Pacific Justice Institute works diligently, without charge, to provide its clients with all the legal support they need in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties. They have grown into one of the largest Christian non-profit, 501(c)3 organizations in the nation.
Former U.S. Attorney General, Ed Meese, has not only endorsed PJI’s work, but he also serves as Chairman of PJI’s Advisory Board. PJI is also endorsed by radio talk show hosts (e.g. Michael Reagan), actors (e.g. Dean Jones), and law professors (e.g. Professor Richard Duncan, University of Nebraska, College of Law).
PJI handles more case matters defending faith and family coast to coast than any other organizations of its kind. They have tremendous leverage in their litigation budget with 36 offices in 26 states strategically positioned to serve coast to coast. In addition, they have the largest Affiliate Attorney Network on the West Coast. They handle areas of law not typically dealt with by other like-minded organizations. Their goal is to make sure everyone gets help.
In preparing for this report, I had the distinct privilege of visiting with PJI’s CEO, Brad Dacus. Brad earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law. With a fervent dedication to constitutional rights, Brad founded the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) in 1997. He has made numerous appearances on a variety of platforms, including FOX News, The Epoch Times, Good Morning America, and Tucker Carlson Tonight. Presently, Brad hosts PJI’s newest TV show, “Faith and Law” which is broadcast on networks and streaming platforms across the country, including SalemNOW, NRB TV, American Faith, and more. He also hosts, “Brad Dacus Live” which can be watched Monday through Thursday on Hischannel.com. With a reach spanning over 1,000 radio stations, Brad is a regular voice on the “Dacus Report,” and he delivers a succinct legal commentary, “The Legal Edge”; broadcasted on more than 800 radio stations weekly. Addressing legislation that impacts religious freedom and parent’s rights, Brad has testified before the US House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., and has also testified, on several occasions, before the California State Legislature. Additionally, he visits and speaks at many churches, conferences, graduations, and conventions across the United States.
According to Mr. Dacus, PJI can provide help for FPIW Defenders in the following ways:
- Protecting parents’ fundamental rights to educate and discipline their children and providing valuable resources to aid parents when Child Protective Services is threatening to remove children from the home. PJI does not handle child custody cases or family law cases.
- Preserving students’ rights to share their faith and be protected from indoctrination, providing resources to help promote evangelism within the public schools and educational resources to give parents legal advice for choosing an alternative to public education.
- Defending churches and providing resource to help protect the church from encroachment of local governments.
- Representing employees’ religious freedom and providing workplace training and other valuable resources.
- Equip religious objectors to have their union dues go to a charity of their choice.
PJI is at the forefront of attorneys and civil rights groups who recognize the need to preserve religious liberty in America. The legal aid non-profit organization is made up of a network of hundreds of volunteer affiliate attorneys nationwide. These volunteer attorneys save PJI more than 90% of what legal cases normally would cost. This savings allows PJI to take on many cases. PJI also does not focus on just those cases that are likely to go to the Supreme Court. While PJI is willing to take cases to the Supreme Court, PJI has a unique commitment to provide legal counsel and court representation to everyone they feel falls within their mission. PJI maximizes its resources by making sure its case updates and newsletters are sent only when warranted.
PJI provides all its legal representation without charge. However, individuals with matters outside the scope of PJI are often referred to a private attorney(s). PJI provides free legal representation to parents who are unlawfully denied the right to homeschool their children. PJI also provides legal counsel to those parents wishing to homeschool, but do not know their legal options or obligations.
FPIW’s strategic partnership with the Pacific Justice Institute will allow us to refer potential Washington clients for professional consultation. According to Mr. Dacus, they currently have more offices per capita in Washington than any other state in the country. Their Washington offices are located in Seattle, Spokane and the Tri-cities. In addition, they will be able to provide us assistance with formulating legislative bills, initiatives and referendums. They can also consult with legislators regarding specific legal matters and provide expert testimony when necessary.
In return, PJI will be able to reach their ‘PJI Community Group’ in a timely fashion with important announcements and information using our new phone app, which will be released later this year. Mr. Dacus is a proponent of strategic partnerships and is excited to work with FPIW Defenders as we both seek to advance biblical values within the public square.
The Pacific Justice Institute receives almost all of its funding through donations by individuals who believe in PJI’s non-profit legal work. The average donation is approximately $50 per month. Some churches also support PJI on a monthly basis, as well. I would encourage you to donate to PJI as all donations are tax deductible. The more donations they receive, the more attorney’s they can hire and the more cases they can adopt. If you wish to become a member of the PJI team by placing a donation, please click HERE.
If you wish to access their website for more information, please click HERE.
Finally, if you are in need of legal assistance, click HERE, or if you need a legal referral, click HERE. Please fill out the form by following the links to the relevant category sections (e.g. Parent, School, etc.).
