Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) today announced a significant expansion of its Federal Fund Protection Clinic with the launch of a new 1:1 pro bono legal assistance program. This enhancement builds upon the Clinic's ongoing efforts to safeguard federal climate and environmental justice funding that has been at risk due to executive actions, administrative delays, termination notices, and compliance challenges.
The Fund Protection Clinic, which has been providing legal analysis, guidance, and resources to more than 300 federal grantees since its inception in January, will now offer direct, personalized legal consultations with qualified pro bono attorneys beginning March 21, 2025. L4GG has recruited more than 200 volunteer lawyers to help with this effort to date. This expansion comes at a critical time when over $300 billion in federal climate and environmental justice investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and other sources continue to face unprecedented threats.
“We’ve seen firsthand how grantees are struggling with sudden funding freezes, improper terminations, and intimidating audit processes that threaten their very survivaL. Many of these organizations are small nonprofits that may not have the legal resources to fight back when their funding is unjustly threatened. With this new 1:1 pro bono legal assistance program, we’re providing critical assistance to these organizations that provide essential public health and energy burden services to push back against illegal efforts to terminate legally-binding contracts and weaponized investigations.”
The expanded service will initially focus on recipients of federal grants from the EPA, USDA, and DOE, offering tailored legal advice on specific issues including:
Grant compliance requirements
Responses to audits or investigations
Documentation for administrative records
Guidance for organizations facing funding termination
This initiative strengthens the Federal Fund Protection Initiative, a collaborative effort with the Environmental Protection Network (EPN), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and other partners that has been working to protect billions in federal funding since its inception.
Pro bono attorneys participating in the program will receive comprehensive training the week of March 17, 2025, before beginning consultations with grantees on March 21. The training, which will be recorded for future pro bono attorneys wishing to participate in the initiative, will cover relevant funding programs, common legal issues, and clinic procedures to ensure high-quality legal support for all clients.
“We’ve been helping grantees navigate complicated legal waters for months, but now we can truly roll up our sleeves and work directly with those facing the most urgent crises. Many of these organizations have had millions in legally-obligated funding suddenly frozen with no explanation, or they’re facing aggressive audits designed to intimidate rather than ensure compliance. With our new 1:1 pro bono program, we’re putting highly skilled attorneys in their corner who can help them assert their rights and keep their vital community programs alive during this unprecedented attack on federal climate, public health, and environmental justice funding.””
Federal grantees seeking legal assistance can submit requests through the Fund Protection Clinic's consultation form at L4GG.org/FundProtection. While the clinic continues to provide general legal analysis and guidance for all federal grantees, the new 1:1 pro bono attorney consultations will significantly enhance support for those with specific legal needs.
Licensed attorneys interested in volunteering can register at L4GG.org/FundProtectionVol to join the network of pro bono attorneys defending critical federal climate investments. Comprehensive training and resources will be provided to all volunteers.