Lea Patterson speaking into a microphone
In the News
The following interviews, op-eds, and other media or speaking appearances are with or about attorneys now at Butterfield & Patterson:
“Extreme Heat, School Chaplains, Public Art Safety”
Central Florida Public Media, July 9, 2024
An article discussing Lea Patterson’s development of model policies for Texas’s school chaplain law.
“State selects right-wing Texas lawyers to help argue landmark school case”
Reporting from Alaska, Dermot Cole, June 5, 2024
An article about the State of Alaska’s bringing Justin Butterfield, Lea Patterson, and others on as counsel for its education litigation before the Alaska Supreme Court.
“California bans public funding for religious schools. With the courts’ help, these families want to change that.”
San Diego Union-Tribune, May 19, 2024
A news article quoted Justin Butterfield about his representation of some of the families suing California charter schools because of the schools’ religious discrimination.
“Atheists Force A Christian Group Out Of An Elementary School”
KTRH, May 17, 2024
A Houston news station quoted Justin Butterfield with respect to an elementary school’s banning of a student religious club.
“Florida county’s only elementary school pulls Christian club after atheist group complains”
Christian Post, May 7, 2024
A news article quoted Justin Butterfield about a Florida school’s decision to ban a religious student club.
“Church, state and elementary school: Christian club at Florida school spurs backlash”
Tallahassee Democrat, May 6, 2024
A news article quoted Justin Butterfield about a Florida school’s decision to ban a religious student club.
“Easter eggs and the ‘Lemon test’”
Washington Times, April 8, 2024
Lea Patterson wrote an op-ed about the American Egg Board and its apparent confusion about the Establishment Clause.
“Court rejects challenge to Maine law promoting religious discrimination”
World, March 4, 2024
A news article quoting Lea Patterson about Maine’s attempts to circumvent the Supreme Court’s decision in Carson v. Makin.
“Judge denies Maine church’s attempt to ignore anti-discrimination laws”
Fox23, February 29, 2024
A news article quoting Lea Patterson about her representation of the Crosspoint Church of Bangor against the Maine Human Rights Commission for their attempts to prevent Crosspoint Church’s school from being eligible to receive state tuition funding.
“Former Employee Appeals Ruling in Employment Discrimination Case Against Krasner”
Delaware Valley Journal, December 1, 2023
A news article quoting Lea Patterson about her representation of Rachel Spivack against Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner after Krasner refused to accommodate Spivack’s religious convictions about vaccination.
“Religious Liberty at Stake: Fired Philadelphia Assistant DA Takes Case to Appeals Court”
CBN News, November 30, 2023
An article quoting Lea Patterson about representation of Rachel Spivack after Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner refused to accommodate Spivack’s religious convictions about vaccination.
“Justin Butterfield, Esq. & Andrew Langer on The Steve Hook & Bryan McClain Show”
Steve Hook & Bryan McClain, TNT Radio, October 28, 2023
Justin Butterfield discussed a lawsuit in which three California families sued California charter schools because of the schools’ religious discrimination.
“Parents Sue California Schools for Religious Discrimination”
Decision Magazine, October 24, 2023
A magazine quoted Justin Butterfield regarding his representation of three families against California charter schools that engage in religious discrimination.
“Christian homeschooling parents sue California over alleged religious discrimination: ‘Glaring exception’”
Fox News, October 22, 2023
A news article quoted Justin Butterfield regarding his representation of three families against California charter schools that engage in religious discrimination.
“Texas judge who doesn’t want to perform gay marriage ceremonies hopes web designer’s Supreme Court case helps her fight”
Texas Tribune, July 13, 2023
A news article quoted Justin Butterfield regarding Judge Diane Hensley.
“Texas Supreme Court to hear case from sanctioned judge who refused same-sex weddings”
Reuters, June 26, 2023
A news article quoted Justin Butterfield about Judge Diane Hensley’s appeal to the Texas Supreme Court.
“Another Judicial Ethics Story About Judge Kacsmaryk Falls Apart”
The Volokh Conspiracy, Reason, May 1, 2023
An article about a controversy over a law review article written by Justin Butterfield and Stephanie Taub.
“Maine orchestrates back door attack on religious schools”
World, April 4, 2023
A news article quoting Lea Patterson about her representation of Bangor Christian Schools against the Maine Human Rights Commission for their continued religious discrimination after Maine lost at the U.S. Supreme Court.
