Priority Areas...

When people find their constitutional rights threatened or violated, they know they can turn to The Rutherford Institute and its national network of affiliate attorneys to act as advocates for their freedoms.

Each year, The Rutherford Institute comes to the aid of thousands of individuals who have encountered injustice in their lives. We are able to do so with the help of a dedicated group of attorneys across America who donate their time and expertise to assist us in our efforts to uphold and defend our constitutional freedoms.

In addition to providing legal strategy and support, however, the Institute shoulders the financial costs related to defending someone whose rights have been violated, including the preparation of legal briefs, court filing fees, printing costs, travel expenses, expert witnesses, and other related costs.

As a result of its dedication to the cause of freedom and the pursuit of justice, The Rutherford Institute has become known as one of the nation’s staunchest defenders of civil liberties and human rights. Although the Institute handles a full spectrum of cases in the constitutional arena, the majority fall within the following areas:

• Freedom of Speech
• Freedom of Religion
• The Sanctity of Human Life
• The Rights of Parents
• The Rights of Students
• The Right to be Free From Unreasonable Search and Seizure
• Rights within the Workplace.

Why You Should Become a Rutherford Affiliate Attorney

The issues are compelling.
You have a skill that can help people.
Every attorney has a moral and ethical duty to take some pro bono cases.
The Rutherford Institute staff provides tremendous background support for your efforts.
The Rutherford Institute assists with legal expenses.

Affiliate Attorneys Reflect on Their Experience with The Rutherford Institute:

Randy Shaheen, Arnold & Porter, Washington, DC—My law firm strongly encourages us to spend up to 15 percent of our time on pro bono matters and working on Rutherford Institute cases gives me a chance to further a good cause and help someone who might not otherwise have the resources to carry on the legal fight. As a Christian, I also consider the work I do as part of my giving back to the Lord some measure of the blessings I have received.

Thomas Neuberger, Sole Practitioner, Delaware—Being an affiliate attorney for The Rutherford Institute has allowed me to practice law in a way that honors my motivations for becoming a lawyer. There’s going to be a day when I’m called into account for how I used my talents, and obedience isn’t measured by wins and losses. Every once in a while, I have the opportunity to help out. And that’s what working for The Rutherford Institute is all about for me.

Leah Farish, Sole Practitioner, Oklahoma—I’ve worked with other civil rights and religious organizations. The Rutherford Institute seems to give me the most help, be the most professional, and work with tremendous integrity. Working with the Institute is very gratifying. I feel I am doing something meaningful, and the clients certainly do. Other attorneys ask me enviously, “How did you get this case? This is the kind of thing I went to law school to do, but I never get them.” I say, “I got it from The Rutherford Institute.”

James J. Knicely, Knicely & Cotorceanu, Virginia—The great principles of freedom of conscience and freedom of religion upon which our country was founded have been devalued by our society. I volunteer to work on Rutherford Institute cases mainly to help otherwise defenseless people whose rights in this area are not appreciated and too readily infringed upon by government.