Calling, Strategy, and the Supreme Court

What does it take to follow your calling, build a mission-driven organization, and impact the highest court in the land? In this episode, host Dan Cooper sits down with Kelly Shackelford, CEO of First Liberty Institute, to explore the leadership principles behind his work defending religious freedom. Kelly shares how he navigated the choice between ministry and law, the unique business model that has propelled First Liberty’s success as the largest legal nonprofit in the United States, and the long-term strategy that has led to pivotal Supreme Court victories. Along the way, he offers powerful insights on staying the course in the face of challenges and leading with conviction. This episode is an eye-opener for business leaders and anyone passionate about maintaining the freedom to practice faith openly. Gain valuable insights and motivation as Kelly Shackelford shares his vision for preserving religious liberties for future generations.

Episode Summary

0:05 – 0:52 | Introduction

Dan Cooper welcomes listeners to the Sharpen Podcast, brought to you by Acumen.
Introduces guest Kelly Shackelford, CEO of First Liberty Institute.
Highlights Shackelford’s Supreme Court wins, Congressional testimony, and landmark religious liberty cases.

0:54 – 2:00 | What is First Liberty?

Largest nonprofit law firm focused solely on religious freedom.
They provide free legal defense to individuals and organizations unable to afford lawsuits.
Example: 5-year-old Gabriella Perez was told she couldn’t pray at school—First Liberty defended and won her case.

2:01 – 5:59 | Shackelford’s Personal Journey

Considered becoming a pastor or lawyer—realized law was his calling.
Started First Liberty 36 years ago after two lawyers saw a growing need for religious freedom cases.
His faith and legal work have always been connected.

6:09 – 11:00 | How Religious Freedom Cases Have Changed

Earlier cases: Simple disputes over prayer in public spaces.
Today’s cases:
- Government interference in faith itself—not just public displays.
- Pastors being criminally charged for helping homeless people.
- Parental rights battles over religious education.
The good news? First Liberty wins over 90% of its cases.

11:08 – 17:00 | First Liberty’s Unique Legal Model

Unlike other nonprofits, First Liberty doesn’t hire full-time attorneys.
Instead, they partner with elite law firms whose lawyers donate time.
For every $10,000 spent, they receive $60,000 in donated legal services.
Why it works:
- They use top attorneys in each state who know the courts.
- This six-to-one leverage of resources leads to a 90%+ win rate.

17:00 – 25:00 | Recent Supreme Court Victories

4 major Supreme Court wins in 13 months, including:
1. School Choice Victory – States cannot exclude religious schools from funding programs.
2. Workplace Religious Freedom – Employers cannot fire employees for expressing their faith.
3. Coach Kennedy Case – Fired for praying after a game—his victory overturned 50 years of anti-religious precedent.
4. Lemon Case Overturned – This ruling restored legal public religious displays (nativity scenes, Ten Commandments, menorahs).

25:00 – 30:00 | Judicial Appointments & Long-Term Strategy

In 2016, 132 judicial seats were open—First Liberty vetted judges to ensure strong defenders of religious liberty were appointed.
Now, they plan to help seat 150+ new judges in the next two years to shape the courts for decades.
Why this matters: Court rulings today only happen because of the judges appointed years ago.

30:00 – 34:00 | Leadership & Organizational Growth

Shackelford reflects on 36 years of leadership:
- Started as a lawyer, transitioned into organizational leadership.
- Entrepreneurs and business owners face the same challenge:
  - Do you work “in” the business or “on” the business?
- Growth requires infrastructure, fundraising, and leadership shifts.

34:00 – 37:00 | Call to Action & Closing Remarks

Visit FirstLiberty.org to stay updated.
Sign up for the Friday "Insider Alert" to track religious freedom cases.
Businesses & entrepreneurs can download a Faith in the Workplace guide.
Encourages listeners to refer lawyer friends to volunteer.