The National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs (COLPA) is a voluntary association of attorney

Attorney at law

An attorney at law in the United States is a practitioner in a court of law who is legally qualified to prosecute and defend actions in such court on the retainer of clients. Alternative terms include counselor and lawyer...

s whose purpose is to represent the observant Jewish community on legal, legislative, and public-affairs matters.

It was founded by Dr. Marvin Schick

Marvin Schick

Marvin Schick is a former Hunter College and New School for Social Research political-science and constitutional law professor. He is also known for his work in Jewish education.-Career:...

 in 1965, who served as its first president.

Others who have served in that capacity include Julius Berman

Julius Berman

Rabbi Julius Berman received his rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva University in 1959 and, in 1960, graduated NYU School of Law cum laude, first in class.He subsequently served in a leadership capacity at the following organizations:...

 and Allen L. Rothenberg, its current president.

Dennis Rapps is COLPA's Executive Director.

Accomplishments

COLPA has represented, without fee, thousands of individuals and institutions in appearances before Federal and State courts and regulatory agencies throughout the United States and has made presentations before the Supreme Court of the United States

Supreme Court of the United States

The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all state and federal courts, and original jurisdiction over a small range of cases...

, including by renowned constitutional attorney Nathan Lewin.