Our Mission
Launched in 2006, the Appignani Humanist Legal Center is the legal arm of the American Humanist Association. The Legal Center’s team of attorneys, through trial and appellate litigation, amicus activity, and other legal work, provide the zealous advocacy that humanists and others need to defend constitutional rights and strengthen the wall of separation between church and state.
Our legal staff includes Legal Director Amitai Heller, Legal and Policy Assistant Claire Mulvey, plus a network of volunteer attorneys from around the country.
Our Staff
Amitai Heller is the Legal Director at the American Humanist Association's Appignani Humanist Legal Center, where he brings extensive litigation experience to advance civil rights. He has led a number of successful, high-profile cases in his previous positions, including ones advocating for the rights of dying individuals with Compassion & Choices and fighting for the equal treatment of people with disabilities at Disability Rights Louisiana. Amitai earned his BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and his JD from the City University of New York School of Law.
Claire Mulvey is the American Humanist Association’s Legal and Policy Assistant. An NYC native, she holds a Bachelor’s degree from Providence College, where she majored in History and earned double minors in Political Science and Asian Studies. She is also taking online classes to earn her Master’s degree in Museum Studies, taking coursework in fundraising, public history, and nonprofit stewardship. Before joining the AHA, she worked as a paralegal at a business immigration law firm. She is excited to work with the AHA to enact meaningful change.