Dear John,
Today is Law Day, an annual observance in commemoration of the rule of law, our justice system, and their sacred role in protecting the freedoms and liberty that define this country. Historically, Law Day observances have both inspirational and aspirational roots, for as far as we have come, we know there is a long way to go before we achieve that “more perfect union.”
This Law Day, however, is different. Instead of focusing on dreams for the future, our attention must be directed to stemming the daily assaults on our freedoms. The rule of law, under attack and in peril, is being held together by courts tasked with addressing the hundreds of lawsuits filed in the past hundred days that challenge illegal and unconstitutional presidential edicts.
Our work at Lawyers Defending American Democracy remains singularly focused on responding to the dangers we are facing. Last week we shared with you our Open Letter issued to the nation’s elite law firms, asking them to end their silence and to support the rule of law.
Today, we are sharing four other recent examples of our efforts to meet this moment and protect the norms and principles of our democratic institutions.
LDAD filed an amicus brief in support of Susman Godfrey’s lawsuit against President Trump’s sweeping Executive Order that, left unchallenged, would unconstitutionally and illegally interfere with the functioning of the firm, including what clients and issues could be represented. To read our amicus, please click here. LDAD has previously filed amicus briefs in support of Perkins Coie LLP and Jenner & Block LLP.
We continue with our Fulcrum series addressing the real-world impacts of President Trump’s dismantling of the federal government. This week, we describe how the Trump administration’s implementation of Project 2025’s mandate to purge any words relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion from the entire federal government has dangerous impacts for all of us: The Impact of Trump’s Executive Actions; Efforts to Eliminate DEI.
Our co-founder and board chair, Scott Harshbarger, and LDAD executive director Lauren Stiller Rikleen were guests on WGBH’s iconic Boston Public Radio show hosted by Jim Braude and Margery Eagan to discuss the current disarray in the legal profession resulting from the elite firms who capitulated to the President. Hear the segment at Boston Public Radio.
In an article for The Contrarian about the President’s first 100 days, former LDAD board member and current volunteer, retired Massachusetts Appeals Court Judge James McHugh, wrote, “This is no longer about politics. It's about whether the rules, norms and modes of collective behavior that have guided this Nation through extraordinarily difficult periods will long endure.” To read the full article, see: The first 100 days – then and now.
We are living in extraordinary times that require constant advocacy to prevent our democracy from further backsliding. We all must ensure that there will be many more Law Days ahead where we can celebrate the triumph of the rule of law in our country. LDAD’s work depends solely on individual contributions like yours. Please join us in our efforts by donating to LDAD, a 501(c)(3) organization, by clicking here.
Lawyers Defending American Democracy
