Robin Thurston is Legal Director at Democracy Forward.

Robin has been at Democracy Forward since 2017, during which time she has represented local governments, unions, and non-profit organizations in litigating against government misconduct and anti-democratic policies. She has also led Democracy Forward’s regulatory advocacy work, bringing a diverse range of perspectives and expertise into federal policymaking.

Prior to joining Democracy Forward, she served as a trial attorney in the Federal Programs Branch of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. In this position, she defended high profile challenges to government policies and programs. Earlier in her career, Robin enforced consumer protection laws at the Federal Trade Commission.

Robin clerked for the Honorable Paul L. Friedman of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. She holds a J.D., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. in History with High Honors from Stanford University.

Featured Lawsuits
  • Education

SurvJustice, Equal Rights Advocates & Victim Rights Law Center v. DeVos

Challenging the Trump Administration's discriminatory Title IX policy, which removed important protections for survivors of sexual violence, in partnership with organizations that support survivors.

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  • Civil Rights
  • Economy
  • Labor

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, NWLC v. OMB

Challenging the Trump Administration’s unlawful rollback of equal pay protections on behalf of the National Women’s Law Center and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement

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  • Civil Rights
  • Grants

Facing Foster Care in Alaska, et al. v. Health and Human Services

Stopping a Trump-era rule that sought to unlawfully remove nondiscrimination protections for vulnerable people receiving taxpayer-funded services from HHS grant programs.

Learn more about this lawsuit