The James Murphy Hoopes Clerkship Fund

A Life Dedicated to Justice

A former law clerk of ours at Civil Liberties Defense Center (CLDC), James Murphy Hoopes, sadly passed away earlier this year, leaving behind a profound legacy of service to social justice and civil liberties.

From Murphy’s early involvement with Food Not Bombs, where he served meals to those in need, to his countless hours of free legal services to immigrants, public defender internships, and his recent work as a CLDC law clerk, Murphy demonstrated an unwavering commitment to bridging marginalized communities and defending fundamental rights wherever they were threatened. His many contributions included co-counseling his first jury trial in defense of journalist Alissa Azar, showcasing his dedication to protecting press freedoms and civil liberties.

Murphy’s global perspective – developed through his fluency in Spanish, his documentary work on social movements in Chile, and his extensive travels – brought a unique and valuable lens to his legal advocacy. Murphy was not just a brilliant legal mind; he was a passionate advocate who dedicated his life to ensuring equal access to legal representation for all.

Continuing Murphy’s Mission

The James Murphy Hoopes Clerkship Fund will ensure that Murphy’s commitment to accessible, principled legal representation continues to impact communities for years to come. Administered by CLDC, this program will provide one-of-a-kind opportunities for emerging lawyers who share Murphy’s dedication to civil liberties and social justice.

Your support will:

Fund annual summer clerkships providing in-the-courtroom, practical experience for law students committed to public interest work
Create pathways for diverse voices to enter civil liberties law
Support cases defending free speech, press freedoms, and constitutional rights
Honor Murphy’s memory through meaningful action in pursuit of a more just society

How Your Gift Creates Impact

Every contribution makes a difference:

$100-999: Helps cover research materials and case preparation
$1,000 - 2,499: Supports a month of clerkship experience
$2,500 – 4,999: Funds up to half of a summer clerkship position
$5,000 – 9,999: Sponsors a full summer clerkship
$10,000+: Enables us to build toward our larger goal of establishing a permanent fellowship fund in Murphy’s name

>> Our Goal: $70,000 or more <<
Reaching this milestone will allow us to expand the program into a legal fellowship position, creating an even more substantial opportunity for emerging civil liberties attorneys.

Join Us in Building This Legacy

Murphy believed deeply in the power of community and collective action. He understood that meaningful change happens when people come together around shared values of solidarity, social justice, and freedom.

The James Murphy Hoopes Clerkship Fund isn’t just about funding legal work – it’s about nurturing the next generation of advocates who will stand up for civil liberties, defend the vulnerable populations, and ensure that everyone has access to quality legal representation.

This fund represents Murphy’s values in action:

Commitment to the pursuit of justice for all people
Defense of constitutional rights and civil liberties
Support for emerging lawyers from diverse backgrounds
Practical impact through hands-on legal experience

Make Your Match Gift Today

We are fortunate to be able to match your donations dollar for dollar up to $20,000, doubling the impact of your support. This matching opportunity allows us to turn every gift into twice the support for this vital program.

Ready to support the James Murphy Hoopes Clerkship Fund? Donate today!

Your contribution, whether $100 or $20,000, will help ensure that Murphy’s dedication to social justice and civil liberties continues to create positive change in our communities.

Together, we can create the world that Murphy worked throughout his life.

For more information about making your gift or to discuss larger contributions, please contact:

Carrie Tully
Civil Liberties Defense Center
Director of Fundraising & Engagement
(541) 221-4789
ctully@cldc.org

The James Murphy Hoopes Clerkship Fund is administered by the Civil Liberties Defense Center, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to defending civil liberties and supporting those who challenge injustice.