Environmental protection requires good science, but that science is often entirely missing. With even just a small project, scientists can do a lot to ensure better policy and better protections. Come hear about the experiences of scientists who have worked with public interest attorneys in shaping environmental policy and litigation and case studies in the use and abuse of science. Most importantly, we will discuss ways for scientific researchers to be effective in joining their expertise to the legal staffs in environmental organizations. This session is also intended as a design session for a planned clearinghouse that will act as a conduit for environmental organizations and scientists to work together. By looking to the pressing scientific needs of public interest environmental groups, scientists can steer their efforts to projects that can have a strong benefit for environmental protection. Also, by bringing their concerns to environmental nonprofits, scientists will also be able to shape the priorities for protection. The clearinghouse is likely to be housed by the ESA as a collaboration between NRDC and the ESA. After the initial discussion by our panelists, we will break into small groups and also whole group discussion to brainstorm ways for scientists and attorneys to work together more effectively. At the end of the session, participants will have a much stronger concept of how they can be involved in easy ways, while clearinghouse organizers will have developed stronger use requirements in order to facilitate a better institution.