“School choice is still a big issue”
American Family News, April 3, 2023
A news article quoting Lea Patterson about her representation of Bangor Christian Schools against the Maine Human Rights Commission for their continued religious discrimination after Maine lost at the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Maine law blocking religious schools from tuition payments is ‘poison pill,’ church says in lawsuit”
Washington Times, March 28, 2023
A news article quoting Lea Patterson about Crosspoint Church’s lawsuit against Maine for the state’s attempt to avoid the Supreme Court’s opinion prohibing religious discrimination in the provision of state tuitioning funds.
“Montgomery County judge can continue prayers in courtroom as appeal deadline passes”
Courier of Montgomery County, March 10, 2023
A news article quoting Justin Butterfield regarding victory for Judge Wayne Mack in a lawsuit challenging his ability to open his courtroom with prayer.
“Supreme Court strikes a blow for religious freedom in education”
Fox News, June 22, 2022
Lea Patterson wrote an opinion piece for Fox News about the Supreme Court’s opinion in Carson v. Makin stopping religious discrimination in the use of state tuition funds.
“Supreme Court rules in favor of aid for religious schools in Maine”
KDVR Fox31, June 21, 2022
A news article quoting Lea Patterson about the Supreme Court’s opinion in Carson v. Makinon Maine’s school tuitioning program.
“Better Believe It: Free Exercise and the First Amendment”
Federalist Society, April 23, 2022
Justin Butterfield was a speaker on a panel at the 2022 Federalist Society Midwestern Regional Conference.
“Washington Watch with Chuck Grassley, Justin Butterfield, Matt Heffron, and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya”
Washington Watch, February 2, 2022
Justin Butterfield appeared on Washington Watch to discuss how the U.S. Navy violated a court order regarding COVID vaccine exemptions.
“IRS Reverses After Denying Tax-Exemption to Christian Non-Profit”
Federalist Society, July 14, 2021
Lea Patterson co-wrote an article for the FedSoc Blog about the IRS’s reversal of its decision to withhold tax-exempt status from Christians Engaged because of Christians Engaged’s religious beliefs.
“IRS reverses course, grants tax-exempt status to Christian group it accused of being too political”
Christian Post, July 7, 2021
A news article quoting Lea Patterson about the IRS’s reversal of its decision to withhold tax-exempt status from Christians Engaged.
“IRS blocks tax exempt status for Christian group, not Michelle Obama non-profit”
Kudlow, Fox Business, June 21, 2021
Sandra Smith and Larry Kudlow discuss Lea Patterson’s representation of Christians Engaged with respect to its non-profit status.
“Christian group considered ‘too Republican’ for IRS tax-exemption”
Fox News Primetime, Fox News, June 21, 2021
Lea Patterson and Christians Engaged President Bunni Pounds appeared on Fox News Primetime to discuss the IRS’s denial of Christians Engaged’s tax-exempt status because of its religious convictions.
“IRS Rejects Christian Org’s Application for Tax-Exempt Status; Says Biblical Teachings Are Republican”
Decision Magazine, June 21, 2021
An article quoting Lea Patterson about the IRS’s denial of Christians Engaged’s tax-exempt status because of its religious convictions.
“IRS denies Christian nonprofit tax-exempt status”
Fox And Friends, Fox News, June 20, 2021
Lea Patterson and Christians Engaged President Bunni Pounds appeared on Fox And Friends to discuss the IRS’s denial of Christians Engaged’s tax-exempt status because of its religious convictions.
“IRS denied tax-exempt status to religious group”
Fox News at Night, Fox News, June 18, 2021
Lea Patterson and Christians Engaged President Bunni Pounds appeared on Fox News at Night to discuss the IRS’s denial of Christians Engaged’s tax-exempt status because of its religious convictions.
“First Liberty Appeals Denial of Tax Exemption for Group Alleged to Have Republican Ties”
Newsweek, June 18, 2021
An article quoting Lea Patterson regarding the IRS’s denial of Christians Engaged’s tax-exempt status.
“Washington Watch with Michael Waltz, Meg Kilgannon, Justin Butterfield, Roger Severino, Mike Kelly”
Washington Watch, American Family Radio, June 17, 2021
Justin Butterfield appeared on Washington Watch to discuss the IRS’s denial of Christians Engaged’s tax-exempt status because of its religious convictions.
