'A Change is Gunna Come'
Exciting new changes to this Substack are just around the corner, including in-depth Luigi Mangione trial coverage and Paid Subscriptions!
Hey everyone!
I’m so grateful for your support and the time you’ve spent reading my work—it truly means the world to me. As those of you who have been following for a while know, the content I post here has undergone a lot of rebrands, and can be a bit random. I started out using it as a way to highlight my legal expertise on certain topics, then decided I wanted to feature more personal work than legal-related topics. In textbook ADHD fashion, I have over 10 years worth of half-finished essays and incomplete book chapters, which I eventually dedicated this Substack to completing.
The topics that bring me the most joy and creative spark to write about are from within the genres of law, politics, religion & spirituality, psychology, American culture, and any areas or current events in which these areas intersect—or rather, especially the areas in which these genres intersect. I don’t think there has been a case or current event since perhaps the OJ Simpson trial or the Monica Lewinsky scandal that so perfectly demonstrates the convergence of all of these like that of Luigi Mangione. I might even argue that the Mangione case comes closer to the JFK assassination in the implications it has for the intelligence agencies themselves, the way in which it has divided the country into those who think there is a government cover-up, as well as for American culture, our public policies, and our criminal justice system.
The Luigi Mangione trial is the first case I’ve felt so strongly about that I’ve decided to attend pre-trial hearings and the trial in person, traveling across the country at my own expense to ensure I get my information directly and firsthand. It’s clear I’m not alone in feeling captivated by this case, yet there’s a striking void in how it’s being covered. Legal journalists seem hesitant to approach it with the same rigor or prominence as other high-profile trials, as though there’s a fear of being associated with Mangione—or worse, being perceived as covering him too favorably. Rather than waiting for someone else to fill this gap, I’ve decided to take on the challenge myself and make this my first foray into legal journalism.
In that vein, I’m thrilled to share the exciting news with you that I’m launching Paid Subscriptions on this Substack! This change will allow me to dedicate more time to creating thoughtful, high-quality content while offering exclusive benefits to my most dedicated readers. This will also help me with the cost of traveling to NYC to cover the trial live, as well as attending as many pre-trial hearings in person as is physically possible while continuing to operate my law practice and meet my court obligations here here in Los Angeles.
I will continue writing in my other topic areas, but will be dedicating special coverage and attention to the Luigi Mangione case. There will be a gradual reorganization of this Substack over the next month leading up to the Mangione’s February pre-trial hearings in NYC, which I will be attending in person and providing live coverage on. My hope is that this will be the first of many explorations into reporting on legal cases that, in my view, highlight the most pressing ethical, philosophical, and political questions of our time—questions that are paramount to the success or failure of the American experiment.
Finally, I’ll be introducing a “Pillars of Support” annual plan that is for my most loyal readers and subscribers who want to provide a boost of financial support to me in this transition from a personal to professional Substack. This will help me with costs related to travel for any live trial coverage, as well as the cost of pulling relevant legal documents that are not accessible to the public. It will also help with my reduction of taking on new legal clients in my law practice as I focus on my writing.
What Free Subscribers Get: Free subscribers will still receive select posts, including highlights from the Luigi Mangione case and updates on other topics I cover, like politics, spirituality, and mental health. You’ll also get updates straight to your inbox, so you can stay connected to key developments.
What Paid Subscribers Get: Paid subscribers will unlock the full experience, including live trial coverage with exclusive updates, legal analysis, and even live summaries from court proceedings; in-depth analyses and bonus content that I don’t share anywhere else; and early access to my most important posts, including same-day transcripts and summaries of court proceedings I attend in person. To celebrate this launch, I’m offering a special discounted rate for new paid subscribers! It’s called “The Luigi Special” and you can find a link to it below.
Introducing the Pillars of Support Plan: For my most loyal readers and subscribers, I’m also introducing the Pillars of Support annual plan. This tier is for those who want to go above and beyond in supporting my work and mission. As a Pillar of Support, you’ll receive all the benefits of a paid subscription, plus exclusive perks like behind-the-scenes updates with insights into my research process and trial coverage; special recognition with the option to be acknowledged as a supporter in my work; priority access to significant articles before they’re made available to regular paid subscribers; and exclusive downloads like legal templates, guides, or extended versions of key articles. Your support as a Pillar not only helps me cover the costs of live reporting but also ensures that this space remains independent, thoughtful, and impactful.
Introducing The Luigi Special (20% Off!)
To celebrate this launch, I’m offering a special discounted rate for new paid subscribers!
Monthly Subscriptions: Just $4/month (normally $5)
Annual Subscriptions: Only $40/year (normally $50)
This special rate, which I’ve cleverly called The Luigi Special, is available until February 15th—just in time for the first hearing I’ll be attending on February 17th.
Ready to Subscribe?
Click here to subscribe and take advantage of The Luigi Special:
Your support through a paid subscription—whether as a regular subscriber or a Pillar of Support—allows me to continue covering stories like the Luigi Mangione case, diving deeper into legal analysis, and creating meaningful content across all the topics I love to share. It also ensures I can keep this space alive and growing. Thank you for being part of this journey, whether as a free or paid subscriber. Your readership and support mean everything to me, and I’m excited for what’s ahead!
Best,
Lauren