As we commemorate the two-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) today, August 16, there is much to celebrate about this historic legislation. The IRA represents the largest-ever climate investment in our country’s history, creating unprecedented opportunities for clean energy savings.
However, we at L4GG are acutely aware that historically marginalized communities often lack the resources to access the IRA’s historic funding opportunities. In response, we have intensified our efforts over the past two years to ensure that the benefits of the IRA reach those who need them most. See what we’ve been up to!
Not enough people are talking about the water crisis in Jackson, MS. On Tuesday, the Mississippi governor declared a state of emergency for Jackson’s water system, the city’s largest treatment plant. Most of the city’s 150,000 residents are without running water, having to rely on bottled water for drinking, showering, brushing their teeth, and cooking.
Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), the nation’s largest community of attorneys committed to human rights and equal justice for all, and New Georgia Project, a nonpartisan, nonprofit voting rights and civic engagement organization in Georgia, today released a report on ‘ballot selfies’, or the practice of taking photos of oneself at the ballot box and/or with their ballots.
A ballot selfie is when a person takes a photo of themselves holding their marked ballot and usually uploads the photo to a social media account to show friends that they voted, and for whom they voted. Ballot selfies are a great way to promote voting and engage with one’s community, yet many states have laws that prohibit them. Advocacy organizations are concerned that laws prohibiting ballot selfies are tools of voter suppression, and another way to criminalize ordinary behavior.
Click here to download “Selfie-Defense Training: Understanding and Reforming Laws that Ban Photographing and Sharing Your Ballot”
The report found that ballot selfies are completely legal in 28 states, and illegal in 13 states. Five states have laws prohibiting ballot selfies at polling locations, but not when casting a mail-in or absentee ballot. Six states have laws governing ballot selfies that are unclear. The report calls for states to update their laws to explicitly allow voters the right to take a ballot selfie, and prevent voter fraud and bribery without curtailing free speech.
At Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), we are privileged to highlight volunteers who are strong in their dedication to advancing justice. This month, we recognize Lindsay Polega for her exceptional work in reproductive rights advocacy. Through her involvement with the League of Women Voters (LWV), the Jane Network, and pro bono cases protecting access to reproductive health clinics, Lindsay has become a vital force in Florida’s fight for reproductive justice.
At Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), we are fortunate to work alongside passionate volunteers dedicated to making a meaningful difference. This month, we’re proud to feature Hailey Tahk, our Volunteer of the Month, whose pro bono work focuses on researching and advocating for reproductive rights.
What Inspires Hailey
When asked what inspired her to volunteer with L4GG, Hailey pointed to the significance of current events.
“I remember reading the opinion when I should have been studying for the Bar exam, but it’s such an important decision that impacts the country. I knew I wanted to be a part of the change,” Hailey said.
Memorable Moments and Accomplishments
Hailey’s most memorable moments with L4GG stem from her work researching reproductive rights. She takes pride in helping provide accurate, up-to-date information, which she believes is essential in today’s evolving legal landscape.
“I’ve learned so much about the legislative process and how challenging it can be for progressive legislation to pass. It’s given me a newfound appreciation for the hard work that goes into making change happen,” she said.
The Rewarding Aspects of Volunteering
For Hailey, the most rewarding aspect of volunteering is staying engaged with the issues she’s passionate about and contributing to the community in a meaningful way.
“Being involved in this work has enriched my life by helping me feel more connected to the community. It’s not just individual work I’m doing; I’m part of something larger,” Hailey reflected.
Advice for Future Volunteers
Hailey encourages attorneys and anyone considering volunteering with L4GG to embrace the opportunity.
“Providing daily updates or research might sound like a lot, but it’s a privilege to be part of a community that trusts your work and opinions. There’s nothing to lose, only to gain,” she advised.
Join Us in Celebrating Hailey’s Impact
If you’re inspired by Hailey’s story and would like to get involved, we encourage you to explore L4GG’s current volunteer opportunities. Together, we can continue making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
If you know of another incredible pro bono volunteer, nominate them for our Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month award here!
If you’re interested, consider how you might also make a difference through your skills and passions!
At Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), we are honored to collaborate with dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those in need. This month, we are thrilled to recognize Rhea Ricard for her outstanding contributions to L4GG’s Lawyers for Racial Justice and Ukraine TPS programs, and her tireless commitment to helping vulnerable individuals and families.
A Commitment to Volunteering
Rhea’s journey with L4GG began when she sought out opportunities to make a difference in her community. She was motivated by a desire to support people facing challenging circumstances and to help ensure that they had access to the resources and assistance they needed.
"I wanted to get involved with something that could have a positive impact on people’s lives. That’s what drew me to volunteer with L4GG," Rhea explained.
Since joining L4GG, Rhea has contributed to several projects, from researching state laws creating systemic racial disparities to providing critical support for those navigating complex systems. Her attention to detail and ability to empathize with those she helps have been key to her success as a volunteer.
