The Impact Litigation Fund

The Impact Litigation Fund allows an Advocacy Network member, client group or individual, and MEA to work together to cover litigation fees.

The system is simple: When a case arises that fits MEA's case selection criteria, MEA will work with an Advocacy Network member and cap the total cost of litigation fees so the clients will have a full opportunity to assess the costs and benefits of a lawsuit.

All participants will then contribute one third of the litigation fees: The client will be responsible for paying one third of the capped fees, the lawyers and/or experts involved will donate one third of their services, and MEA will pay one third of the fees from the Impact Litigation Fund. In this way, each participant's contribution will be tripled.

Case Selection and Funding Criteria

MEA's mission is to provide high quality legal services that support a diverse, grassroots social movement; build local leadership; and implement innovative solutions to environmental problems.

MEA's current program priorities include stopping water and air pollution caused by factory farms, reducing toxic emissions from industrial sources, protecting sacred places, and ensuring government accountability. A good candidate for Impact Litigation funding will fit within these program priorities and MEA's mission statement.

Help Support the Impact Fund

MEA needs your support to keep this vital fund going. Donating is easy.

If you are a lawyer or expert, join MEA's Advocacy Network here.

Contact MEA to request full case selection guidelines.

Then send a memo via email to Karen Schapiro, MEA's Executive Director, outlining how your potential case meets the selection guidelines.

MEA's Board of Directors makes the final decision on all litigation requests.