50 Years of the Legal Defense Fund

From the very beginning, the mission of the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) has been to advance and protect the legal interests of the social work profession. As we celebrate the LDF's 50th anniversary and look forward to the next fifty, we express our gratitude to its board of trustees whose vision and support has been critical to our success. We also extend our appreciation to our members for their contributions and support of the LDF over the years. We look forward to the LDF continuing to provide valuable legal resources to social workers for the next 50 years and beyond. Below is information on upcoming events and initiatives celebrating this significant milestone.


Managing Risk in Social Work Profession: Private Practice Edition

Managing Risk in Social Work Profession: Private Practice Edition

September 29th, 2023

1:00-2:30pm ET
Speakers: Frederic Reamer, PhD and Frances Schopick JD, MSW
CE Credits: 1.5
Cost: NASW Member-$25 and Non-Member-$35

Learn more and find instructions on how to register


50 Years at a Glance

Over its 50 year history, the Legal Defense Fund has provided over 1200 consultations a year, participated in over 400 amicus briefs to ensure the social work perspective is heard on policies that impact social workers and our communities, provided over $300,000 in grants to assist social workers in litigation, and written over 150 articles that provide legal information on issues that are important for social workers to understand. 

Since 1972, NASW's Legal Defense Fund (LDF) has provided financial legal assistance and support for legal cases and issues of concern to NASW members and the social work profession. LDF supports educational projects and programs to improve the legal status and knowledge of the social work profession.

LDF's 3 prongs of work includes a fund that was created from member contributions to support NASW members with legal fees in cases involves social work issues. The LDF was created to give a voice to NASW and the social work profession in the courts, in particular in precedent setting appellate litigation involving NASW policy issues or social work practice. LDF was also created to offer education on legal issues thru publications, articles, and trainings.

graphic with data and details celebrating 50 years of the Legal Defense fund
graphic with data and details celebrating 50 years of the Legal Defense fund