It’s been almost four years since the last Presidential election and the battle for the future of our democracy is still raging. Much of it is in the spotlight, through national news media, popular podcasts, books, and social media. Large organizations, like the American Bar Association, have devoted a great deal of time and effort in recent years promoting democracy and the rule of law. Much work also is happening through individuals and groups you may never have heard of who are diligently defending democracy and the rule of law in discreet yet meaningful ways. The important work of those organizations, some of which we’ve featured on this podcast, provides an inspiring source of hope for those concerned about our nation’s future. 

One such group, based in my home state, is Lawyers Defending American Democracy. Co-founded and chaired by former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger and led by Executive Director Lauren Stiller Rikleen, Lawyers Defending American Democracy, or LDAD, states as its mission “to galvanize lawyers to defend the rule of law in the face of an unprecedented threat to American democracy.” Because defending democracy is the responsibility of all Americans and not just one party, LDAD’s website confirms that its work is not political or partisan. 

In June 2023, I had the privilege of interviewing Lauren Rikleen about a number of topics, including the work of LDAD. The following is an excerpt from our conversation. As with other episodes in our Democracy and Rule of Law series, the complete episode of my interview with Lauren can be found on the Higher Callings podcast website and on leading podcast platforms.

If you have enjoyed the Higher Callings podcast, you might also enjoy Don's Substack Newsletter, Reflections of a Boston Lawyer, which you can find here: https://donaldfrederico.substack.com/