About the project

National in scope, the Barbara McDowell High Impact Litigation Project coordinated the initiation and support of high impact social justice litigation cases. Launched in 2010, the Project coordinated 17 cases in various issue areas under the auspices of the Foundation.

Project history

During his time as a partner at Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP, (now Faegre Drinker), Foundation President Jerry Hartman and his colleagues at the firm litigated various high impact litigation cases under the auspices of the Foundation.

In 2021, the Foundation enhanced the High Impact Litigation Project by facilitating partnerships between law firms and social justice organizations pursuing high impact cases. In this capacity, the Foundation coordinated four cases.

The Barbara McDowell Public Interest Law Center

Although the Foundation successfully coordinated some 20 cases in its High Impact Litigation Project, it did not conduct its own litigation. In 2022, the Foundation launched the Barbara McDowell Public Interest Law Center to pursue litigation directly, engage in issue advocacy efforts, and educate the public on civil rights.

While the Foundation and the Law Center are separate organizations, the two share common Board members, engage in coordinated efforts, and honor and continue the work of their namesake, Barbara McDowell.