NCBP 21st century lawyer
From left to right: Robin Wolpert, NCBP President, Lauren Rikleen, Executive Director, Lawyers Defending American Democracy, Carl Smallwood, Chair, Advisory Commission to the ABA Task Force on American Democracy, Elizabeth Andersen, Executive Director, WJP
​​​​

How can U.S. bar leaders and lawyers take an active role in addressing the nation’s significant rule of law challenges?

That was the topic of a recent 21st Century Lawyer program hosted by the National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP) in partnership with the World Justice Project (WJP), Lawyers Defending American Democracy, the Divided Community Project at Ohio State University, and the American Bar Association (ABA).

The rule of law is declining both globally and in the United States, as measured by the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index. Presenting data collected by WJP, NCBP President Robin Wolpert outlined several factors contributing to the erosion of U.S. democracy and rule of law, including falling trust in elections and the decline of civil discourse.

WJP Executive Director Elizabeth Andersen then discussed actionable strategies to address rule of law challenges alongside the Divided Community Project’s Carl Smallwood and Lauren Rikleen of Lawyers Defending American Democracy. They shared examples of successful initiatives including helping bar leaders navigate speaking out on rule of law issues and mobilizing lawyers to uphold election integrity. 

Bar leaders and lawyers are not only the most equipped citizens to act, Andersen emphasized, they have an ethical obligation to the rule of law. 

Sign up for the U.S. Rule of Law Toolkit to receive resources and new U.S. data in the months ahead.

Watch the panel discussion here:

title bar

Read More

title bar
This image of President Jimmy Carter exudes warmth and humility, perfectly reflecting his lifelong commitment to service and justice.

It is with great sadness that the World Justice Project commemorates the passing of our honorary chair, President Jimmy Carter. We celebrate his monumental commitment to the public good through his tireless work to uphold human rights, alleviate suffering, and advance the rule of law around the world. May his long, distinguished, and consequential life of service inspire us all to keep building communities of justice, opportunity, and peace. 

Read More
Graphic featuring the World Justice Project logo and the title '2024 Impact in Review.' The text highlights '15 years of advancing the rule of law through a data-driven, people-centered approach.' The image includes a collage of three photos: a speaker at a podium with the World Justice Project logo, a group of smiling individuals gathered for a photo at an event, and a panel discussion on stage commemorating the organization’s 15th anniversary. The background includes a gradient of purple with subtle scale

As our 15th year comes to a close, we reflect on the singular focus that has guided our journey: understanding that the rule of law shapes the daily experiences of people around the globe. Since 2009, we've delved deep into communities worldwide, asking people to share their perspectives. We’ve learned how the rule of law extends beyond legal institutions to people’s access to justice, opportunity, and peace.  Explore WJP's 2024 highlights, from advancing the rule of law to fostering global collaboration. 

Read More