Attorney General Rayfield, alongside a coalition of 21 attorneys general, has issued an open letter to the legal community. The letter warns against what they describe as illegal attempts by the Trump administration to deter lawyers from challenging its actions or representing clients disfavored by it. The attorneys general urge the legal community to resist bullying and uphold professional values.
“It is outrageous for political leaders to threaten lawyers because of who their clients are,” Rayfield stated. “Representing unpopular points of view and challenging actions of the powerful are part of the finest traditions of the legal profession. The legal community must stand firm against this bullying to defend the rule of law and the integrity of our justice system.”
The coalition argues that these actions by the administration represent a gross abuse of authority and an attack on legal practice. They note in their letter that President Trump has issued executive orders targeting five law firms, seeking retribution over ideological differences and punishing firms for individual attorneys' actions representing clients adverse to him or his supporters. A memorandum was also issued threatening all law firms engaging in litigation against the federal government.
These orders cancel government contracts with targeted firms, strip attorneys' security clearances, and bar them from public buildings while violating client privacy by mandating contract disclosures with targeted firms. President Trump has also condemned individual attorneys for representing clients challenging his administration’s actions.
One order calls on the U.S. attorney general, in consultation with state attorneys general, to investigate law firms with diversity, equity, and inclusion programs or policies.
The chilling effect was quickly evident as one targeted firm conceded to demands by abandoning diversity practices and agreeing to provide $40 million in pro bono work supporting causes favored by President Trump.
In their letter, the attorneys general emphasize lawyers' obligation to uphold the rule of law without succumbing to intimidation by dropping clients or refusing cases due to fear of retribution. They encourage support among colleagues and assert they will not allow political attacks through their offices against unfavored viewpoints.
Finally, they condemn baseless attacks on federal judges ruling against President Trump and his allies, urging the legal community to oppose such attacks including impeachment calls for judges opposing administration actions.
Joining Attorney General Rayfield are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan Minnesota Nevada New Jersey New Mexico New York Rhode Island Vermont Washington