Attorney General Charity Clark, along with a coalition of 19 other attorneys general, has issued an open letter to the legal community addressing concerns over recent actions by President Trump's administration. The letter criticizes the administration's executive orders targeting law firms due to their advocacy and representation efforts that the Trump administration disfavors.
The correspondence expresses disappointment with several large law firms that have reportedly struck deals with the Trump administration to provide free legal services supporting the President's priorities. The coalition emphasizes the importance of upholding core constitutional principles and the potential dangers posed by the executive orders.
"An attorney zealously advocates for her client, even if the arguments in the case are unpopular. That’s Lawyering 101," stated Attorney General Clark. She further expressed concerns about the administration's threats to retaliate against lawyers representing opposition parties and encouraged her peers to uphold their professional obligations.
The coalition's letter describes the executive orders as unconstitutional, stating they violate protected speech and associational rights, discriminate based on viewpoint, and undermine due process. It warns of these actions paving the way toward authoritarianism.
Significantly, the letter highlights that four law firms—Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, and Susman Godfrey—have taken legal action against the Trump administration. These firms have successfully obtained court orders temporarily blocking the executive orders. Attorney General Clark and the coalition have contributed amicus briefs in support of these cases.
The coalition calls on other law firms and lawyers to reject aligning with the executive orders and to support efforts to preserve the integrity of the legal system. The goal is a unified stance alongside the coalition of attorneys general to maintain legal principles and justice.
A copy of the letter can be accessed for further details.