The Amicus Curiae: A Powerful Friend for Poverty Law Advocates

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Unlike their colleagues in more traditional public interest law firms, poverty law advocates do not often file amicus briefs in litigation involving other parties, nor do they routinely seek the support of sympathetic allies to participate as amici in significant cases brought on behalf of low-income clients. However, through amicus briefs, poverty lawyers can represent their clients' interests and provide the court with a critically different perspective, often in the context of precedent-setting decisions, without formally initiating or intervening in the underlying litigation.

By Gary F. Smith and Beth E. Terrell From November - December 1995