Hi friend,

Every month, We The Action recognizes lawyers who embody our mission to expand access to justice and deliver free legal services where they are critically needed. On this Giving Tuesday, we are proud to recognize Gail Aidinoff Scovell, an attorney whose dedication to “giving back” reflects the very heart of our mission.

Join us in saying congratulations to Gail Aidinoff Scovell!

A History of Supporting Mission-Driven Organizations: A graduate of Harvard Law School, Gail began her legal career in big law before spending the last 20 years supporting mission-driven organizations.

• Gail first joined WTA in 2020 as an Election Protection Hotline Captain and has been active ever since, most recently with the Nonprofit Legal Defense Network (NLDN).
• Gail emphasized the rising scrutiny facing nonprofits, noting, “If a political agenda is targeting the nonprofit sector, let’s make sure we are at our best.”

Safeguarding Nonprofit Organizations: In September, We The Action partnered with Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy program to launch the Nonprofit Legal Defense Network.

• From federal funding freezes and executive orders to targeted efforts to dismantle organizations and threats to tax-exempt statuses, nonprofits continue to face a broad range of threats in the current political landscape and need help to prepare for the uncertainty that lies ahead.
• The Network has trained 450 lawyers and hosted two risk assessment clinics, during which nonprofit organizations are partnered with lawyers who help them walk through a risk assessment checklist.
• “I knew some of the attorneys through the Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy program, and I thought the crafted partnership with We The Action was brilliant for the sector. I was curious if the clinic was a place where I could add some value, as the opportunity was right up my alley.”

The Impact: During the clinic, Gail worked with the Impact Fund, a nonprofit that advances social, economic, environmental, and racial justice through impact litigation.

• “We take our compliance with federal law and rules very seriously,” says Teddy Basham-Witherington, Deputy Director of the Impact Fund. The organization participated in the clinic to ensure that they could minimize the risk of an interruption to operations caused by a potential attack based on non-compliance.
• Gail guided the team through the Advocacy Check-Up Tool with clarity and patience. She helped them identify strengths, spot potential risks, and confirm where their governance structures were sound.
• Working with Gail provided a sense of reassurance, says Teddy. “Gail was knowledgeable, collegial, understanding, and concise.”

Following Gail’s Lead: Gail’s story is a reminder of this community’s proven ability to rise to every occasion.

• This Giving Tuesday, let Gail inspire you to do good. Visit We The Action’s website now to give your time and expertise to a cause you care about.
• And as your community decides who to support this holiday season, I hope that you will encourage them to add We The Action to their list. Gifts ensure that we can keep connecting lawyers with meaningful opportunities to make a difference. Will you tell your network to support We The Action this Giving Tuesday? Here’s a toolkit to make sharing easy!