Congratulations to Southern Legal Counsel, Inc. (SLC) on its 40th anniversary this year. SLC is a Gainesville-based non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to the ideal of equal justice for all and the attainment of basic civil and human rights. In October, SLC will celebrate 40 Years with Morris Dees, pioneering civil rights lawyer and co-founder of Southern Poverty Law Center, as the keynote speaker. Known for innovative lawsuits that crippled some of America’s most notorious white supremacist hate groups, Dees will speak about the importance of public interest law firms, like SLC, that focus on impact litigation. The event will begin at 6:30 pm with music, Silent Auction, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres, with Dees tentatively scheduled for 7:30 p.m. For more information, check out our Facebook page or website, www.southernlegal.org.
Incorporated in 1977, SLC was created to fulfill a special role in the justice system. SLC uses the power of the law to make positive social change. We represent individuals who otherwise would not have access to the justice system with the goal of fixing the underlying problem not only for our clients but also for all other persons who have experienced similar injustices. This systemic approach allows us to make a big impact as we seek to reform systems and institutions, strike down laws and policies, and hold government accountable to the people.
SLC’s mission has led it to litigate in federal and state courts and administrative agencies across a range of substantive legal areas that seek systemic reform. Their current work includes statewide litigation against the State of Florida to force compliance with the government’s paramount duty set forth in our constitution—to provide a high quality system of public education to all children. This case will have wide-ranging impacts in determining the enforceability of this constitutional mandate.
SLC continues to litigate on behalf of some of the most vulnerable persons in our state, while constantly innovating new ways to bridge the justice gap. We are proud to support the work of Southern Legal Counsel.