Dear John,
A component of the work of Lawyers Defending American Democracy includes meticulous research to support the filing of detailed ethics complaints against lawyers who violate their oath and the rules of professional responsibility. Such complaints, based on publicly available information, present challenges to disciplinary authorities historically tasked with investigating lawyers who are accused of wrongdoing based on personal information from clients or others directly involved.
LDAD is committed to helping those involved in the lawyer disciplinary process understand the unique harms that arise from the ethics complaints it files, often in conjunction with other distinguished organizations, law professors, former judges, and prominent lawyers. We focus on those cases where the violations are based on facts that undermine the rule of law and potentially endanger the entire country.
LDAD’s recent ethics complaint against Attorney General Pamela Bondi, submitted as part of a coalition of other distinguished signers, was dismissed without review by The Florida Bar. Although we will have more to say on this later, it is inconsistent with any reading of the rules of professional responsibility that a lawyer licensed in a particular state could be considered beyond the reach of the same ethics requirements that apply to every other lawyer in that state.
We all need to engage disciplinary authorities around the country in dialog to stress the importance of investigating complaints against public figures. We are grateful that LDAD co-founder and board member Gershon M. (Gary) Ratner was invited to participate in an important panel presentation at the American Bar Association’s 50th National Conference on Professional Responsibility. The panel’s and Gary’s insightful analysis were covered by Bloomberg Law in its article, CONFERENCE REPORT: Attorney Discipline Moves Into Public Eye.
In other activity, LDAD continues collaborating with a cadre of volunteer writers for our series in the Fulcrum addressing how the administration’s executive edicts harm individuals throughout the country. This series also demonstrates the link between these executive actions and their roots in the authoritarian blueprint, Project 2025. Please see this article by retired Massachusetts Appeals Court Justice James F. McHugh.
In other LDAD news, Executive Director Lauren Stiller Rikleen was quoted in an International Bar Association article questioning the business strategy of those law firms who capitulated to the President’s demands. Please see: US Presidency: Law Firms Face Targeted Executive Orders that Undermine Independence of Profession.
We continue to be inspired by the growing number of individuals that want to participate in the effort to protect democracy and the rule of law. Please help us continue to respond to the challenges ahead by donating to our work.
Thank you, Lawyers Defending American Democracy
