A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER

Spring is about renewal and new beginnings, and at L4GG, we've embraced this spirit wholeheartedly.

This season has been marked by extraordinary developments across our projects. We recently celebrated a significant victory with Estuardo Cifuentes, our Client Services Manager at Project Corazon, who was granted asylum after a challenging five-year fight. His triumph is not just a personal success but also the beginning of a broader initiative—the launch of a legal education and empowerment clinic in NYC for LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers, representing our ongoing commitment to supporting every individual's right to live freely and safely.

In addition to individual advocacy, we've been active on the national stage, analyzing critical Supreme Court cases that have far-reaching implications for reproductive rights. Through our SCOTUS case overviews and debrief calls, we've provided our community with real-time, expert analysis to ensure that they are informed in the fight for reproductive justice.

We're also proud to share that the value of the pro bono legal services that our community donated to our programs last year reached an impressive $25 million. To further honor the incredible efforts of our volunteers, we're launching a new “Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month Award,” and hope you’ll help us nominate worthy volunteers.

Last but certainly not least, L4GG’s advocacy has led to a historic change in IRS policy, which will unlock millions of dollars for public-sector clean energy projects. This victory will have a lasting impact and guarantee that public entities can invest more effectively in sustainable projects.

As we move forward into 2024, I'm filled with gratitude for our L4GG community—our staff, supporters, and partners. Your dedication fuels our mission, and together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. I invite you to continue this journey with us and read on to learn more.

Estuardo Cifuentes Wins Asylum & Launches New LGBTQ+ Asylum Clinic in NYC

In early April, we celebrated a significant victory at L4GG as Estuardo Cifuentes, our dedicated Client Services Manager for Project Corazon and an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, was granted asylum after five years. Estuardo’s harrowing journey from facing severe discrimination in Guatemala to advocating for marginalized communities in Matamoros, and finally achieving asylum in the U.S., underscores the critical need for robust legal support in the quest for justice and safety.

Beyond his personal victory, Estuardo is spearheading an innovative LGBTQ+ Asylum Clinic in NYC, which just opened its doors this week. The clinic provides specialized legal education, empowerment, and assistance to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, helping them navigate the complexities of applying for asylum and securing workforce development and other social services. This initiative not only extends a lifeline to those in dire need but also reinforces our commitment to supporting every individual’s right to live freely and safely. We will be updating our community soon on the launch of the clinic and its progress in coming weeks.
Estuardo's story is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated legal advocacy can have on the lives of those seeking refuge. Join us in celebrating this milestone and learn more about how you can support Project Corazon.

Analyzing Supreme Court Abortion Cases in Real Time

As the Supreme Court tackled pivotal cases with far-reaching implications for reproductive rights, L4GG has provided expert analysis through recent "SCOTUS debrief calls." These webinars, held on the same day as the Court's arguments, offered immediate insights into the proceedings and their potential impacts on the landscape of reproductive health. Each SCOTUS debrief was accompanied by a "listening guide" sent to registrants beforehand to help them follow the oral arguments more effectively. After each webinar, we also emailed our community summaries of what our legal experts discussed in the call.

March 26, Abortion Medication on Trial: SCOTUS heard Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, a case challenging the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, a key drug in medication abortions. The case questioned abortion access and the FDA’s authority to make drug approvals based on scientific evidence. A decision in favor of the plaintiffs could restrict access to medication abortions and severely limit the use of telehealth for abortion services.

April 24, A Battle Over Emergency Medical Care: SCOTUS heard Idaho v. United States, where Idaho's restrictive abortion ban clashed with federal requirements under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). This case's decision could profoundly affect emergency medical care access, challenging federal authority and potentially allowing states to circumvent federal protections. A ruling for Idaho could endanger life-saving treatments for patients and undermine the Supremacy Clause, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

Through these events, L4GG underscores its commitment to reproductive rights and providing timely legal analysis in an ever-evolving legal landscape. Be on the lookout for more SCOTUS debrief calls in the coming months!

Results of 2023 Pro Bono Audit + Upcoming Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month Award

Last December, L4GG initially estimated its 2023 impact at around $22 million in pro bono legal services. We are thrilled to share that the actual value of our pro bono legal services in 2023 soared to an impressive $25 million. We could not have achieved this without the extraordinary dedication and expertise of our 1,314 volunteer attorneys, who together contributed 41,572 pro bono hours across various projects.

Building on this momentum, L4GG is excited to launch a new initiative later this month—the Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month Award. This award is a way to honor and recognize the incredible contributions of our pro bono partners and volunteers. Each month, we will spotlight one outstanding volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their commitment to justice and equality.

Do you know a pro bono volunteer who deserves recognition? Nominate them for the Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month Award by filling out this nomination form.

L4GG continues to harness the power of pro bono legal expertise to champion equal justice for all. We look forward to celebrating our legal community’s contributions through this new award!

L4GG’s Advocacy Results in Historic IRS Change

L4GG is proud to announce a pivotal victory in tax policy that will unlock millions of dollars for public-sector clean energy projects across the United States. Our persistent advocacy efforts have led to a critical adjustment in IRS regulations under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), enabling cities, schools, and state agencies to access substantial tax credits previously blocked due to a technicality.

The challenge arose when numerous public entities, having invested in clean energy projects like electric buses and solar panels, found themselves ineligible for the IRA’s Elective Pay Program due to misaligned fiscal year calendars. These projects, completed early in 2023, risked losing 30-70% in potential reimbursements because their fiscal years did not coincide with the calendar year, as required by initial IRS guidelines.

Recognizing the broad impact, L4GG identified the issue and collaborated with the Government Finance Officers Association and multiple state and local entities to address it. After our concerted advocacy, including strategic discussions and formal appeals to the White House, the IRS issued revised guidance on April 19, 2024. This new directive not only allows these entities to claim their deserved tax credits for 2023 but also aligns future filings with their fiscal years, significantly reducing administrative burdens.

This policy change is a significant win for environmental sustainability. By identifying and helping resolve this crucial barrier, L4GG has cleared the way for effective implementation of clean energy projects under the IRA, ensuring that public entities can fully benefit from federal support without undue fiscal strain.

Invest In Human Rights And Equal Justice

Support our critical work on immigrants’ rights, climate change, racial justice, and other emergent legal issues. We count on your donations, large or small, one-time or monthly. L4GG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.