University of Wisconsin–Madison

Month: May 2025

These judges ruled against Trump. Then their families came under attack

A new Reuters investigation has uncovered a disturbing wave of threats and harassment directed at U.S. federal judges and their families after rulings against the Trump administration. At least 11 judges and their relatives have been targeted, with incidents ranging from online death threats and doxxing to bomb scares, “swatting” incidents, and anonymous pizza deliveries …

Top Lawyer Launches Firm to Defend Officials Targeted by Trump Administration

On May 2, 2025, prominent attorney Abbe Lowell—known for representing Hunter Biden—announced the launch of Lowell & Associates, a new law firm dedicated to defending former government officials and institutions facing politically motivated investigations under the Trump administration. The firm includes former lawyers from Skadden Arps and Winston & Strawn who left over concerns about …

Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump Order Targeting Perkins Coie

On May 2, 2025, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell permanently struck down an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump that targeted the law firm Perkins Coie. The order, which revoked security clearances and government access for all Perkins Coie employees, was ruled unconstitutional. Judge Howell emphasized the unprecedented nature of the order, stating …

Student Amicus Brief Signals Recruitment Troubles for Firms Making Deals With Trump

Over 1,100 law students—30% from top 14 law schools—signed an amicus brief supporting Susman Godfrey’s lawsuit challenging a Trump executive order that threatens its attorneys and clients. The brief signals growing student resistance toward Big Law firms that negotiated with the Trump administration for immunity from the order. Many students are now rethinking summer positions …

Justice department civil rights division loses 70% of lawyers under Trump

Since January 2025, over 250 attorneys—roughly 70%—have left, been reassigned, or accepted deferred resignation offers from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, signaling an unprecedented weakening of the agency responsible for enforcing federal civil rights law. This mass exodus follows the appointment of Trump ally Harmeet Dhillon, who has refocused the division’s priorities …

In Suits and Ties, Lawyers Protest Trump’s Attacks on the Legal System

On May 1, 2025, over 1,500 lawyers gathered at Foley Square in New York City—and thousands more across 50 U.S. cities—as part of the National Law Day of Action to protest President Trump’s attacks on the legal system. Organized by legal professionals, the demonstrations highlighted growing concern over the president’s efforts to undermine the judiciary, …

Letter Opposing the Confirmation of Ed Martin as U.S. Attorney

On May 1, 2025, the Society for the Rule of Law Institute submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee strongly opposing the confirmation of Ed Martin as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Citing his history of extreme rhetoric and ideological advocacy, the Institute warned that Martin lacks the character and competence required …