Helping Those in Need
Rhea’s work as a volunteer involves helping individuals who may not have access to legal assistance and ensuring they understand the processes they are going through. She shared that one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering with L4GG is knowing that her efforts make a difference. Rhea’s father has been preaching this his entire life to her.
"My father, who’s no longer with us, has influenced me a lot in terms of what I’ve focused on and how important it is to help other people." Rhea said.
Why Rhea’s Work Matters
Via her pro bono work with L4GG, Rhea has been able to support people who would otherwise face significant challenges. Whether assisting with policy research or guiding individuals through complicated procedures, Rhea’s contributions help ensure that people receive the help they need. One major success story was when her client from Ukraine was granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing her client to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation.
Reflecting on her experience as a volunteer, Rhea emphasized the importance of lending a hand where it’s needed:
"It’s really about making sure people aren’t left in tough situations on their own. Volunteering has shown me how much of a difference we can make together."
Join Us in Celebrating Rhea’s Impact
This month, we celebrate Rhea Ricard’s dedication to pro bono work and her outstanding contributions as a volunteer with L4GG. Her compassion, diligence, and commitment to helping vulnerable communities are a testament to the power of giving back.
Thank you, Rhea, for your incredible work and for making such a positive impact through your volunteer efforts.
If you’re inspired by Rhea’s story and would like to get involved, we encourage you to explore L4GG’s current volunteer opportunities. Together, we can continue making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
If you know of another incredible pro bono volunteer, nominate them for our Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month award here!
If you’re interested, consider how you might also make a difference through your skills and passions!
Anna began her journey with L4GG in late summer of 2022, during her first year at the University of Chicago Law School. Inspired by her interest in reproductive justice and the flexibility L4GG offered, she dedicated herself to volunteering with L4GG’s Reproductive Health Legal Assistance Project, even as a busy law student. Anna shared:
"I really appreciated L4GG's broad scope of work and their flexibility for volunteers, especially as a first-year law student.”
Her interest in reproductive justice and the opportunity to work asynchronously made volunteering with L4GG a perfect fit. Outside of her volunteer work and studies, Anna enjoys spending time with friends and family and values the balance that her volunteer work brings to life.
One of Anna’s most significant projects involved monitoring news stories about reproductive health laws in Nebraska. Despite not knowing much about the state initially, she quickly became an expert, tracking the progression of state law and high-profile cases. Her work focused on the intersection of reproductive justice, privacy, and the criminal justice system, contributing to a deeper understanding of post-Dobbs America.
“I also really loved that while the project was centered on reproductive justice, it incorporated a lot of different parts of the law. So a lot of my work was on the intersection between reproductive justice, privacy, and the criminal justice system.”
Anna’s efforts extended beyond individual tasks; she was part of a team that aimed to understand the broader implications of legal changes. Her work was not just an academic exercise, but a meaningful contribution to real-world issues. This research has been incorporated into the Policy Resource Hub for Reproductive Health and Reproductive Health Digest, two critical tools maintained by L4GG and powered by volunteers like Anna to provide front-line reproductive healthcare providers with clarity around the laws in 56 states and US territories.
Balancing the demands of law school with volunteering is no small feat, yet Anna managed to do so with grace. She found that volunteering provided a refreshing change from her academic workload as she noted:
"It was a nice way to break up the reading and writing in law school. The asynchronous nature of the work allowed me to contribute more during lighter weeks." - Anna Hori
We asked Anna what advice she would give to other volunteers, and she emphasized the importance of getting involved and finding work that aligns with both your interests and schedule. She also suggested building a community among volunteers to enhance the experience and support each other.
"Volunteering was a meaningful part of my law school experience. I learned a lot in a different way than in the classroom.” - Anna Hori
As Anna prepares to enter her final year of law school, she continues to reflect on her volunteer experience with gratitude.
"The training and support I received from L4GG were invaluable. I felt confident and knew who to contact if I needed help.”
Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we are excited to see where her legal career takes her.
Thank you, Anna, for your outstanding contributions to L4GG. Your passion, dedication, and hard work have made a lasting impact, and we are proud to have you as part of our team. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and look forward to seeing the amazing things you will accomplish.
With a background in education, Becky spent many years teaching high school Spanish in Massachusetts, integrating lessons on human rights and migration into her curriculum. However, her drive to create a more direct impact inspired a profound shift in her career and life, leading her to the US-Mexico border in October 2021. Becky is currently the Borderlands Program Coordinator for the Mennonite Central Committee.
Becky’s transition from the classroom to the frontlines of humanitarian work was sparked by a deep-seated need to be physically present where the need was greatest.
“I was teaching about the border and our response to it, feeling increasingly disconnected from the very issues I was passionate about,” she explained.
