The Problem & Our Solution
The High Cost of Public Interest Law
Public interest law is complex and challenging. From law reform advocacy to litigation, many deserving causes languish from lack of funding.Â
We know crowdfunding can spark widespread change. So many lawyers already take pro bono work, and crowdfunding will only enable more lawyers to take on public interest work.
However, risks can arise if clients list their own crowdfunding campaigns for legal representation, like misrepresentations, breaches of confidentiality, and waivers of privilege.
More broadly, public interest law is done by pockets of practitioners, who may not know about similar work in other places. There is a perception that it is difficult to make a career in human rights law. Many socially minded lawyers have limited opportunities to give back to the community with their skills.
Article Two is here to help!
The Article Two Model
Lawyer-Led Campaigns
Only lawyers can create and update campaigns, with the help of our guide.
Secure Trust Accounts
Money raised is paid into the firm's trust account or another account controlled by the legal service.
Trust
Our guide helps clients and their lawyers identify whether Article Two is right for them.
Self-Regulation
Misuse and misconduct can be reported to the lawyer's legal profession regulator.
Community and Coalition
Public campaigns help identify communities of practice and coalitions across causes.
Transparency
5% fee and processing fees. No opaque approvals process. No interference with the client-lawyer relationship.
Not Just
Human Rights
Economic justice, regulatory certainty, and healthy competition are all public interest.
Funding Advocacy
The volume of donations through Article Two will be used as an advocacy tool for more funding to community law and legal aid.
solicitors’ fees | disbursements | barristers’ fees | expert report fees | filing fees | search fees | translation and interpretation | travel costs | protective costs orders | security for costs orders | adverse costs orders
Our Vision
can take on more public interest matters in their areas of specialisation, where community legal centres and legal aid cannot reach
can add to their pro bono hours by crowdfunding only for disbursements
can meet increasing demand or fund for a specific project
can take more public interest work, especially juniors and barristers of minority backgrounds who experience pay inequity
supports the executive and legislature being held accountable by the judiciary and by civil society
can feel the support of a community as they use law for the public interest
What is public interest law?
Public interest law is any practice of law to represent and advocate for the rights and interests of marginalised individuals or groups, or to address matters of broad public concern, or to prevent or reduce the impact of an oppressive policy. There is no single accepted definition.
Article Two broadly accepts campaigns that would improve our community without persecuting already marginalised communities.
Why are you called Article Two?
Article 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantees non-discrimination, guarantees of legislation and policy to give effect to the rights in the ICCPR, and right to an effective remedy from a competent court.Â
These are the purposes of Article Two.
The Founder
Dr. Daye Gang is a barrister at the Victorian Bar. She has been briefed in strategic litigation and advice, human rights matters, and international human rights law since she was first called to the Bar. She advises civil society on international and cross-border law. Domestically, her practice spans administrative, general commercial, and criminal law. She loves being in practice and does not intend to leave the Bar any time soon.
Before the Bar, Daye was a human rights advocate, consultant, and judge’s associate. She holds a PhD in restorative justice for sexual and family violence. She holds a First Class Honours Law and Arts double degree from Monash University, and in 2025 she started a Graduate Diploma of Construction Law from Melbourne Law School.Â
Crowdfunding and lawyers’ obligations
Our guide helps lawyers understand how crowdfunding affects lawyers’ statutory and ethics obligations, and how crowdfunding has been taken into account in reported decisions.
How Article Two works
We provide information for lawyers, clients, and donors so everyone can crowdfund with responsibility and confidence.
Ready to launch your campaign?
Only lawyers can create an account or log in to draft a campaign. Article Two will offer feedback to consider as part of the listing process.