Four high-profile litigators — Karen Dunn, Bill Isaacson, Jessica Phillips, and Jeannie Rhee — have left elite law firm Paul Weiss to start a new firm unencumbered by restrictions stemming from the firm’s recent deal with the Trump administration. Their departure follows internal tensions over an agreement that critics say could limit the firm’s independence …
Human Rights Watch reports that prominent anti-corruption lawyer Ruth López remains in pretrial detention in El Salvador with her case under judicial seal one year after her arrest, and is urging Salvadoran authorities to grant her a prompt, open, and fair trial, lift the secrecy on her case file, and allow her regular contact with …
In Persuasion, law professor Rebecca Roiphe argues that decades of critical legal theory have undermined the legal profession’s ability to defend against Trump’s authoritarian legal agenda. Rooted in 1970s-era legal academia, the idea that law is merely a tool of power has shaped generations of lawyers. Trump’s view of law—as something to weaponize for political …
As former President Donald Trump begins a second term, Washington is witnessing the rapid emergence of new law firms aimed at defending civil servants and government critics caught in the administration’s sweeping crackdown. In just two weeks, at least three firms have been launched by former Justice Department lawyers and litigators. These firms—including the Civil …
In a major blow to judicial independence, President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo have formally subordinated Nicaragua’s courts to the National Police, according to a leaked directive requiring police approval for all court-ordered property seizures, evictions, and arrests related to property crimes. This effectively places law enforcement—led by Ortega’s son-in-law—above the judiciary in …
In a landmark move for the legal profession, the Council of Europe has opened for signature the first-ever international treaty dedicated to protecting lawyers: the Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer. The announcement came during a ministerial meeting in Luxembourg amid rising concerns about threats, harassment, and political interference targeting legal professionals …
The election for president of the D.C. Bar Association—a traditionally administrative position—has become unexpectedly heated, drawing record voter turnout and national attention. Candidates Brad Bondi, a prominent securities lawyer and brother of Trump’s former attorney general, and Diane Seltzer, a small-firm employment lawyer, offer contrasting visions. Seltzer emphasizes defending the rule of law and protecting …
On May 9, 2025, Donald Trump appointed Judge Jeanine Pirro, a former TV personality and county judge, as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, after withdrawing Ed Martin from consideration. Martin, previously involved in defending January 6 defendants and using his DOJ role to assist them, was reassigned to lead a new …
Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a powerful call to action, urging lawyers to defend the legal system amid escalating political attacks on judges and legal institutions. Speaking at an American Bar Association event in Washington, she emphasized the need for “trained and passionate” lawyers to fight for justice and protect those who cannot defend themselves, warning …
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has accused far-right groups and segments of the judiciary of engaging in “lawfare”—using legal mechanisms to pursue politically motivated cases—against his wife and brother. Both are under investigation for alleged corruption, based on complaints from a group with far-right ties, triggering concerns about judicial politicization. Sánchez’s government has proposed …