Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

May 7, 2024 at 5:17 PM

LDAD Ethics Complaint Update

Nearly three years ago, Lawyers Defending American Democracy, joined by former State Bar of Texas presidents, Texas legal ethics experts, and other distinguished Texas lawyers, filed a 31-page complaint against Texas Attorney General Warren Kenneth Paxton, Jr., a Texas-licensed lawyer. Dear Colleagu…

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May 1, 2024 at 12:21 PM

The Promise of Law Day and LDAD’s Commitment

May 1 marks the annual observance of Law Day, to recognize and celebrate the rule of law. As bar associations around the country undertake Law Day programming, lawyers should consider how they can engage to protect our democratic institutions. Dear Colleagues and Friends, May 1 marks the annual obs…

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April 17, 2024 at 4:39 PM

How Not to Restore Public Confidence in the Supreme Court

Please join our request to Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, seeking Justice Thomas’ recusal from the presidential immunity case being heard next week. Dear Colleagues and Friends,  This will be the last opportunity to join thousands of other supporters in our request to Supreme Court Chief …

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April 11, 2024 at 8:53 PM

The Harmful Lies Behind Bans on Gender Affirming Care; Seeking Justice Thomas’ Recusal; LDAD’s Good News

In LDAD’s report, Marching Towards Autocracy – How States Are Failing Democracy – And What We Can Do About It, we analyzed fundamental democratic principles under assault. Dear Colleagues and Friends, In LDAD’s report, Marching Towards Autocracy – How States Are Failing Democracy – And What We Can …

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April 1, 2024 at 5:38 PM

Let your voice be heard at the Supreme Court

If you have already signed our letter calling on Justice Clarence Thomas to recuse himself from the case of Unites States v. Trump, we thank you. We are continuing our signature-gathering efforts to ensure that as many voices as possible are heard all the way to the Supreme Court. Dear Colleagues an…

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March 29, 2024 at 2:27 PM

TAKE ACTION: Call on Justice Thomas to Recuse Himself in United States v. Trump

The stability of the rule of law depends on trust and confidence in the justice system. That is why we ask you today to sign our letter calling on the recusal of Justice Clarence Thomas from the case of Unites States v. Trump. Dear Colleagues and Friends, The stability of the rule of law depends on …

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March 28, 2024 at 1:10 PM

Judge Recommends Disbarment for John Eastman: LDAD's Impactful Work & How You Can Support

A judge of the State Bar Court of California has just recommended that John Eastman be disbarred for his role in trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Dear Colleagues and Friends, A judge of the State Bar Court of California has just recommended that John Eastman be disbarred for his ro…

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March 26, 2024 at 11:31 PM

No Candor, No Credibility

The health of our democracy is dependent on a trusted media that exposes and repudiates disinformation. When it hired former Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel, NBC undermined its critical role as a respected media platform. Dear Colleagues and Friends, The health of our democracy i…

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February 29, 2024 at 4:11 PM

Justic Delayed is Justice Denied

Yesterday’s Supreme Court decision to hear the appeal of the presidential immunity claim is the ultimate example of the adage: justice delayed is justice denied. Faith in the Supreme Court’s impartiality can only continue to plummet after this inexplicable action. Dear Colleagues and Friends, Yester…

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February 7, 2024 at 4:49 PM

Your voice mattered

Yesterday, in an action that major media outlets have called “stunning” and “dramatic,” the House vote to impeach Department of Homeland Security Mayorkas failed. This was an important victory for the Constitution. Dear Colleagues and Friends, Yesterday, in an action that major media outlets have ca…

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February 1, 2024 at 2:18 PM

One Step Closer to Impeachment: Your Voice Matters!

The House Homeland Security Committee has now voted to impeach Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The House Speaker has indicated he will seek a full House vote on impeachment next week.Colleagues and Friends, The House Homeland Security Committee has now voted to impeach Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. T…

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January 30, 2024 at 6:26 PM

URGENT: Act Today to Oppose Illegal Impeachment

Today, the House Homeland Security Committee is meeting to advance two articles of impeachment against the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. And the House Speaker has promised a full House vote on impeachment as soon as possible. URGENT:  Join LDAD in Opposing the Unconst…

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January 29, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Demand Congress Cease its Unconstitutional Misuse of the Impeachment Power

Contrary to the foundational principles of constitutional democracy, the United States House of Representatives is seeking to impeach the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, over disagreements about immigration policy at the southern border. This effort is both unconstitut…

