Defending the Rule of Law in Rhode Island
The Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island (LCRI) mobilizes volunteer lawyers to respond when government action puts communities, nonprofits, and public institutions at risk. We work in coordination with national legal partners, including the ACLU and Democracy Forward, to ensure our efforts reflect current legal strategy.
Addressing Critical Needs
In December 2024, a small group of civic-minded lawyers in Rhode Island recognized the need for a group of experienced professionals to address new challenges to the rule of law and democracy in their local community.
The mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island is to use the law to protect people, groups, and institutions in Rhode Island from illegality by the federal government, and to support efforts to maintain and advance democracy.
$14.9B
in nonprofit funding protected through legal action
67
organizations received individualized legal support
50
lawyers donated hundreds of hours to support LCRI’s development and operation.
In this courtroom, and under my watch, the rule of law is a bright beacon which I intend to follow… There are moments in the world’s history when people look back and ask,
‘Where were the lawyers? Where were the judges?’
In these moments, the rule of law becomes especially vulnerable. I refuse to let that beacon go dark today.
Senior U.S. District Judge John J. Coughenour
Decision from bench enjoining the Birthright Citizenship Executive Order
January 23, 2025