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 …
Lawyers Against Democratic Decline
Council of Europe convention on protecting lawyers opens for signature
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 …
Race to lead D.C. lawyers’ association grows heated amid attacks on law firms
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 …
‘Hands Off Our Courts’: California Attorneys Rally Against Trump Administration
On May 1, 2025, attorneys across California rallied in defense of judicial independence as part of the national Law Day of Action. In cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, lawyers gathered to oppose …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
Law firm partners back Susman Godfrey in lawsuit over Trump executive order
More than 700 U.S. law firm partners have filed a court brief supporting Susman Godfrey’s lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order, which targets law firms representing clients opposed to his administration. The executive order …