Public Rights Project

About

At Public Rights Project, we are at the forefront of a groundbreaking movement to reshape the landscape of civil rights enforcement in the United States. Through pioneering legal strategies and innovative partnerships, we are revolutionizing the way state, local, and tribal governments protect their communities. Our work is centered on the conviction that these government entities possess immense, yet often underutilized, power to be proactive defenders of civil rights, economic justice, and environmental sustainability. We are not just a legal organization; we are architects of a new model for public service, one that is agile, community-accountable, and capable of tackling the most pressing systemic inequities of our time. By providing crucial litigation support, expert legal representation, and transformative training programs, we empower our government partners to move beyond reactive measures and become catalysts for profound social change. This innovative approach allows them to challenge corporate malfeasance, combat discriminatory practices, and ensure that the promise of our laws is a lived reality for everyone, especially the most marginalized populations. Our innovation extends to how we build and sustain this movement. We have developed a unique fellowship program that embeds talented, public-interest-minded attorneys within government offices, infusing these institutions with fresh perspectives and cutting-edge legal skills. This initiative not only expands the capacity of our partners but also cultivates the next generation of leaders in public rights law. Furthermore, we are pioneering new forms of collaboration between government and community-based organizations, fostering a holistic approach to justice that is rooted in the lived experiences of those most affected by systemic harm. Since our inception in 2017, this forward-thinking model has yielded tangible results, recovering millions in relief for vulnerable communities and securing critical victories on issues ranging from reproductive freedom to workers' rights and voting access. Public Rights Project is committed to continuously evolving our strategies and leveraging technology and data to identify emerging threats and opportunities, ensuring that our government partners are always equipped to be the most effective champions for their residents.