MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) is a national civil‑rights organization and public interest law firm founded in 1968 and headquartered in Los Angeles. MALDEF uses litigation, policy advocacy, and community education to protect and advance the civil rights of Latino communities, with particular emphasis on voting rights, immigrant rights, education equity, language access, employment discrimination, and fair redistricting.
Pursues litigation and legislative advocacy on voting rights and redistricting, immigrant and due‑process rights, education equity and school funding, language access and bilingual education, employment and workplace discrimination, access to public benefits and services, and enforcement of federal civil‑rights laws affecting Latino communities.
Primarily funded by foundation grants and individual donations, supplemented by philanthropic partnerships, pro bono legal support, litigation recoveries/attorney fees when applicable, and fundraising activities.
Frequently partners with civil‑rights organizations and Latino advocacy groups such as the ACLU, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, UnidosUS, and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and collaborates with local community organizations and pro bono law firms.
Non-profit public interest law firm (civil rights legal advocacy organization, 501(c)(3))
