programs include the Criminal Justice Project, which challenges discriminatory policing and incarceration practices, and the Educational Opportunities Project, which fights for equitable resources in public schools. The committee also operates the Stop Hate Project to combat hate incidents and provides legal support through its Pro Bono Network, which partners with major law firms like Latham & Watkins and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.

Key litigation and initiatives

The organization has been counsel in numerous landmark cases. In voting rights, it successfully challenged voter ID laws in states like Texas and North Carolina, and litigated the high-profile case Ohio Democratic Party v. Husted. Its Fair Housing work includes litigation against Facebook for discriminatory advertising algorithms. The Educational equity efforts feature cases such as Sheff v. O'Neill concerning school segregation in Connecticut. Notable initiatives include the Presidential Commission on Election Administration, co-chaired by former counsels Bob Bauer and Ben Ginsberg, and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law’s 911 Hotline for reporting hate crimes.

Leadership and organization

The committee is governed by a Board of directors composed of distinguished attorneys and civic leaders from firms and corporations nationwide. The day-to-day operations are led by an Executive Director and a team of managing attorneys for each project area. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with additional offices in key locations such as Los Angeles and Atlanta. The organization relies on a vast network of pro bono partnerships with hundreds of law firms and corporate legal departments, including Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and Microsoft. Financial support comes from foundations like the Ford Foundation and Carnegie Corporation of New York, as well as individual donations.

Impact and recognition

The committee's litigation and advocacy have shaped national civil rights law and policy for over six decades. Its work has been instrumental in protecting millions of voters, advancing school desegregation, and securing legal remedies for victims of discrimination. The organization is frequently cited in major media outlets like The New York Times and collaborates with groups such as the ACLU and the NAACP LDF. It has received awards from institutions like the American Bar Association for its commitment to pro bono service and continues to be a pivotal force in the ongoing struggle for civil rights in the United States.

Category:American civil rights organizations Category:Legal advocacy organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1963