Faculty Legal Defense Fund

The Faculty Legal Defense Fund is FIRE’s program tailored to offering “first responder” assistance in protecting the freedom of expression and academic freedom rights of faculty members. This narrower focus seeks to provide legal help — at no cost to faculty members — by connecting them, where needed and appropriate, to experienced counsel in their area who are in our network of pre-screened and pre-selected participating attorneys.

When referrals are made, FLDF pays the lawyer’s fees directly, with the goal of quickly and efficiently resolving disputes related to free expression and academic freedom in favor of the faculty member.

The attorney will engage the faculty member directly as a client, then work with them through initial legal efforts such as advising on possible courses of action and trying to help resolve disputes with the institution or administrators. Funds from FLDF pay the legal fees for these initial steps.

If substantial further legal work appears warranted, including that the matter may require resolution in court, the attorney may apply on the faculty member’s behalf to FLDF’s Litigation Committee for further funding. If the matter is approved, FLDF may pay the legal fees for the litigation (or other further dispute resolution) needed to seek a positive outcome for the faculty member.