In a world where legal systems are often viewed as technical, adversarial, and driven by narrow definitions of success, a quiet but powerful movement began to take shape—one that sought to reimagine law as a force for deeper human connection, justice, and meaning.
A Beginning Rooted in Purpose
The origins of the Project for Integrating Spirituality, Law, and Politics (PISLAP) trace back to the spring of 1996, during the first “Politics of Meaning” conference in Washington, D.C. This landmark gathering brought together 1,800 social activists who shared a common belief: meaningful social change requires more than addressing economic needs—it must also honor the human longing for connection, compassion, and purpose.
This vision was shaped by the work of Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor of Tikkun Magazine, and Peter Gabel, a law professor who would later play a central role in PISLAP’s development.
At that conference, a group of 50 legal professionals—including lawyers, law professors, students, and legal workers—came together to form what was initially known as the “Law Task Force.” Their shared goal was ambitious: to bring a spiritually informed and ethically grounded vision into the practice of law.
Building a Movement Within Law
Later that same year, the group reconvened at the Marconi Conference Center, where they began shaping a more defined mission. Through ongoing monthly calls and collaboration across the country, a diverse core group emerged—each member bringing unique concerns about the limitations of the traditional legal system.
Among them were:
A corporate lawyer disillusioned by profit-driven practice
A law professor advocating for moral transformation in legal education
A legal services attorney seeking a broader definition of justice for underserved communities
A prosecutor exploring restorative approaches to crime
A patent lawyer envisioning collaborative, trust-based legal processes
Together, they recognized a shared problem: the legal system often prioritizes technical success over human well-being, overlooking the deeper values that foster true justice.
From Ideas to Action
Over the next five years, the Law Task Force evolved from discussion into action. Members organized panels, wrote articles, and engaged with law schools and professional communities to advocate for a more holistic legal framework.
They challenged prevailing norms by asking important questions:
What if legal education emphasized moral responsibility alongside analytical skill?
What if lawyers considered social and ecological impact—not just client interests?
What if justice meant healing communities, not just resolving disputes?
These ideas began to resonate, sparking conversations across academic and professional spaces.
The Birth of PISLAP
In the summer of 2001, the Law Task Force formally transformed into the Project for Integrating Spirituality, Law, and Politics (PISLAP). This transition took place during a series of retreats where both founding members and new participants came together to synthesize years of dialogue into a unified vision.
Under the leadership of Peter Gabel and Nanette Schorr, the newly formed nonprofit expanded its reach. It hosted national gatherings in cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Atlanta, and New York, and contributed to legal scholarship through articles and conference panels—including those at the Association of American Law Schools.
The mission was clear: to grow a community of legal professionals committed to aligning law with values such as compassion, social responsibility, and collective well-being.
A Growing Impact
In recent years, PISLAP’s influence has become increasingly visible. Its members have gone on to serve in key roles across the legal landscape—as judges, educators, and leaders of innovative legal initiatives.
Their work can be seen in organizations such as:
The Georgia Justice Project
Bronx Legal Services
Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth
National Council on Crime and Delinquency
They have also contributed to shaping future legal minds at institutions like the City University of New York, University of San Francisco, and Touro Law School.
A Vision That Continues
What began as a conversation among 50 legal professionals has grown into a meaningful movement—one that continues to challenge how law is practiced, taught, and understood.
At its core, PISLAP invites us to rethink justice—not as a purely procedural outcome, but as a living expression of our shared humanity. It reminds us that law, when guided by compassion and purpose, can do more than resolve conflict—it can help build a more connected, equitable, and hopeful world.
For a glimpse into the early days of this movement, you can explore a C-SPAN recording of the 1996 Summit on Ethics and Meaning, where Nanette Schorr and Peter Gabel first presented the foundational ideas that would later grow into PISLAP.