Legal Support for DNC 2016

Up Against the Law Legal Collective (UATL) is a Philadelphia-based collective of activists who are lawyers, legal workers, and community members. We were born out of the Occupy movement and are dedicated to empowering communities by providing Know-Your-Rights trainings, legal training and support to activists, legal observation during protests and demonstrations, and arrest support. In July 2016, Philadelphia will host the Democratic National Convention and will thus be the site for many demonstrations and gatherings from multiple organizations and collectives. We know from previous conventions and other similar gatherings that the response of local and area police will be swift and overwhelming. UATL is raising funds so that we can be ready to meet the huge need for trainings, observations, and arrest support for the thousands of protesters that will be drawn to Philadelphia in July. We will also serve as the hub for legal collectives and support groups from across the country while the convention is happening and in the lead up to it. The $3000 we raise here will support the rental and outfitting of a small Center City office that will serve as the base for UATL for a three-month period during and surrounding the DNC. The funding will cover rent, phone and internet access, utilities, and supplies. These funds will NOT be used for bail or to pay attorney legal fees.