The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) Legal Observer program is part of a comprehensive system of legal support designed to enable people to express their political views as fully as possible without unconstitutional disruption or interference by the police and with the fewest possible consequences from the criminal justice system.
NLG Legal Observers (LOs) are not part of the demonstration. LOs observe and document interactions between law enforcement and demonstrators in anticipation of future civil or criminal litigation under the direction of NLG attorneys. NLG Legal Observers do not negotiate with law enforcement, provide legal advice, or serve as peace marshals.
For more information about the National Lawyers Guild’s Legal Observer program, visit https://www.nlg.org/history-of-nlgs-mass-defense-program/.
If you are requesting LOs for the first time, please read the following before submitting your request:
“The recent rapid growth of the movement has created a need for renewed clarity around the role of NLG Legal Observers (LO). We’re asking community partners like you to help educate new organizers about the purpose of protest, and the place of Legal Observers within the movement ecosystem. The LO’s purpose is singular: to document police interactions with protesters in order to decrease state interference with First Amendment activity. We do not provide security (though we fully support marshals handling that role), assist in protest planning, or collaborate with police. This distinction has become especially crucial as we’ve seen troubling instances of new organizers confusing our role or (more concerningly) inviting police participation as security, escorts, or speakers. These invitations create an impossible contradiction for our abolitionist work: we cannot effectively monitor state violence when the state is an invited participant. These principles are familiar to experienced movement builders but may require additional learning for newer partners, so we deeply appreciate your support in guiding our growing community!” If you have questions, please feel to send us an email!
You can learn more about modern police abolition by exploring these resources:
- The Purpose of Protest
- The Meaning of Abolitionist
- Are Prisons Obsolete? By Angela Davis
- Watch Whose Streets?
- FAQ on NLG’s Resolution for the Abolition of Policing
To request NLG Legal Observers for your demonstration:
- Northeast Ohio: https://tinyurl.com/CleLegalSupport
- Cincinnati: https://tinyurl.com/CinciLegalSupport
- Columbus: https://tinyurl.com/CbusLegalSupport
- Anywhere else, email ohio@nlg.org
The Ohio Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild asks that all requests for Legal Observers are submitted AT LEAST one full week in advance. We will try to fill all requests for Legal Observers; however, we cannot guarantee the availability of Legal Observers.
Want to become a legal observer?
We have several virtual legal observer trainings this year! Register at the links below:
State-wide Trainings (Virtual)
*If you’re in Northeast Ohio, there is a second, in-person part to your training! You can either use the state-wide virtual training for Part 1 or attend both Parts 1 & 2 in-person!
Sign up for Northeast Ohio Trainings (In-person)
Though NLG Legal Observers are typically law students, legal workers, and lawyers, trainings are open to everyone – EXCEPT those working for or with government or law enforcement agencies – interested in being trained and serving as an NLG Legal Observer. Legal Observer trainings are also closed to the media.
For more information about our legal observer program, or to request a specific training, email ohio@nlg.org.
Ohio National Lawyers Guild 