Litigators for justice.
Advocates for equity.
Educators of civil rights.
The Barbara McDowell Public Interest Law Center litigates, advocates, and educates on behalf of underserved and underrepresented communities across the country to bridge the widening gap between the rich and the poor and the powerful and the voiceless.
“Barbara McDowell knew that justice will happen – or not – in how lawyers choose to share their talent with those in desperate need of representation and fair access to justice. She knew that justice happens when lawyers as much as judges make the judicial process work its very best, when they zealously represent every single client, when they stand up and fight for the outcast, the helpless, the person who has no one else to help them.”
—Judge Patricia Millett, United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, keynote speech at the Tenth Anniversary Celebration of the Barbara McDowell Foundation
Litigation
We litigate cases in the areas championed by our namesake, social justice advocate, Barbara McDowell, along with civil rights issues which arise from our advocacy, outreach, and education efforts.
Advocacy
We partner and collaborate with social justice organizations to educate the public about how to achieve the greatest impact in accomplishing social justice.
Education
We educate the public on civil rights issues through the creation, publication, and dissemination of articles, videos, blogs, podcasts, speeches, and presentations.
“Barbara McDowell handled cases for clients with mental disabilities, domestic abuse, and more. None of these were easy legal matters or with picture perfect clients, but Barbara had the magic that all lawyers want – she could humanize her cases, and at the same time explain doctrine with a clarity and precision that showcased her talent as a wordsmith, sure. But her briefs and arguments persuaded because the argument was based firmly in law, and unquestionably in the interests of justice.”
– University of Pennsylvania Law School Professor Sally Gordon’s remarks at the Legal Aid’s Servant of Justice Award Honoring Barbara McDowell
We represent our clients’ interests where our expertise and experience make a difference in seeking social justice for all. We focus on a wide variety of civil rights issues that address the inequalities seen across our country.
