We are excited to announce that Skye Allen is our new Legal Observers Coordinator and Matt McLoughlin is our new local NLG Mass Defense Coordinator in Chicago! Matt will be responsible for responding to requests for criminal representation for activists who are arrested at political actions and pairing them with attorneys. Skye will be making sure that activists get the LO’s they request for their actions and help train new LO’s.
People facing criminal charges as a result of their political activity, including participating in demonstrations or direct actions, should call the NLG Mass Defense Coordinator at 773-309-1198 and leave a message with their name, phone number, charge(s), and date of next court appearance, or email nlg.chi.crimdefense@gmail.com. Matt will follow up with you to explain the next steps for representation. To request a Legal Observer for your next action, or to inquire how you can help the LO Program, contact Skye at chicago.lo.program@gmail.com
Matt is an activist and legal worker who was a main organizer with Occupy Chicago. A former mass defense client of NLG, he also worked in conjunction with NLG attorneys on the NATO 3 support committee. As a co-founder of the Chicago Community Bond Fund, Matt is currently one of the main volunteer coordinators and he plays a significant role within each of the organization’s four committees. Matt has extensive social media, volunteer management, and organizing skills, and he already possesses strong foundational knowledge about Chicago’s court system which are all skills that will make mass defense committee (MDC) work more effective. For the last few years, Matt has often coordinated with MDC’s legal observer teams to track arrestees and organize jail support.
Skye Allen moved to Chicago in 2002 to attend grad school. She was very active in the anti-war movement at the time. She started Law school in 2011 and immediately joined the NLG and became a Legal Observer. She was very active in the Mental Health Movement and protecting the Woodlawn Encampment. She helped professionalize the LO program in anticipation of NATO and became a coordinator of the program. When not LO-ing, she runs a solo practice defending parents against DCFS.
We wouldn’t be able to hire Matt and Skye to do this important work without your support. We also want to thank all of those who came to our May Day Party this year, all of the proceeds went to fund our Mass Defense Committee and Legal Observers Program. Since May 2015, NLG mass defense attorneys have represented over 500 activists facing city ordinance, misdemeanor, and felony charges. Be sure to keep your eye out for next years party, you see us on the streets and in the courts, we want you to join us on the dance floor!
Welcome Skye and Matt! We are grateful to have you!
