The Leavitt Institute for International Development (TLI) is dedicated to spreading democracy, ethics, and the rule of law in developing nations.

Organized in 2005 by David and Chelom Leavitt, TLI operates under the premise that seasoned legal professionals can share their experience and knowledge in order to help push democratic reforms.

TLI began with private donations from the Leavitt family and friends and a small handful of volunteers. Today, TLI operates in multiple cities in eastern Europe, teaching and shaping the minds of the next generation of leaders.

As part of its efforts, TLI involves some of the brightest international relations specialists and legal minds throughout the world to teach democratic principles, rule of law, and ethics. TLI teachers are experienced judges, prosecutors, criminal defense attorneys, and legal counselors from the United States and Canada. They lecture on a variety of subjects and make a lasting impression on the minds of their students.

TLI relies on the support of legal professionals willing to travel to developing nations and share their knowledge with ambitious law students. Each professional’s donation of time and resources is small, but its impact is being felt throughout the world.