Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Orientation
A CBA orientation took place on February 16, 2025, covering orientation to controlling CBA and updates on CBA negotiations.
Attendees included Kathleen, Andy, Justice, Russell, Kris, and Jo, representing Military Law Task Force, Legal Workers, The United People Of Color Caucus, South West Rep, Mass Defense Committee, and National Office/Executive Council
Quarter 1 National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting
The Q1 NEC meeting occurred on February 8-9, 2025.
The agenda included opening remarks, introductions, a Constitution & By-Laws Jeopardy game, discussions on structure, membership, and NEC expectations, a finance report and budget review, and an introduction to the Foundation and fundraising.
Attendees included Ria (President), Andy Williams Jr (Law Worker Vice President), Daniel (National Lawyers Guild Foundation), Fiona Hellerman (Student National Vice President), Justice Gatson (The United People Of Color Caucus), Khanstoshea Zingapan (Vice President), Joel Kuperfman (Environmental Justice Committee), Annie Wilson (EEnvironmental Justice Committee), B. Noah Woods (Mid East Rep), Kathleen Gilberd (Military Law Task Force), Katie Yow (Southern Rep), Kris H (Mass Defense Committee), Lee (North West Rep), Russell Facente (South West Rep), Sandy Freeman (South West Rep), Sarah Heydemann (Labor and Employment Committee), Shelby Copeland (Secretary), Amy Willis (Treasurer), Marquel (Labor and Employment Committee, Jo (Executive Director) Lydia (Disability Justice Committee), Aaron (Military Law Task Force), Edmundo (MidAtlantic Rep), and Suzanne (International Committee)3.
Key Discussion Points and Decisions
Finance and Budget: The NEC reviewed prior year budgets, noting that expenses are increasing and exceeding income, leading to a double deficit. Two proposed budgets were presented, differing based on whether the convention would be in-person or virtual. Both budgets would require using savings. The NEC discussed the need for a clear fundraising plan and considered various solutions, including membership drives, donor relations, and potentially using funds from the NLG Foundation to hire professional fundraisers.
Ultimately, both proposed budgets were voted down, and the Finance Committee was tasked with preparing a revised budget with a comprehensive fundraising plan for the Q2 meeting.
Fundraising: Daniel from the NLG Foundation (NLG-F) presented on the Foundation's role in supporting the NLG through tax-deductible donations and grants, noting the importance of diversifying income streams. NEC members committed to making fundraising calls.
Convention Planning: The NEC discussed the 2025 convention, considering dates, formats (in-person, virtual, or hybrid), and locations, with Detroit being a potential location. A motion was passed to hold the convention on September 26-28.
The NEC favored an in-person, condensed convention and decided to invite committee members to biweekly convention planning meetings.
NEC Meetings: The NEC decided to have two in-person and two virtual meetings, but due to financial constraints, all meetings might be virtual. Dates were set for the Q2 (5/17-18), Q3 (9/26-28), and Q4 (11/1-2) meetings.
Appointments: The NEC unanimously approved the Executive Council's (EC) appointments of Lee as North West Regional Rep, Fiona as senior SNVP, and Jo as permanent ED.
Action Items
Create a revised budget and comprehensive fundraising plan for the Q2 NEC meeting.
Assist in the search for an Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) Chair. | 
