By Chip Mellor

Who ever thought we could change the world with a small group of lawyers working at the Institute for Justice? We did. And we still do, but thanks to the Human Action Network, we don't have to do it alone.

From the outset, we believed that equipping others with the tools to practice IJ-style public interest law was essential to securing the transformation of American jurisprudence. Thats why in the summer of 1992 we convened our first law student conference at Georgetown University.

Every year since then a new class of advocates for liberty has graduated from our seminars and become part of our Human Action Network. And every year we have been thrilled with the passion and talent of our students. As one journalist who studied our model noted years ago, "With money, media contacts, a heartfelt ideology and long-term strategy, Bolick and Mellor seem poised to remain in the spotlight and in the faces of traditional civil rights groups. And they are building their army. They currently conduct an annual training session for conservative law students and lawyers on their litigation and public relations tactics. So far, 75 lawyers and about 100 law students have taken this training; 26 later became clerks for federal and state appellate judges."

Just a few summers later, our army of HAN members now tops 700 and is increasing every year.

Many HAN members have already achieved extraordinary professional success as lawyers, professors, law clerks, and, yes, even in government. A growing number are making time to bring IJ-style lawsuits, write articles and organize events furthering IJs mission.

From Robin Brooks-Rigolosis recent victory for free speech in New York, Michael D. Deans work defending 4th Amendment rights in Wisconsin, and Heath Weisbergs battle against eminent domain abuse in New York City—all profiled in HANews—to the many HAN members who have helped with amicus briefs, legal research and grassroots support, your efforts demonstrate that talent plus a passion for liberty can make a real impact.

Thats exactly what we envisioned 13 years ago when we launched IJ. But, as exciting as this is, it just underscores the as yet unmet potential of the Human Action Network. The need to advance the IJ mission has never been greater. And the opportunities to do so are limited only by our creative imaginations.

At the end of ones legal career, its important to be able to look back and know you really made a difference and left the world a better place. Members of the Human Action Network have a unique combination of talent and training to do just that.

Carpe diem!

Chip Mellor is the Institutes president and general counsel.