Freedom is not a partisan issue. Freedom is an American issue.
Since 1988, the Goldwater Institute has worked daily in communities, courts, and legislatures to defend and strengthen the freedoms guaranteed to Americans by the U.S. Constitution and the constitutions of the 50 states. For over a decade, the Institute’s litigation team has advocated before state supreme courts throughout the country, federal courts of appeal, and the U.S. Supreme Court—winning numerous victories for individual rights and freedom.
Enter the American Freedom Network: While much has been accomplished to defend liberty and individual rights, violations of these rights occur daily, and we are working hard to reverse this trend and implement reform.
This is where you come in: Defending individual rights, protecting those who cannot protect themselves, and changing the life of a client for the better are reasons that many of us went to law school. We have a responsibility to advocate for the freedoms of the people we represent, and we are often their last line of defense. By offering your pro bono services, you can litigate cases, assist with legal research, write amicus briefs, represent clients at the administrative level, and serve as local counsel. You choose the type of participation and level of commitment, as well as the subject matter of pro bono service. The American Freedom Network is an opportunity for attorneys across the nation to lend their skills, expertise, and interests to our dedicated effort to defend freedom. Because of your participation, the Institute’s life-changing work can reach deeper and further than ever before!
Goldwater Institute client Lauren Boice is a perfect example of someone who could not have succeeded without pro bono representation from a lawyer. Lauren sought help from our attorneys when the Arizona Board of Cosmetology shut down her business, Angels on Earth̶̶̶which matched licensed cosmetologists with people who could not leave their homes for haircuts because they were ill or elderly. The state ordered Lauren to get a salon license and open a physical salon – even though all she did was schedule appointments with other licensed cosmetologists, and none of her clients would—or could—ever see the inside of a salon.
Because we were able to offer Lauren sophisticated, timely representation, Lauren is now free to run her business and provide a unique and beneficial service to consumers. Your membership and participation in the Network will ensure that more individuals like Lauren have access to essential pro bono services that preserve freedom and defend their lives and livelihoods.
The Goldwater Institute matches cases and clients to you—attorneys uniquely positioned to help them. As part of our pro bono network, you will receive support, assistance, and mentoring by Goldwater Institute attorneys throughout your project. Advocates who demonstrate a strong commitment to pro bono service may be invited to public interest litigation and constitutional law training and receive opportunities to earn continuing education credits.
Subject matters for pro bono service include free speech, public records laws, school choice, economic liberty, public sector union reform, private property and taxpayer protection suits, and others.
American Freedom Network members who demonstrate a strong commitment to pro bono service through litigation, amicus briefs, research, or other projects may be invited to participate in public interest litigation and constitutional law training with Goldwater attorneys. Multi-day trainings are held each year and include seminars on substantive constitutional principles, litigation practice and strategies, advice from the bench, how to be effective in the media, and more. Continuing Legal Education credits are available (if permitted by your state). Trainings are generally by invitation only, with expenses paid; however, special inquiries are accepted. Complete the application above and note your request.
Shorter training seminars with Continuing Legal Education credits are offered at various times throughout the year, and in various locations, on topics such as Right to Earn a Living, Gift Clause, Right to Try, Public Records Laws, and more. Check back for information about upcoming seminars. To request a seminar in your area, complete the application and note your request.