The legal profession is currently undergoing a seismic shift as a new generation of practitioners redefines what it means to practice law. Attorney Elizabeth “Paige” White, a distinguished criminal and civil rights attorney, is at the forefront of this transformation, moving away from traditional corporate structures toward a model of “movement lawyering.” By prioritizing community impact in her cases, she is proving that the courtroom can be a powerful site for social change.
In this episode of the Legal Lens, I sit down with Paige to discuss her journey from a public defender to a leading voice in high-profile criminal police excessive abuse, and mass tort cases. We explore the discipline required to manage a dual practice in criminal and civil law, her mentorship under Attorney Ben Crump, and her commitment to representing those who have been otherwise abandoned by the system. Paige’s story is a testament to the fact that when a movement lawyer takes a stand, the ripples of justice can be felt across the entire nation.
Navigating the Episode: Time Stamps
- 03:20 – Meet Movement Lawyer Elizabeth Paige White: The discipline of a track star turned civil rights attorney.
- 05:20 – The “Why”: How a service-oriented upbringing and a quest for truth led to the law.
- 06:30 – The Shift: Why Paige walked away from the prosecution path to defend the accused.
- 07:30 – Mentorship with Ben Crump: Moving from the public defender’s office to national civil rights stages.
- 10:30 – Case Study: Analyzing the Tyree Sampson and Astroworld tragedies.
- 12:50 – The MPD Task Force: Navigating the surge of constitutional violations in Washington, D.C.
- 17:40 – Establishing Excessive Force: The critical seconds that define a civil rights claim.
- 19:20 – Playing Offense: Seeking justice for survivors of sexual assault in the juvenile system.
- 24:50 – Hair Relaxer Litigation: Drafting the first complaint in a landmark hair relaxer lawsuit.
- 33:40 – The Future of Law: Why movement lawyer practitioners are the key to systemic change.
The Evolution of the “Movement Lawyer”
Elizabeth Paige White’s entry into the legal world was marked by her belief that prosecutors were the sole arbiters of justice. However, her first criminal law class acted as a catalyst for a radical shift in perspective. For Paige, the class revealed the deep flaws within the American carceral system. This realization steered her toward public defense, where she spent years protecting the constitutional rights of those the system often tries to overlook.
“I took my first criminal law class and realized that I had been completely lied to… and that my skills and passion for just making sure the right thing is done could be much better served on the criminal defense side.” — Elizabeth Paige White
This foundational experience prepared her for a career as a movement lawyer, a term she uses to describe attorneys who view their work as part of a larger struggle for equity. Whether she is handling police brutality cases or criminal defense, her approach remains anchored in the belief that the law must serve the people, not just those in power.
Working with Ben Crump: High-Profile Advocacy
The trajectory of Elizabeth Paige White’s career changed forever when she met Attorney Ben Crump, often referred to as “Black America’s Attorney.” Under his mentorship, she contributed to some of the most significant civil rights and personal injury cases of the decade. This includes the Tyree Sampson case involving a fatal amusement park accident and the Astroworld concert tragedy in Houston.
“I learned in the civil rights world that you can make such a profound difference. One case can make such a difference in a community, in changing policy.” — Elizabeth Paige White
Transitioning into the civil arena allowed her to use the court of public opinion as a strategic tool for accountability. By working as a civil rights attorney on national stages, Elizabeth Paige White has learned that litigation is not just about financial compensation; it is about forcing systemic changes in safety protocols and corporate responsibility.
Related Article: April Verrett on SEIU’s Vision for a “More Just Society,” the Power of Labor Unions, and Making History as the First Black President of SEIU
The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Task Force and the Fight Against Excessive Force
Paige is currently based in Washington, D.C. where she navigates the fallout of the MPD Task Force, a federalized policing effort that she argues has led to a surge in alleged constitutional violations. As a movement lawyer, Elizabeth Paige White represents individuals like Philip Brown and Justin Nelson—unarmed Black men whom she argues were targeted by federal agents during routine traffic stops. White argues that these cases highlight the dangers that arise when federal agencies without street-policing experience are deployed into local communities.
Paige explains that the legal strategy for these cases often hinges on a “Monell” claim under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 , which seeks to prove that an organization has a pattern or practice of violence. For any civil rights attorney, the moments leading up to the use of force are the most critical, as they must dismantle the “reasonable belief” defense often used by law enforcement to justify aggression.
Related Article: Twyla Carter on 150 Years of the Legal Aid Society of New York
Pioneering the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
One of Paige’s most significant contributions to public health and consumer protection has been her role in the filing of the first ever hair relaxer lawsuit on behalf of Black women. She was part of the team that drafted and filed the very first complaint against major manufacturers, alleging a correlation between chemical relaxers and various forms of cancer. This work in mass tort cases is particularly poignant as it directly impacts the health and well-being of Black women.
“We put that complaint together in about a week and a half… very little sleep, and we were the first to do that.” — Elizabeth Paige White
The hair relaxer lawsuit addresses a long-standing history of corporations marketing toxic products to the Black community under the guise of beauty standards. By holding manufacturers like L’Oreal accountable, Paige is ensuring that the “renaissance of natural hair” is accompanied by legal justice for those already harmed by these chemicals.
Empowering Survivors and the Future of Justice
Beyond alleged corporate negligence and police misconduct, Paige is a fierce advocate for survivors of alleged sexual assault within institutional settings. She shared the powerful story of a young woman who was repeatedly assaulted while in a juvenile facility, a case that has now moved into a civil lawsuit against the District of Columbia. As a movement lawyer, Paige promised her client that one day they would be able to “play offense,” and that day has finally arrived.
Looking toward the next decade, Paige is hopeful that more attorneys will join the ranks of “movement lawyering.” She encourages young Black lawyers to see the law as an expansive space where they can be exactly who they want to be while making a tangible difference. Her career serves as a blueprint for how to balance a high-stakes legal practice with a deep, unwavering commitment to human rights.
Related Article: Carl Douglas: Fighting for Justice and the Rule of Law
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I have dedicated my career to helping litigants resolve their legal disputes through the mediation and dispute resolution process, and by helping dissect the legal issues that shape our public discourse and workplace dynamics, whether it be as a radio and podcast show host or as a legal analyst in the news. My mission as the host of the Legal Lens radio show and podcast is to empower you with objective, expert-driven insights born from years of practice at the intersection of law and society.
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This communication is not legal advice. It is educational only. For legal advice, consult with an experienced employment or civil rights law attorney in your state or city.