Dear Friends and Supporters:
Today marks the 2nd Anniversary of the public launch of Lawyers Defending American Democracy (LDAD).
In our first ever Open Letter and press release we set forth the core legal and democratic principles which we believed then President Trump and his enablers were systematically and intentionally attacking. We urged leaders of our profession — whose silence had been stunning and enabling — to have the courage to enter the fray to protect and defend these core principles, norms and values.
That first letter garnered 550 signatures. Two years later — thanks to you — our latest letters and statements regarding baseless claims of election fraud, Trump's attempted coup, and unethical behavior by fellow lawyers, state AGs and elected members of Congress, have been supported by thousands, including, increasingly, notable and prominent members of our profession.
With the inauguration and impeachment trial behind us, it is tempting to hope that the deep fissures in our society may resolve themselves. But the events of the presidential transition affirmed that this is not likely.
In terms of or own profession, to this day, few deans, law firm leaders or bar associations have come off the sidelines to demand accountability and to actively join the effort to protect and defend the rule of law.
We now surely understand these principles, norms and values are fragile, not self-enforcing, and not at all universally shared. That is why we will continue our efforts (albeit as a volunteer-based organization) to mobilize our fellow professionals and supporters to restore civility, decency, integrity, and accountability, not only in our community, but in our profession as well.
To this end, please find below our most recent statement, which we hope you might circulate to your networks as part of a continuing effort to recruit new supporters.
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New supporters should be directed to the footer of our website, where they will be able to sign-up for our newsletters if they so choose.
We thank you again for your continued support and participation in this journey to redeem our democracy, revive respect for the rule of law, renew our commitment to our oaths as members of the legal profession, and reinforce the vital center that is essential to the preservation of the institutions and constraints that keep us free.
Thank you.
Signed,
Scott Harshbarger
Chairman and Co-founder, Lawyers Defending American Democracy
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