About us

Poor and rural communities, especially in developing countries, often lack the essential legal resources to be fully aware of their legal rights that allow for sustainable economic and social development. Often, the system only allows for those who can afford to travel long distances to gain access to this information and increase their likelihood to thrive.  The rest, are invisible to the government and susceptible to exploitation and neglect.  

It is in response to this disparity of "legal empowerment," that Global Law Brigades (GLB) was founded.

 

Where we work

Currently, GLB works in rural and impoverished Panamanian communities, with possibilities for expansion to other countries. Thus far, successful brigades have been implemented in the Panama Province with several Embera Indigenous tribes and rural subsistence farming communities.  The average income in these communities is less than $2 a day and they are urgently seeking legal resources to secure land rights and register/incorporate within the government.  

Who can join a Law Brigade?

Law Brigades is a great opportunity for pre-law, law students, or licensed legal professionals to apply their skills and gain hands-on experience in the field of international law and sustainable development.  No formal legal experience is required as students shadow and assist licensed Panamanian lawyers to provide services to the communities.

 

GLB groups organize week-long trips to Panamá, accompanied by faculty advisors, local guides and legal professionals, to participate in projects that focus on: microenterprise support (incorporating rural farmers/businesses), indigenous rights, women´s rights, environmental law education, land rights education, and organic/fair trade certifications. The program identifies and analyzes domestic and international laws beneficial to disadvantaged communities, to create positive, proactive solutions.

 

GLB was developed with a thoughtful approach to ensure program sustainability between brigades or after the volunteer experience.

1. Direct Capital Investment In The Community (Community Investment Fund):  As part of the GLB cost, each brigader will contribute $100 towards direct capital investment in the community they volunteer in.  This money will be used as the Brigade Team sees fit to provide the best long terms sustainable legal solutions and it is up to the individual Brigade team as to how this money will be allocated.
2. Human Resource Capital:  Each Brigade will include at least 10-15 students who will engage a community, create an intercultural dialogue, and collaborate to provide the best sustainable solutions possible.  Often times, brigaders walk away from these experiences learning much more than taught and gaining a valuable and eye-opening experience.
3. Global Brigades Is Not a One Time Hand Out.  Often times, if a Brigade believes it is necessary, they can pursue 1-2 follow up brigades to ensure the execution of their sustainable development solutions.  Global Brigades staff along with our partner organizations also continue to monitor the success of each brigade to ensure long term sustainability. 

Our Methodology

Global Law Brigades works in collaboration with Global Brigades' other strategic development programs including Business , Architecture , and Environmental Brigades.  Together we empower students, professionals, partner organizations, government agencies and developing communities to challenge poverty through a holistic and sustainable approach to development and poverty alleviation.

 

Leadership Team

Carlos Saldaña (carlos@globalbrigades.org)
Law Brigades Director, Fundacion Brigadas Globales de Panama 

Michelle Menclewicz (michelle@globalbrigades.org)
Director of Student Affairs, Global Brigades USA 

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------------
“Global Brigades” or “Brigades” refers to one or more of Global Brigades International, a Canada-based international not-for-profit corporation, and its respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Global Brigades International is devoted to improving quality of life for the world’s most under resourced communities. Its affiliates including “Global Brigades USA,” “Global Brigades Canada,” or “Global Brigades UK” do not provide or implement sustainable development services, but act in conjunction with Global Brigades International to empower their national volunteer base. As independent not-for-profit organizations, neither Global Brigades International nor any of its affiliates has any liability for each other’s acts or omissions. Each of “Global Brigades USA,” “Global Brigades Canada,” “ Global Brigades UK,” “ Asociacion Global Brigadas de Honduras,” Fundacion Brigadas Globales de Panama,” are separate and independent legal entities.