The Legal Rights Center (LRC), a leading community-driven nonprofit law firm, last week announced its new executive leadership team and legal rights initiatives in Minneapolis in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd.
The LRC provides community-oriented and client-centered criminal defense representation, youth restorative justice, and advocacy and leadership in the fight to reform the criminal justice system.
The LRC board of directors has appointed Sarah Davis as executive director; Andrew Gordon as deputy director for community legal services; and Lori Saroya as deputy director of advancement and operations.
“I am deeply honored by the trust of our communities as I step into my new role, and am thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with Andrew, Lori, and all of our staff to bring the community’s bold and compelling vision for the future of the Legal Rights Center to life,” said new LRC Executive Director Sarah Davis.
“At this critical moment in history, the Legal Rights Center is bringing vital legal and restorative justice expertise to our community’s fight for racial equity and system reform,” continued Davis. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we will continue our push towards a future that is truly just.”
In partnership with community organizations and activists, LRC has been at the forefront of providing legal support for protesters and those doing jail support, direct representation, and know your rights education. Additionally, LRC is providing critical legal expertise to support community accountability for the prosecution of former Minneapolis police officers Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane.
Through the coordinated efforts from members of Black and American Indian activist communities, the LRC was founded as an alternative to the Public Defender’s Office in order to provide high-quality representation for people who couldn’t obtain those services elsewhere.
More specifically, Clyde Bellecourt from the American Indian Movement (AIM), Syl Davis – Northside Black community activist and executive director of The Way, and labor lawyer/human rights activist Doug Hall, worked together to found a law firm that was by and for the people.
The LRC marks its 50th anniversary this year with a renewed vision and urgent drive to meet the increased need for community legal services.
For more info, visit www.legalrightscenter.org/newsandupdates.
Information and image provided by LRC.
