A nonprofit organization led by Georgia Democratic politician Stacey Abrams, Fair Fight Action, has been in the spotlight for its financial dealings, particularly concerning a hefty payout of $20 million to a law firm co-founded by Allegra Lawrence-Hardy.
Lawrence-Hardy, a close associate of Abrams, also served as her campaign chair from 2019 to 2023. The majority of these funds went towards legal expenses for a failed lawsuit, which aimed to challenge Governor Brian Kemp’s victory over Abrams in the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election.
Fair Fight Action’s incorporation documents specify that the organization is not meant to financially benefit any individual, except for reasonable compensation for services. Despite this, the nonprofit’s significant disbursement to Lawrence-Hardy’s firm has raised ethical concerns. Paul Kamenar, counsel for the National Legal and Policy Center, commented, “Twenty million in fees is outrageous,” suggesting potential IRS violations.
Critics have pointed out that the legal costs incurred by Fair Fight Action were exorbitant compared to similar voting-rights cases. The State of Georgia, for instance, spent less than $6 million defending itself in the same case. Consequently, the nonprofit found itself over $2.5 million in debt last year, leading to substantial staff layoffs.
Abrams and Lawrence-Hardy’s connection dates back to their college days at Spelman College, and their partnership extends into business ventures. Although Abrams has not directly benefited from the law firm’s earnings, she has ownership stakes in businesses incorporated by Lawrence-Hardy. The two have also shared office space for several years.
Neither Abrams nor Lawrence-Hardy has responded to requests for comment on these financial dealings. In her 2022 book, Abrams acknowledged Lawrence-Hardy’s support in her business endeavors, highlighting the importance of patience and financial investment. The IRS has not commented on whether it is investigating Fair Fight Action, though the nonprofit has faced multiple complaints about its financial practices.
The IRS is also investigating another nonprofit started by Abrams, the New Georgia Project, for failing to report millions of dollars in contributions related to her 2018 gubernatorial campaign. Abrams lost to Kemp again in a 2022 rematch. This raises further ethical questions about Abrams, who has accumulated significant wealth despite a career largely in the public sector.
Lawrence-Hardy’s role in Abrams’ political career extends beyond legal representation. She chaired both Abrams’ 2018 and 2022 gubernatorial campaigns, and her chief of staff, Kristen Wilder, previously worked at Fair Fight Action. This intertwining of political and legal roles has fueled accusations of conflict of interest.
In 2018, Fair Fight hired Lawrence-Hardy’s firm to lead a lawsuit claiming that Georgia’s voting laws disenfranchised minorities. Abrams alleged she was “robbed” of the election by Kemp’s discriminatory practices. During the trial, Lawrence-Hardy labeled it “a modern-day Jim Crow,” framing Abrams as a key figure in resisting President Trump and advocating for Black Lives Matter.
However, in September 2022, a federal court dismissed the case, ordering Fair Fight to pay over $231,000 in court costs. The lawsuit had to prove intentional discrimination, a high bar that Fair Fight could not meet. Judge Steve C. Jones, appointed by Obama, ruled that there was no “direct evidence of a voter who was unable to vote.”
Despite the dismissal, Lawrence-Hardy’s firm continued to receive substantial fees. In 2019, the firm billed Fair Fight $3.1 million, with the amount peaking at $6.4 million in 2020. Even after the lawsuit’s dismissal, the firm received millions more in 2021 and 2022.
The financial dealings between Fair Fight Action and Lawrence-Hardy’s firm have prompted scrutiny from various quarters. The intertwining of Abrams’ political ambitions and nonprofit activities has been a point of contention. The transparency and ethical considerations of these actions continue to be a topic of discussion among observers.
Darnell Thompkins is a Canadian-born American and conservative opinion writer who brings a unique perspective to political and cultural discussions. Passionate about traditional values and individual freedoms, Darnell’s commentary reflects his commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue. When he’s not writing, he enjoys watching hockey and celebrating the sport that connects his Canadian roots with his American journey.