Bending the arc to witness something greater . . .

Arc (ärk) n. 1. the apparent path described. 2. the development or resolution of a principal theme. 3. a continuous progression or line of development.

What is The Arc of Justice Foundation?

A public educational institution with a mission to foster a greater understanding of the rule of law where governance, rights, and economics intersect.

This is who we are - but there’s more.

Everything that we do - our programs, our initiatives, and our concerns - is a continuous progression of a path described by Harold J. Berman.

"The law is a manifestation of something beyond itself, a witness to something greater, a guide to some historical destiny.”

This thought-provoking description is our foundation. It is how we think about the particular theme of justice, and it reveals the approach we take to the work that we do.

Through this work -

We demonstrate that something beyond.

We prepare its witnesses.

We train its guides.

And as a vessel for this quite particular dynamic, it is easy to understand why we say -

The Arc of Justice is a response to a call.

  • Hidden Legal Figures is more than a podcast, we’re an oral museum™ and our episodes are like exhibits.  And the best exhibits showcase the lawyers, the judges, and the cases that gave life to the civil rights movement. We invite you to step inside, listen to, and learn more about this great American story.

    Listen here. . .

  • The mission of our biennial Ideas symposium is to improve the public appreciation of rule-of-law principles by examining them in light of contemporary challenges. The inaugural symposium will take place in 2026 to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

    But we are beginning the conversation now. See more. . .

  • There’s more that we are planning like our cultural exhibit to honor the heroic and vital contribution that lawyers and judges made to the civil rights movement, an annual lecture series on law and leadership, and a fellowship program.

    Learn more . . .

We believe the rule of law is an indispensable element to a vital society. Therefore, we provide initiatives designed to orient the public on the role of the legal system in protecting rights.

We believe there is a dimension to law that makes its purpose as much sacred as it is secular. Therefore, we actively promote select initiatives that accentuate the law as a healing apparatus.

We believe the legal profession is a rewarding and noble vocation. Therefore, we diligently promote a consciousness of service within the legal business environment.

Our programs reflect our core concerns: the rule of law, protection of rights, and civic and cultural decency. And our work is centered around the past triumphs, the present challenges, and the future hopes that speak to these concerns.

  • Look at the facts of the world. You see a continual and progressive triumph of right. I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways. But from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice. THINGS REFUSE TO BE MISMANAGED LONG.

    - Theodore Parker -

    Of Justice and the Conscience (I853)

  • “I don’t like it, what’s going on right now. But the next generation has to take the baton and keep going. And if we keep going, we’re going to get where we should be. But it is not easy.”

    - Vernon E. Jordan -

    Honorary National Chair, The Arc of Justice Foundation

    (Emeritus, in memoriam)

  • Lawyers have transformed this country for the better by demanding change (and getting it). And we need these dedicated public servants now more than ever!

    - Leah Ward Sears -

    Former Chief Justice, Georgia Supreme Court

  • Justice is both a claim and a debt. It is what I am due, and what I must do. What I am owed, and what I owe.”

    - Derrick Alexander Pope-