empowerment begins with education.
Defying Legal Gravity envisions a society where the law is accessible, equitable, and a tool for justice for all—regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, we aim to build a lasting movement for legal empowerment that ensures everyone has the opportunity to thrive. In our current climate, we recognize that to create a more just society, we must foster a legally literate population. But legal literacy is a complex concept.
How do you define it? Measure it? Instill it?
We believe that legal literacy is the key to empowering individuals, ensuring equal access to justice, and fostering civic engagement.
Through our innovative programs, we are building a movement that equips the next generation with the knowledge and skills to navigate legal challenges, advocate for their rights, and uplift their communities.
legal empowerment
We host legal empowerment courses and programs for for middle and high school students throughout the academic school year, and summer programs for college-aged students interested in law school.
community organizing
We collaborate with agencies, organizers, schools, and other aligned partners to curate and host events tailored to address each community’s most pressing needs.
access to justice
We train our graduates to work with legal service providers and agencies as community justice workers, offering additional support to communities and individuals facing civil legal problems.
DLG & NYPL
Legal literacy passport program
The first ever Legal Literacy Passport Program, allowing teens across New York City to further their legal education through modular workshops that mirror foundational first year law school curriculum.
Mondays & Thursdays, 4-6pm
March 2 - May 21, 2026
Riverside Library
127 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY
Join The New York Public Library and Defying Legal Gravity for a FREE 12-week legal literacy education series just for teens!
At these empowering workshops you’ll learn basic legal concepts and leave equipped with the tools to change and transform your communities. If you want to understand how the law shapes your life now or you’re interested in a career as a lawyer, this is the program for you!
Caroline Xiong, DLG Alumni