“IRS VS Christian Engaged”
1440 KEYS Corpus Christi, June 17, 2021
Lea Patterson joined 1440 KEYS Corpus Christi to discuss the IRS’s denial of tax-exempt status to Christians Engaged.
“IRS Denies Religious Group Tax Exempt Status; States ‘Bible teachings’ are ‘affiliated with the Republican party’”
Yahoo! Finance, June 16, 2021
An article quoting Lea Patterson about the IRS’s denial of tax-exempt status to Christians Engaged.
“Convictions reversed for ex-U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown after judges find error removing juror”
Florida Times-Union, May 6, 2021
A news article about the Eleventh Circuit’s reversal of Rep. Corrine Brown’s conviction because a juror was dismissed for receiving guidance from the Holy Spirit.
“Houston synagogue files federal lawsuit claiming city violating its religious rights”
Israel Hayom, April 5, 2021
A news article quoting Justin Butterfield about Houston’s attempt to enforce a deed restriction to shut down the Torah Outreach Resource Center of Houston.
“Prayer and Jury Service: United States v. Brown”
Federalist Society, February 4, 2021
Lea Patterson was the guest speaker on the Federalist Society’s teleforum about the Eleventh Circuit’s en banc argument in United States v. Brown, regarding whether a juror can be removed for receiving guidance from the Holy Spirit.
“New Bedford rescinds stricter COVID guidelines for houses of worship after Supreme Court decision”
Standard-Times, December 4, 2020
A news article quoting Justin Butterfield regarding COVID restrictions on houses of worship.
“‘So Help Me God’: Eleventh Circuit to Review Juror Prayer Case En Banc”
Federalist Society, October 7, 2020
Lea Patterson authored an article for the FedSoc Blog about United States v. Brown, in which a juror was dismissed for receiving guidance from the Holy Spirit.
“Full court to hear appeal of ex-U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown’s conviction on fraud, tax charges”
Florida Times-Union, September 24, 2020
An article quoting Lea Patterson about Rep. Corrine Brown’s appeal of her conviction after a juror was dismissed for receiving guidance from the Holy Spirit.
“Little Sisters decision is a win for religious liberty”
The Hill, July 15, 2020
Justin Butterfield authored an op-ed explaining why the Supreme Court’s opinion in Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania is good for religious freedom.
“Recognizing religious freedom or denying healthcare? 5 reactions to Little Sisters Supreme Court ruling”
Christian Post, July 9, 2020
A news article about the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of the Little Sisters of the Poor quoted Justin Butterfield’s opinions on the ruling.
“Churches’ Rights and Responsibilities When Reopening in the Pandemic”
9Marks, May 26, 2020
Justin Butterfield and Matt Martens co-authored an article guiding churches with respect to reopening during the COVID pandemic.
“Unlawful Limits on Religious Community in the Age of COVID-19”
Federalist Society, April 30, 2020
Justin Butterfield co-wrote an article for the FedSoc Blog about the line between permissible and impermissible restrictions on houses of worship resulting from the pandemic.
“Religious Freedom and the CARES Act”
Federalist Society, April 6, 2020
Justin Butterfield wrote an article for the FedSoc Blog about the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) and its early implications for religious organizations.
“U.S. Supreme Court Vacates Puerto Rico Court Decision that Threatened Church, Religious Freedom”
Business Insider, February 24, 2020
An article quoting Lea Patterson about her representation of Catholic schools in Puerto Rico in a dispute with the territory as to the school’s legal organization.
“Virginia couple wins battle to hold Bible study at retirement center: settlement”
Christian Post, January 17, 2020
An article quoting Lea Patterson about her representation of a couple threatened with eviction for holding a Bible study in their apartment.
“Exploring American Legion: What Shelving Lemon Could Mean for Monuments Litigation”
Federalist Society, September 18, 2019
Lea Patterson authored an article for the FedSoc Blog about The American Legion v. American Humanist Associationand how the Supreme Court moved from the “Lemontest” to the “history and tradition test” for whether a monument comports with the Establishment Clause.
“Defendants Deny Allegations of Religious Discrimination in Eviction Threat of Elderly Christian Couple”
CBN News, July 9, 2019
A news article quoting Lea Patterson regarding her representation of a couple threatened with eviction from their apartment because they hosted a Bible study.
