Legal Services to the Public, for the Public Good
My name is Kellie Furr, and I am an Oregon-licensed attorney living in Portland. Today I ask you to support me in launching the first crowd funded private-public interest environmental law firm in Oregon!
A private-public interest law firm has attributes of both a non-profit organization and a private law firm. It typically has a mission dedicated to the public good, while maintaining a profit-generating arm of services that are harmonious with public interest ideals.
My firm will focus on protecting the environment and those most impacted by its degradation by engaging both the public and private sectors through public interest litigation and by providing meaningful, sustainable economic opportunities for all. By providing such opportunities for sustainable development, particularly to disadvantaged communities, we create in each individual a meaningful relationship of trust and ownership with the natural environment - we create a stake in its protection.
And by helping me get my services to the public, you will in turn help combat environmental destruction and create sustainable economic opportunities.
Please watch my video* and contribute today!
How Can You Help?
To successfully launch this firm, I am seeking $7,500.00. Suggested contributions are $25, $50, and $100, but more is always welcome! Funds raised will be used toward the following:
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One year of Professional Liability Fund malpractice insurance, which is mandatory all Oregon-licensed attorneys.
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Marketing, branding, and website creation.
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Assorted legal, accounting, and business software and small pieces of office equipment.
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Residency at Hatch Innovation Lab after my fellowship tenure ends.
For every $100 raised past my funding goal, I will donate one hour of pro bono legal assistance to a Pacific Northwest environmental organization.
If I don't reach my goal, I will use every dime raised to try to get this venture started in whatever capacity I can. However, the more we raise, the sooner we can impact the environment together!
The Impact
Our environment is at a crucial point - if we act now, we can reduce or even reverse much of the harm we have caused the land, water, air, and our non-human cohabitants. But we need more than our broken regulatory system to make a difference - we need to create meaningful economic opportunities in sustainable business. My firm will both combat current environmental destruction through litigation and promote future sustainable development through economic empowerment.
Risks & Challenges
There are always risks when starting a new business venture. As a profit-generating entity my firm will not be utilizing grants, so I will have to quickly generate profit to continue to feed this firm. But I am equipped for success:
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As a solo practitioner, I am able to keep my costs lean and eventually expand by bringing like-minded, entrepreneurial lawyers into the fold.
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I am flexible in my services. I will offer private sector services within my level of competency if those services are harmonious with the firm's stated public interest ideals.
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I have a team of marketing professionals dedicated to helping me spread the word about my services.
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I am tirelessly committed to making this private-public interest practice work. Every failure will be a lesson, and every day will be another step forward.
Other Ways You Can Help
I personally understand how hard it is for some of you out there. If you can't personally contribute, please:
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Forward this campaign using Indiegogo's sharing tools to people you know who love the environment as much as I do and may have an interest in contributing.
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Donate your services! If you do marketing, branding, web design, or have any knowledge that you think would be useful in building my business, I would appreciate it!
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Cook me a tasty treat! Long hours are on their way...
Thank You!
Thank you to all of the friends (new and old), colleagues, and family who have provided me with such amazing support throughout this journey. You inspire me to roll up my sleeves and do this work.
So let's make history in Oregon and be the first to crowd fund such a uniquely structured law firm. Thank you for participating in the Sharing Economy with your contributions!
Together, we can positively impact our world.
Disclaimer
By making a donation to me, Kellie Furr, via Indiegogo.com, you acknowledge
that your donation does not establish any attorney-client relationship with me, nor does your donation guarantee that you will receive legal representation. Additionally, your donation to me does not give you any capital, equity, or similar ownership interest in any entity formed using donations from Indiegogo.com.