Dear team,

The Trump administration is violating the First Amendment by trying to intimidate lawyers, and we’re calling it what it is: a direct threat to the freedoms of every American, and an attack on the rule of law.

Last week, the Center joined nearly two dozen nonprofits in filing multiple “friend of the court” briefs to support lawsuits filed by firms targeted by Executive Orders. In these briefs, we argue that President Trump’s orders calling out these firms violate the First Amendment by:

• Chilling the ability of nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations to petition the government by targeting a law firm that has represented clients challenging the administration—raising the threat of retaliation for future legal action.
• Infringing on our right to associate freely with legal counsel by deterring law firms like Perkins Coie from providing pro bono legal services to organizations like the Center.
• Threatening the independence of lawyers and the ability of courts to serve as a check on executive power.

The Center relies on an army of pro bono lawyers to support our innovative legal strategies, research and policy work. But now these critical partners—and the rule of law—are under attack, and we’re not going to let it happen.

President Trump is trying to silence everyday Americans by targeting the lawyers who represent them. This is a direct attack on the right to challenge the government—and we won’t back down. We are taking action to defend our freedoms and protect the rule of law.

Standing firm,

Katie Niejadlik
Global Director, Pro Bono Services