“The Most Precious Freedom”
In the Market with Janet Parshall, June 3, 2019
Lea Patterson appeared to discuss her representation of a couple threatened with eviction for holding a Bible study in their apartment.
“Texas senators weigh religious protection vs. discrimination”
Austin American-Statesman, September 25, 2018
An article quoting Justin Butterfield about his thoughts on the appropriate structure of legal protections for religious conduct.
“Religious Liberty and Conscience Rights in the Trump Era”
Federalist Society, September 8, 2018
Justin Butterfield was a speaker on a panel at the 2018 Federalist Society Texas Chapters Conference.
“Pastor Faces Eviction for Hosting Bible Study at Apartment, Complaint Says”
Crosswalk, September 5, 2018
An article quoting Lea Patterson about her representation of a couple threatened with eviction for holding a Bible study in their apartment.
“The Letter of the Law”
In the Market with Janet Parshall, August 28, 2018
Lea Patterson appeared to discuss her representation of a couple threatened with eviction for holding a Bible study in their apartment.
“Forcing pro-life care centers to promote abortion is violation of the US Constitution”
The Hill, March 21, 2018
Lea Patterson co-authored an opinion piece about National Institute of Life Advocates v. Becerra and the free speech rights of pregnancy resource centers.
“Christians & Our First Amendment Liberties”
True View, July 5, 2017
Justin Butterfield appeared on True View to discuss religious liberty and the First Amendment.
“Church Services Too Loud?”
In the Market with Janet Parshall, January 5, 2016
Justin Butterfield appeared on In the Market with Janet Parshall to discuss his representation of a Louisiana church that was issued a criminal summons for holding services that were “too loud.”
“Church slapped with criminal summons over worship service ‘noise’”
Fox News, December 11, 2015
An article quoting Justin Butterfield about a church whose pastor was issued a criminal summons because the church’s music was audible outside of the building on Sunday mornings.
“Does freedom of religion extend to my classroom?”
AFA Journal, December 2015
An article quoting Justin Butterfield on the extent of religious liberty protections in public schools.
“Acts of Faith”
Common Ground, Community Associations Institute,November–December 2015
A magazine article quoting Justin Butterfield regarding his representation of Congregation Toras Chaim.
“Bellweather? Why This Tiny Synagogue Should Concern You”
CBN News, June 17, 2015
Justin Butterfield appeared in this news story to discuss Congregation Toras Chaim and its rights to exist in its North Dallas neighborhood.
“After Years of Wandering, a Dallas Synagogue Finds a Home—and a Chilly Welcome”
Dallas Observer, April 30, 2015
A news article discussing Justin Butterfield’s representation of Congregation Toras Chaim.
“Dallas Homeowner Again Suing Orthodox Neighbors, This Time Over a Sukkah”
Dallas Observer, April 10, 2015
A news article quoting Justin Butterfield about a lawsuit challenging Jewish religious practice.
“Orthodox Jews say Dallas’ lawsuit is ‘inhibiting right to freely exercise religious faith’”
Dallas Morning News, April 7, 2015
A news article quoting Justin Butterfield regarding his representation of a small Jewish congregation against the City of Dallas.
“Defending our Home Churches”
In the Market with Janet Parshall, February 12, 2015
Justin Butterfield appeared on In the Market with Janet Parshall to discuss his representation of Congregation Toras Chaim in a dispute as to whether this small, Orthodox Jewish congregation could meet in a home.
“The sanctity of a tax break”
Politico, April 28, 2014
This article quotes Justin Butterfield regarding the constitutionality of the parsonage tax exemption.
“Despite Neighbors’ Pleas, Collin County Judge Rules Living-room Synagogue Can Stay Open”
Dallas Observer, April 10, 2014
A news article quoting Justin Butterfield regarding his representation of a small Jewish congregation against the City of Dallas.
“Bellaire views rabbi’s house differently”
Jewish Herald-Voice, December 26, 2013
This article discusses Justin Butterfield’s representation of Rabbi Gavriel Jacknin in a religious land use dispute with Bellaire, Texas.
“JOHNSON AND BUTTERFIELD: High school cheerleaders barred from Bible”
Washington Times, October 3, 2012
Justin Butterfield and now-Speaker of the House Mike Johnson co-authored an op-ed about the Kountze Cheerleaders, who were banned from writing Bible verses on the run-through banners that they made for their high school football team.
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