Transition Ensures Vital Legal Services and Resources Continue for People with Cancer and Their Families
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LOS ANGELES, December 17, 2025 – Public Counsel announced today that the Cancer Justice program of the Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC) will transfer to Public Counsel, ensuring the continued work of the nation’s premier pro bono program dedicated to the legal rights of people with cancer. The program, known for decades as the Cancer Legal Resource Center, was renamed Cancer Justice in 2025. This transition will allow Public Counsel to expand its work advancing economic justice and access to legal services, while deepening its commitment to serving people facing cancer and addressing the unique challenges they encounter.
The formal step follows a decades-long relationship and collaboration between Public Counsel and DRLC around a wide array of issues that impact underserved communities. DRLC’s Cancer Justice program is one of the only programs in the country dedicated specifically to the legal rights of people living with cancer. The inclusion of staff and resources from DRLC’s Cancer Justice program will allow Public Counsel to expand its critical services on behalf of individuals and families impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
“Public Counsel is excited to collaborate with the DRLC team to integrate their work and carry the torch forward for this invaluable program, which aligns perfectly with our pro bono model to expand access to legal services,” said Kathryn Eidmann, Public Counsel’s President & CEO, Helen & Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair. “Our two organizations have a long history of working together on shared goals, and we are honored to provide Cancer Justice with a new home so that this critical work can continue.”
Founded 50 years ago, DRLC has advanced the rights of people with disabilities through civil rights litigation, resource sharing, and systemic advocacy. DRLC’s Cancer Justice program supports individuals navigating cancer with legal resources and rights-based advocacy and education, providing vital resources to address disparities in cancer care, ensuring equitable access and support for all individuals impacted by the disease, particularly marginalized communities.
“Public Counsel is one of the nation’s premier public interest law firms, and we could not imagine a more fitting organization to carry on the work of DRLC,” said Mike McDonough, Chairman of the Board for DRLC. “On behalf of the DRLC board, I wish to thank the staff of the Cancer Justice program and all those who have generously supported DRLC’s mission over the years who should feel proud to know our work will continue under the capable stewardship of Public Counsel.”
Public Counsel is a nonprofit law firm that advances civil rights and racial and economic justice. Its team of experts—including attorneys, social workers, and advocates—provides vital legal services while also working to transform the systems that harm people in the first place. Public Counsel’s impact is amplified by thousands of volunteer pro bono legal advocates, who support clients, take on high-impact cases, and strengthen its advocacy efforts.
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