Public Interest Law Center

“I want my piece of heaven to be my piece of heaven,” Dawn Colbourne, lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit against Philadelphia landlord Odin Properties, told WHYY. ? Tenants are asking Odin to make any necessary repairs and for the company to return any unlawfully paid rent. More broadly, there’s hope the suit educates other renters about their rights and the penalties landlords can face when they violate the law, Law Center staff attorney Madison Gray said. ? “I think a lot of tenants understand that intuitively, and so we’re hoping this lawsuit can help people understand how the procedure will actually play out when landlords fail to make their repairs,” she added. ? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/emSmaFgQ ? The Law Center and our co-counsel Hausfeld are representing the tenants, with invaluable organizing from OnePA Renters United Philadelphia.

In 2022, Superintendent Brian Costello testified in the school funding trial on behalf of Wilkes-Barre Area School District, highlighting the critical resource gaps his students faced. He emphasized that while students are eager to succeed, the district lacked essential resources like intervention specialists, small group learning staff, teachers, and guidance counselors. "We just have to give them the opportunity, and to do that, we need additional funding." Since our landmark trial victory, Pennsylvania has begun addressing the $4.5 billion adequacy gap, including a $500 million increase in the education budget. As a result, Wilkes-Barre schools are finally gaining the resources students and faculty need to thrive. WVIA News recently visited G.A.R. Middle School to hear directly from faculty and students. Read more at: loom.ly/k0wQNdo

BREAKING: Bentley Manor tenants are fighting back! Represented by the Public Interest Law Center and our pro bono co-counsel Hausfeld, three residents have filed a class-action lawsuit against Odin Properties LLC, alleging unsafe conditions and illegal rent collection. Read the full press release on our website: https://lnkd.in/e2vwrz2k

Philadelphia’s Land Bank is a crucial tool for turning vacant lots into thriving community gardens, green spaces, and urban farms. By making land accessible, we can fight food insecurity, create gathering spaces, and empower residents to transform their neighborhoods. Read more here: loom.ly/owLcsII

This week Philadelphia teachers, students, and advocates spoke out against the dangerous proposal to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education—a move that would put billions of dollars in federal funding for Pennsylvania’s public schools at risk. "The Department of Education exists because it is created by law. If they want to dismantle it, they have to do it by law," says Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg of the Public Interest Law Center. https://lnkd.in/eF3J2piZ

?? Monthly Newsletter??? Follow the link below to read more about what kept us busy last month! https://lnkd.in/eyhsrZWd

?? The Law Center is hiring an Environmental Justice Organizer! Head over to the full listing: https://lnkd.in/ejRSB3NR

In honor of Black History Month, we share this story from archives, written by Dr. Menika Dirkson. Read the full article here: https://loom.ly/JQcepLo

?? Save the Date! ?? Join us for the Public Interest Law Center’s 2025 Annual Event, on October 9, 2025, at The Grand Belle at The Bellevue in Philadelphia!??? This powerful evening brings together legal, corporate, and community leaders to celebrate the transformative power of public interest law. Your support helps us fight for education equity, voting rights, housing security, environmental justice, and more. ?? We’re looking for sponsors!?This is an opportunity to showcase your commitment to justice while gaining visibility among key changemakers. ?? Mark your calendars & learn more about sponsorship opportunities here:?https://lnkd.in/e3rHUezx

?? Big news! The Public Interest Law Center has been awarded $299,400 to support our Garden Justice Legal Initiative, helping to preserve and expand land security for urban gardens in low-income communities. With this funding, we’ll continue fighting to protect vital green spaces, ensuring that community gardens remain safe, sustainable, and accessible for generations to come. Thank you to our partners and the dedicated gardeners working to make Philadelphia a greener, healthier city! ??? #GardenJustice #UrbanAgriculture #LandSecurity #PhillyGardens