The New England Legal Foundation is a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) public interest law firm dedicated to advancing free enterprise, property rights, rule of law, and inclusive growth in the New England region of the United States. For nearly 50 years, NELF has filed amicus briefs and impact litigation in the state and federal courts in the region to advance its mission objectives. NELF also hosts educational content and video production on topics at the intersection of business and law. In 2022-23, upon completion of funding, NELF plans to launch the "Equalizer Institute," corporate legal aid clinics to provide legal services to help start and launch black-owned, new American-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, college entrepreneur-owned new businesses, and other new businesses that cannot otherwise afford legal counsel. Once at scale, the Equalizer Institute will serve as a model for other cities, states and regions to jump-start new businesses by underrepresented owners.
Purpose
Of the three branches of government in the United States, the judicial branch is often the most impactful in shaping precedent and the legal paradigm for the establishment, operation and rewards of business. As the leading public interest law firm in New England dedicated to advancing free enterprise, property rights, rule of law, and inclusive growth, the New England Legal Foundation leverages amicus briefs and impact litigation in the region’s state and federal courts to build and shape a body of law that is favorable to these objectives. In 2022-23, we plan to extend our impact by creating corporate legal aid clinics in each New England state dedicated to helping to form and launch new businesses owned by underrepresented owners who cannot afford legal counsel. This infusion of in-kind legal capital into local economies will accelerate the benefits of inclusive capitalism and serve as a model for other cities, states and regions of the United States.
