Attorney General Kathy Jennings, in collaboration with a coalition of 21 other state attorneys general, has issued an open letter to the legal community addressing what they describe as illegal efforts by the Trump administration. The letter, distributed on Wednesday, warns against attempts to dissuade lawyers from challenging the administration or representing clients deemed politically unfavorable.
The letter, sent to the nation's 100 largest law firms, urges legal professionals to stand firm against intimidation and uphold their professional values. Jennings emphasized the crucial role lawyers play, noting, "Lawyers have never had a more important job. The law is fundamentally a promise of fairness." She further stated the importance of resilience, "For this country to survive, all of us have to be resolute in spite of—indeed, because of—his threats."
The coalition alleges that the Trump administration has demonstrated a pattern of unconstitutional actions and has attacked legal practices, particularly through recent executive orders targeting five law firms based on ideological differences. According to the letter, these actions include canceling government contracts with the firms, stripping security clearances, and barring lawyers from public buildings. Additionally, there are accusations of violating client privacy and condemning individual attorneys who represent clients opposing the administration.
One contentious order reportedly calls on the U.S. attorney general, in consultation with state attorneys general, to investigate law firms with programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion—a move that Jennings and her colleagues refuse to support.
The coalition highlights the chilling effects of these actions, noting that at least one firm has already conceded to the administration's demands by abandoning its diversity practices and committing $40 million in pro bono work aligned with President Trump's interests.
In the letter, attorneys general emphasize the obligation of lawyers to maintain the rule of law and resist intimidation. The coalition also makes clear their refusal to use their offices for political vendettas against firms with opposing viewpoints.
Jennings and her colleagues condemn what they describe as unfounded attacks on federal judges who rule against the administration and call on the legal community to oppose such actions, including impeachment calls against opposing judges.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul of Illinois co-leads the coalition with Jennings. The group includes state attorneys general from several states such as Arizona, California, and New York, among others, alongside the District of Columbia.