Protecting Those Who Protect: Inside PORAC’s Legal Defense Fund

This episode of On the Job with PORAC dives deep into the PORAC Legal Defense Fund (LDF), a cornerstone benefit for California peace officers and law enforcement across the U.S. Hosted by Brian Marvel and Ben Theriault, the conversation features Alan Kubiama, Chair of the LDF, and Fred Robotham, National Executive Director, who trace the fund’s origins to a grassroots effort in the Bay Area over 50 years ago. What began as a community-driven hat-passing to support officers facing prosecution has evolved into a robust, member-governed, nonprofit ERISA trust with over $80 million in reserves and coverage for more than 161,000 members nationwide. The LDF provides 24/7 emergency legal representation, vetted top-tier attorneys, and access to expert witnesses—critical in today’s high-stakes environment where use-of-force incidents, body camera footage, and multiple investigations (criminal, internal, administrative) can jeopardize careers. The episode emphasizes that while the fund is a small investment—comparable to a daily coffee—it offers unlimited protection against legal costs that can exceed a million dollars, with no reimbursement even after acquittal. The leadership structure, composed of active peace officers, ensures that trustees understand frontline realities and can advocate for members when claims are denied. The LDF’s strength lies in its scale, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to protecting not just careers, but families and livelihoods in an increasingly hostile legal landscape.