Appleseed Network

Louisiana Appleseed is making strides in addressing heirs' property challenges that disproportionately affect communities of color. Their recent video delves into the significance of the Uniform Partition of Heirs' Property Act (UPHPA) in safeguarding family legacies.?

We are hiring! Work with us as a Staff Attorney! The Staff Attorney will support Kansas Appleseed's legislative advocacy on municipal, state and federal levels, as well as litigation and community engagement efforts. The ideal candidate will be able to collaborate with pro bono attorneys, community organizers and leaders alongside the Policy and Legal teams at Kansas Appleseed. In addition, the Staff Attorney will assist with legal research, writing, and analysis on key Campaign issues and more. Applications are due by April 11, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. CST. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gptBvqYn

We're hiring for a Youth Justice Staff Attorney! This is a unique position that would allow someone who is passionate about juvenile law the ability to become a subject matter expert in the state. You would be able to conduct research, write reports, litigate cases, and improve conditions significantly for youth in the juvenile justice system. Please apply at this link or email [email protected] with your resume and cover letter. #youthjustice #juvenilelaw #oklahoma #hiring https://lnkd.in/gc7aPjiw

?JOIN OUR TEAM? MA Appleseed is seeking an Executive Director! The Executive Director's key responsibilities include: leadership and management, fundraising and financial sustainability, program development, and financial management. To learn more and how to apply: https://lnkd.in/enZtfRdv

Mary Benton, Pro Bono Partner at Alston & Bird, leads impactful pro bono initiatives across the firm’s 12 offices. A veteran in legal practice, Mary ensures that attorneys’ skills are aligned with meaningful pro bono opportunities and strengthens partnerships with nonprofit legal providers. Her leadership and understanding of the importance of pro bono partnerships embodies Appleseed’s commitment to equitable access to justice. Learn more about Mary at appleseednetwork.org. #Appleseed #ProBono #BoardSpotlights

Keith J. Benes, an energy and climate policy expert, has over two decades of experience in international law, NEPA, and stakeholder engagement. Keith has provided critical legal advice, directed policy, and led projects in challenging environments to address systemic environmental challenges. Keith’s expertise supports Appleseed’s mission to build equitable and sustainable systems. Learn more about Keith at appleseednetwork.org.

Beverly Allen is a valued Appleseed Foundation board member & serves as the General Counsel, Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer at Inovalon. Beverly has held numerous leadership roles across technology, healthcare, and government, and brings decades of experience in compliance, ethics, and privacy law. Her expertise in fostering accountability and ethical governance strengthens Appleseed’s mission to advocate for equity and justice. Learn more about Beverly at appleseednetwork.org.

Rory A. Leraris, our Immediate Past Co-Chair of the Appleseed Network, is a partner at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, where she specializes in M&A-related litigation, securities disputes, and shareholder derivative actions. With a track record of success in high-stakes cases, Rory is recognized as a “Future Star” by Benchmark Litigation. Rory’s expertise in navigating complex corporate litigation informs her advocacy at Appleseed, where she is committed to advancing systemic reform and promoting justice. Learn more about Rory at appleseednetwork.org.

Lisa Moss Released Under Oklahoma Survivors Act Historic Ruling in Seminole County Marks New Chapter of Justice for Survivors SEMINOLE, OK — On January 8, 2025, Lisa Moss walked free from incarceration after a Seminole County judge granted her immediate release under the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act. Moss’s sentence of Life Without Parole was reduced to 30 years. She has served 34 years in prison and was released with credit for time served. This marks a historic moment for Moss, a survivor of domestic violence and sexual violence, and a step forward in addressing systemic injustices faced by survivors in Oklahoma. Colleen McCarty, attorney and Executive Director of Oklahoma Appleseed, served as lead counsel on the case. Abby Gore, survivor justice staff attorney at Oklahoma Appleseed, was an indispensable member of the defense team. Oklahoma-based law firm GableGotwals provided pro bono representation through Shareholder Michael Scoggins dedicating significant resources and expertise to secure Moss’s freedom. Local attorney Jerry Colclazier played an integral role in representing Moss in her home county and ensuring that her story was heard with compassion and clarity. Moss's release would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the Oklahoma legal community. Seminole County District Court Judge Steven Kessinger made history when he decided that Moss’s abuse was proven by clear and convincing evidence and that this entitled her to a mitigated sentence. The Oklahoma Survivors’ Act is groundbreaking legislation that provides a pathway for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking to seek post-conviction relief when their abuse played a significant role in their crime. "The Court’s decision demonstrates a commitment to justice and to the legislative intent of the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act, which is to provide a second chance for survivors who have suffered unimaginable trauma,” said Colleen McCarty, Esq., Executive Director of Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. Lisa Moss’s case was one of the first filed under the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act, which was signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt in 2024. Her release highlights the profound impact of this legislation, made possible by the tireless advocacy of incarcerated survivors, lawmakers, and attorneys who believed in a fairer justice system. "This is a moment of hope for all survivors," McCarty continued. "Lisa’s release is not just about her freedom—it’s about showing that the legal system can acknowledge the impact of trauma and take steps to correct its mistakes. We are grateful to GableGotwals to Jerry Colclazier, Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Inc. and so many more partners for coming together to make justice a reality for Lisa Moss." Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice will continue to advocate for survivors across the state.

JOIN US: There has been a lot of talk around immigration in schools the past few weeks. Leaders have gone so far as to suggest allowing ICE to raid schools and remove students who are undocumented. State Superintendent Ryan Walters has promulgated a rule through the Oklahoma State Department of Education that would require schools to screen families for documentation of their immigration statuses. This rule violates current supreme court precedent which says all students in America should be educated, regardless of their immigration status. Please join us for this informative webinar with legal and education leaders in Oklahoma to further understand the landscape of immigration in public schools. Panelists: Lorena Rivas, Esq. - Immigration Attorney, Rivas & Associates PLLC Nicholas Espiritu - Deputy Legal Director, National Immigration Law Center Stacey Woolley - Board President, Tulsa Public Schools Anthony Childers (Toni) - General Counsel, OKC Public Schools Moderated by: David Blatt - Director of Research & Strategic Impact - Oklahoma Appleseed RSVP HERE: https://lnkd.in/grXwwvSq