Lauren Hackett is Legal Counsel at the Independence Law Center where she joined in March 2024. In her current role, Lauren assists public school boards navigate the weighty and sensitive legal issues relating to gender identity, free speech, and parental rights. Lauren has also authored state legislation, numerous amicus briefs, and regularly advises clients on matters relating to the protection of life, religious liberty, and the family.

Prior to joining ILC, Lauren had an extensive career in public service where she began as a judicial law clerk, then served as both an Assistant District Attorney and Public Defender. For numerous years, she served on the Board of Directors of two grassroots nonprofits in Western Pennsylvania where she currently resides, supporting those with mental illness, physical disabilities, and addiction recovery.