University of Wisconsin–Madison

Archive

National Judicial College joins in national statement defending judicial independence

On May 1, 2025, the National Judicial College (NJC) joined several major judicial organizations in issuing a powerful joint statement defending judicial independence amid escalating threats and political pressure. The statement reaffirms that judges must be free to rule according to the law and Constitution without fear of intimidation or violence, echoing recent comments by …

Amicus Brief: Solo and Small Firm Lawyers Support Susman Godfrey LLP

This document is an amicus brief filed by 777 solo and small firm lawyers in support of Susman Godfrey LLP’s challenge to a 2025 Executive Order issued by President Trump. The brief argues that the order threatens constitutional rights, undermines legal ethics, and endangers the ability of independent lawyers to represent clients—especially those who are politically disfavored. Readers will find a detailed legal argument for why the order should be struck down as unconstitutional.

Piomelli (2009), “The Challenge of Democratic Lawyering”

Democratic lawyers believe-as much of the rest of U.S. society and the bar do not-that ordinary people, acting collectively with peers, receptive professionals, and other allies, can and must play a leading role in efforts to reshape our society and political