Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND – Seeking to hold the government accountable to the law, and protect people, groups and institutions in Rhode Island, two dozen Ocean State lawyers are coming together to form the Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island (LCRI). The group is organizing pro bono rapid response by Rhode Island lawyers when there is government overreach in violation of the law, including impacts to federal funding of nonprofits, immigration, reproductive rights, education institutions, free speech and assembly, diversity initiatives, courts and the legal profession. “The illegal and unconstitutional actions and plans of this Administration hurt our neighbors, our institutions, and the very fabric of our state. The legal profession has the tools and the duty to uphold the law and protect from this existential threat to democracy. By coming together, we are stronger and more effective. Now is the time to act,” said attorney Miriam Weizenbaum, an organizer of LCRI. Two Experienced Lawyers Lead LCRI Full-Time Weizenbaum, of Deluca, Weizenbaum, Barry & Revens, Ltd., will oversee the day-to-day operations of LCRI. Attorney Amy Romero has been appointed Chief Legal Counsel. Immediately prior to joining LCRI, Romero served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Rhode Island beginning in 2016, focusing on civil rights litigation and community outreach. Romero also worked as a staff attorney at Rhode Island Legal Services and Community Legal Aid and served as a law clerk for the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. “I’ve spent my career ensuring equal access to justice and civil rights for all Rhode Islanders,” said Amy Romero, LCRI Chief Legal Counsel. “In the face of new federal attempts to abuse power and undermine the civil rights, health and safety of Rhode Island individuals, communities and organizations, I’m excited to join a group of amazing local attorneys dedicated to fighting back.” LCRI Areas of Focus LCRI is creating issue-specific working groups that organize legal resources to respond where they are needed. This work is grounded in relationships with communities and groups throughout the state, in order to anticipate harm and bring a rapid and meaningful response to actual impacts as they occur. LCRI also maintains connections with legal experts in national organizations like ACLU and Democracy Forward to ensure actions here in Rhode Island are informed by the latest and best legal thinking. Volunteer Lawyers Needed Additionally, LCRI is actively recruiting volunteer attorneys in all areas, who will be provided with training and support as individual matters are identified. A session for lawyers who are interested in volunteering or learning more about LCRI will be held at 5pm on May 14, 2025 , at the Rhode Island Foundation offices in Providence.