Statement on the Targeting of Law Firms

The Society for the Rule of Law Institute issued the following statement:

Donald Trump’s executive order against Perkins Coie and other unnamed “representative large, influential, or industry leading law firms” is the most brazen attempt we’ve yet seen to corrupt the legal profession and politicize justice.

Following on the heels of a similar executive order targeting Covington & Burling, it underscores this administration’s disturbing pattern of corruptly using the power of government to reward perceived friends and punish perceived enemies — and to chill everyone’s exercise of their constitutional rights out of fear of being targeted for political retaliation.

Lawyers, simply doing their jobs, have become particular targets, underscoring the threat to the faithful application of the rule of law more broadly. Those who have not yet been targeted will not be spared this treatment, including those operating outside the field of law. Politicized use of government power ultimately threatens all of us and undermines the foundations of a free society.

It is time for us, as attorneys, to decide how we will respond to this type of action. As conservatives who have spent our lives advocating the Constitution, the rule of law, and the faithful application of justice, we choose to support our beleaguered colleagues. We understand that there are those who share our principles, but who prefer to stay silent and hope the moment passes. To them we say: Speak out now, or prepare for the same to happen to you.

To be connected with spokespeople for comment, please contact [email protected]. 

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