Since beginning his second term, Donald Trump has installed sycophants to lead the Department of Justice, U.S. attorney’s offices and the FBI. He has fired Inspectors General and purged career lawyers from key positions. Lawyers who prioritized their ethical obligations over loyalty to Trump have been dismissed and replaced with those willing to do whatever it takes to remain in his good graces.
Meanwhile, Trump has targeted lawyers and law firms through unconstitutional and illegal executive orders and memoranda designed to punish those who dare to oppose him. While some have stood tall and refused to be intimidated, others are simply trying to stay out of his crosshairs.
Some of the nation’s largest law firms have bent the knee and agreed to collaborate in his efforts to undermine the rule of law. Collectively, these firms have committed nearly $1 billion in free legal services to support his pet causes.
At the same time, a constellation of right-wing legal organizations continues to raise money from pro-Trump billionaires to advance their MAGA agenda. Although pro-democracy law firms and legal nonprofits continue to do their part, the combination of hardcore government loyalists, $1 billion in pro-Trump pro bono work and an energized right-wing legal infrastructure poses an existential threat.
Like many professions facing an authoritarian regime, much of the legal industry has remained in denial. When Pam Bondi was nominated as Attorney General, too many lawyers stayed silent. They overlooked her record as a Trump loyalist and election denier, hoping for the best.
When DOJ lawyers began defending indefensible policies…
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