New England Legal Foundation

The New England Legal Foundation (NELF) was established in 1977 and focuses on free market principles and reduced government regulation. NELF litigates cases in the New England area on free-market matters it believes are precedent-setting. It also files amicus briefs, hosts a legal intern program and organizes a CEO forum, where they conduct panel discussions on pressing financial and policy issues. Lastly, NELF has launched a recent initiative to address emerging scientific issues such as biotechnology, e-commerce and energy deregulation and their impact on the business community, in order to inform the legal community about scientific questions.

The primary issues NELF litigates concern government regulation, property rights, taxation and employment issues.

Funding
NELF's revenues in 2002 were $704,793, with $789,112 in expenses and $645,228 in assets. Funders include the Sarah Scaife Foundation ($60,000 in 2002, with consistent support for over two decades), the John M. Olin Foundation. Corporate contributors include Exxon ($7,500 since 1998) and Union Carbide ($4,000 in 1994).

Officers

 * Sandra L. Jesse, Esquire, Chair of NELF), Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts in Boston, Massachusetts
 * Martin J. Newhouse
 * Mark T. Beaudouin, Esquire (Vice Chair of NELF), Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of the Waters Corporation in Milford, Massachusetts
 * Pauline M. Booth  (Treasuer of NELF) Managing Director Dispute Analysis & Forensic Services, Alvarez & Marsal in Boston, Massachusetts

Board
For more board members see NELF's "Governance" page on their Web site
 * Susan H. Alexander, Esquire, Biogen Idec, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
 * Brian A. Berube, Esquire, Vice President and General Counsel Cabot Corporation
 * Nelson G. Apjohn, Esquire, Partner Nutter, McClennen & Fish, LLP Boston, Massachusetts
 * John F. Batter, III, Esquire Partner WilmerHale