Classical Rhetoric and the Modern Trial Lawyer
This article provides a description of the way 21st century advocates can benefit by using classic rhetorical principles.
Recommended Reading
The Next Phase
This article considers the ways in which the current LGBT rights movement is poorly positioned to contend with its “next phase,” in which LGBT people will experience formal equality under the law, but will find themselves unable to easily gain access to their newly won equal rights.
Getting Queer Priorities Straight
This article explores the ways in which a more robust link to direct legal service programs can help LGBT impact litigation organizations answer critiques and create a scheme for prioritizing legal issues that is more pluralistic and democratic.
We’re Not Running a Charity Here
This article posits that large firms are mainly motivated to engage in pro bono for business reasons, and that the result of these so-called “bottom-line” motivations are pro bono programs that actually harm the public interest agencies with which they partner.
Proposed Solutions for Improving the Experience of Returning Citizens with the Philadelphia Traffic Division
For Philadelphia citizens returning from incarceration, unresolved traffic fines and license suspensions can pose a major obstacle to employment and self-sufficiency; this report documents the extent of the problem and proposes a number of common-sense solutions.
Philadelphia Rental Assistance Demonstration Program Advocacy Guide: Solutions for Ensuring Tenant Rights and Long Term Affordability in RAD Conversions
HUD’s new “RAD” program aims to convert hundreds of public housing units to privately-owned “Section 8” facilities; this guide offers recommendations for keeping converted units affordable and for protecting tenants’ rights.
Barriers to Justice: Limited English Proficient Individuals and Pennsylvania’s Minor Courts
A study of practices in Magisterial District Justice courts in Pennsylvania reveals that many do not provide adequate language access to litigants whose native language is not English; this report urges policy changes at both the local and state levels.
A Changing Landscape: Pennsylvania Counties Reevaluate Policies on Immigration Detainers
Recent case law permits counties to decline requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain immigrants beyond the expiration of their county sentences; this report examines counties’ responses and urges that communities be involved in shaping county policies.
Shortchanged: How Wage Theft Harms Pennsylvania’s Workers and Economy
This report, examines the prevalence of wage theft in Pennsylvania, and concludes that hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania workers are paid less than they are owed each week.
A Brief Primer on the Reptile Theory of Trial Strategy: Plaintiff Psychology and the Defense Response
A comprehensive overview of “reptile theory,” a plaintiff lawyer’s tactic using brain science and the defense response.