by Members of the NLG-Seattle Living Systems Committee
We know that the current legal system is riddled with structural issues. The question is: Where do we go from here? Are there ways to use legal tools to support cooperation, co-creation and relationship instead of capitalism, oppression and wealth consolidation?
As of January 2021, NLG-Seattle has launched its Living Systems Committee, which seeks to unpack and reimagine how our legal system can nourish and support planetary healing through creative mutualism. We ground ourselves in a relational and trauma-informed approach. We honor the work of all Indigenous People and their leadership of how to be in vital relationship with all beings.
The goal of this committee is to provide access to tools of transition for both attorneys and community members at large. We acknowledge and respect that there are many different roads to collective evolution and that some folx wish to operate outside the confines of the law for safety and institutional reasons. Our work is simply an offering for those that wish to engage.
The Role of the Living Systems Committee
Comprised of progressive attorneys, law students, critical theorist and dreamers, we invite communities and organizers to reach out to be paired with an attorney to receive support on:
- Localized Economies
- Cooperative Development
- Community Land Trusts
- Culturally Appropriate and Plain Language Contracts
- Relational Land Reform
- Ecosystem Stewardship
- Water Rights
- Land Trusts
- Easements
- Zoning
- Mutual Aid Efforts
- Community Clinics
- Legal Office Hours
- Legislative and Advocacy Support
Even if we have not listed something that community members need support on, we encourage them to submit a request anyway. We are experimental attorneys and want to be responsive—not dogmatic— in our approach. In addition to the community-led work, we are launching an open-sourced reading circle, providing trauma-informed tools for attorneys and hosting legal workshops based on interest and need.
If you are interested in learning more or joining our reading circle, please feel free to reach out to the committee chair, Anastasia Maier at anastasia@slg.law.