Attorney General Nick Brown, alongside a coalition of 21 attorneys general, has issued an open letter to the legal community addressing alleged attempts by the Trump administration to deter lawyers from challenging its actions or representing clients not favored by the administration. The attorneys general urge legal professionals to resist bullying and uphold professional values.
"The legal community is a key pillar in our system of checks and balances, and helps protect people from tyranny," said Brown. "The president attacking some law firms and demanding loyalty from others is clearly meant to bend the justice system to his will. I urge attorneys across Washington state to resist this attack on the rule of law."
The coalition argues that recent actions by President Trump are unconstitutional and represent an abuse of authority. According to their letter, executive orders have been issued against five law firms as retribution for ideological differences, with further threats against any firm engaging in litigation against the federal government.
These actions include canceling government contracts with targeted firms, revoking security clearances for their attorneys, barring them from public buildings, and violating client privacy by mandating contract disclosures. Additionally, individual attorneys have been condemned for representing clients opposing the administration.
One executive order calls for investigations into law firms with diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Affected firms are reportedly facing pressure to abandon such practices and provide pro bono work aligned with Trump's interests.
The letter emphasizes lawyers' obligation to uphold the rule of law without succumbing to intimidation. The coalition asserts it will not allow political attacks on law firms holding differing viewpoints.
Brown and his colleagues also condemn attacks on federal judges ruling against Trump and urge the legal community to oppose such measures. Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul led this effort, joined by attorneys general from several states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont.
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