Motivated by the zero-tolerance policy and the devastating impact of family separations, Becky decided it was time to move beyond the theoretical and engage directly with the humanitarian challenges at the border. Reflecting on her career shift, Becky shared:
“I just got tired of teaching about the border and about US foreign policy in Central America and…feeling like there was something we needed to do as a country…we moved to the US-Mexico border in October of 2021. I would say in response to child separation… zero-tolerance policy, I think that was really the straw that broke the camel’s back for me.”
In 2021, while researching ways to volunteer, Becky found L4GG and signed up to support Project Corazon, an L4GG program created to defend the rights of migrants in the face of inhumane immigration policies, despite her limited legal background. She soon found her passion, helping newly arrived immigrants on humanitarian parole with arrival logistics.
“Even small tasks like making phone calls or translating documents can make a big difference,” she said.
Becky’s ability to seamlessly integrate her skills into the volunteer efforts has made her an invaluable part of the L4GG family.
After a year of legal advocacy, Marc was finally reunited with his family on Christmas Eve.
One of Becky’s most significant experiences was her involvement in the defense of a Haitian man, referred to as “Marc” for confidentiality. Marc’s case, involving torture in Mexico, required extensive effort from the L4GG team. This client had been separated from his family and was stuck at a for-profit detention center. For nine months Becky was one of the only people able to visit him during this time. Becky witnessed the entire process, from meeting Marc in Reynosa to attending his trial.
“Seeing him shackled during his trial was a stark reminder of the injustices within the for-profit prison system,” she recalled.
“Becky is why we have been as successful as we have been. She is willing to enter dark, cold, and often threatening facilities in order to connect directly with a client. She tells their stories. She carries their wounds on her shoulders. She is willing to put herself out there simply because she thinks that there is a better way. She hasn’t given up hope that this country and our laws can be fair. Whenever I am convinced that my team is alone, there is Becky, reminding me that there is still a fight worth fighting.””
Volunteering with L4GG has profoundly impacted Becky. “It has illuminated injustices I’ve only read about before. Seeing them firsthand, despite being difficult, is incredibly important,” she explained. Becky believes that physical proximity to these issues helps volunteers truly understand and advocate for change.
Becky encourages anyone considering volunteering to remember that every contribution counts.
“There is no offering too small. Even if it’s an hour of your time, it can make a significant difference.”
She also highlights the importance of recognizing one’s privileges and capacities, urging others to contribute in ways that fit their circumstances. While Becky is deeply committed to her work, she acknowledges the support of her spouse and the logistical advantages that allow her to volunteer.
“I have a supportive husband and a part-time job which enables me to engage in this work. I am not some wonderful, amazing person; I am privileged to be able to do this,” she humbly shared.
Jaron's journey with Lawyers for Good Government began when she volunteered with our Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine project, where she aided Ukrainian refugees with immigration forms during the Russia-Ukraine war. Her transition to our climate change efforts was driven by her commitment to utilizing the Inflation Reduction Act's “Direct Pay” provision. This new benefit empowers nonprofits, cities, states, and tribal governments to access tax credits for the first time in order to implement clean energy projects.
“L4GG is doing something fascinating regarding direct pay and the Inflation Reduction Act. Direct Pay is this really amazing new tool that the bill authorizes, letting nonprofits, cities, and tribes use the tax code to get incentives for owning their own clean energy. Before the IRA…only private companies could use these really powerful clean energy tax credits. So it’s really innovative and exciting that there gets to be that direct ownership, and L4GG is putting together legal resources to help all of those entities launch [these] first-of-a-kind programs.”
The cornerstone of Jaron’s contributions has been her legal expertise, which has helped nonprofits and local governments implement innovative clean energy projects. These initiatives are not just about environmental impact—they are reshaping economic landscapes by enabling direct ownership and investment in sustainable practices.
“Jaron has been instrumental in supporting the US Climate Alliance, providing technical assistance to over half of the state governors’ offices across the country to maximize the benefits of direct pay. Her team’s guidance has been crucial for numerous cities and nonprofits seeking to access clean energy tax credits, unlocking millions of dollars in funding. At Wilson Sonsini, she’s proven to be an invaluable resource, always ready to tackle the most technical questions at a moment’s notice. Beyond her expertise, Jaron is a fantastic thought partner. We regularly discuss the evolving needs in the climate space and strategize on how lawyers can most effectively implement the IRA to make a real difference.”
Jaron encourages new volunteers to embrace the creativity and pioneering spirit required in this uncharted legal territory of Direct Pay projects. Jaron also said she appreciates L4GG's role in connecting skilled attorneys with impactful projects that might otherwise be out of reach for many community groups and nonprofits.
“For the direct pay programs that L4GG works on, what excites me most as a clean energy attorney is that these projects are truly first of their kind—no one has done this before. The IRA has fundamentally changed our industry. It’s an incredible opportunity to think creatively and assist entities in figuring out effective public ownership models. It’s about directly investing public or nonprofit funds into communities, which is really exciting.””
Outside her professional endeavors, Jaron finds solace and rejuvenation in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. An avid hiker and surfer, she embodies the spirit of the environments she strives to protect through her legal work.