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January 24, 2024 at 5:59 PM

News Roundup from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

We have some exciting updates to share with you regarding Lawyers Defending Democracy and our ongoing efforts to promote justice and uphold the principles we stand for. Here are three key updates.Colleagues and Friends, Below is a roundup of recent news, including an important update about a recent…

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January 5, 2024 at 4:55 PM

Analyzing State-Level Threats to Democracy, Arizona's Election Audit, and Campuses in Crisis

In these first days of the new year, we are mindful of the extraordinary challenges ahead in 2024, and we are off to a busy start.Colleagues and Friends, In these first days of the new year, we are mindful of the extraordinary challenges ahead in 2024, and we are off to a busy start.  LDAD has rele…

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December 21, 2023 at 3:21 PM

Catch Up on Last Week's Key Moments and Achievements

We hope this message finds you well. As we gear up for the week ahead, we wanted to ensure you caught up on the noteworthy moments and accomplishments from the past week. Colleagues and Friends, We hope this message finds you in good health and resolute in our joint commitment to safeguard the fun…

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December 18, 2023 at 2:48 PM

Unveiling a Disturbing Trend: Landmark Report Exposes Erosion of Democracy in States, Urges Immediate Action

Today, Lawyers Defending American Democracy (LDAD) is pleased to announce the release of a groundbreaking report, "Marching Towards Autocracy: How States are Failing Democracy – And What We Can Do About It." Dear John,  Today, Lawyers Defending American Democracy (LDAD) is pleased to announce the re…

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  The Board, Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

December 14, 2023 at 7:38 PM

Unveiling Our Year in Review: Defending the Rule of Law in Challenging Times

Today, we send you this comprehensive report on the activities of our work at Lawyers Defending American Democracy (“LDAD”) this past year.Colleagues and Friends, As the year comes to a close, we are proud to share with you a comprehensive overview of the impressive strides we've made together in d…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

November 27, 2023 at 11:48 PM

Giving Tuesday, plus a Special Event

Beyond our collective regard for American Democracy, a unifying trait of our supporters is the desire to give. Whether we are giving our support, time, wisdom, or dollars, a generosity of spirit pervades our interactions with this Community. Dear John, Beyond our collective regard for American Democ…

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November 20, 2023 at 4:22 PM

Join Us for a Fireside Chat: "What is the Future of American Democracy."

Speakers include Peggy Quince, Retired Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court and LDAD's Executive Director, Lauren Stiller Rikleen.JOIN US FOR A FIRESIDE CHAT "WHAT IS THE FUTURE OFAMERICAN DEMOCRACY?" SPEAKERS Peggy QuinceRetired Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court Board Member, LDAD La…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

November 7, 2023 at 3:49 PM

Our Inflection Point: A Note from our Executive Director

Existential threats to our democratic freedoms cannot be solved by empty “whataboutism” questions that serve only to distract from the work required to bridge partisan divides and reverse the increased virulence we face. We can retain our varied perspectives as long as we have a collective commitmen…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 31, 2023 at 5:05 PM

To Disbar or Not to Disbar: Updates on Atty. Chesebro's Guilty Plea

As LDAD describes to bar authorities in New York and California, the conduct that Mr. Chesebro has now admitted – conspiracy to file a false election certificate – requires his disbarment, notwithstanding assertions by his defense counsel that he will retain his law license. Dear John,  Since master…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 5, 2023 at 1:48 PM

Responding to our embattled democracy

In a recent stark message, President Biden spoke of the dangers to “our institutions of democracy … from attacks within.” He warned that such an “extreme agenda, if carried out, would fundamentally alter the institutions of American democracy as we know it.” Dear John, In a recent stark message, Pre…

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September 28, 2023 at 8:50 PM

LDAD Makes Supplemental Filings to its Guiliani and Chesebro Complaints

Our colleague, Dennis Aftergut, wrote in The Hill that Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey should resign in light of the serious allegations of bribery detailed in last week’s 39-page indictment. Dear John, For our branches of government to function effectively, we must be able to trust that publi…

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September 8, 2023 at 1:30 PM

Stirring Commentary From Former Florida Chief Justice Peggy Quince, and Other Updates

LDAD Board member and former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, Peggy Quince, wrote a moving commentary for Bloomberg Law, reflecting on her own experiences and stressing the importance of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive justice system. Dear John,  LDAD Board member and former Chief Jus…

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August 23, 2023 at 8:35 PM

Accountability is upheld in Texas

We are pleased to report that a Texas Court of Appeals recently recognized the principle that high-ranking lawyers in state government are subject to disciplinary rules, just like any other lawyer alleged to violate their ethical obligations. Dear John, We are pleased to report that a Texas Court of…

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August 15, 2023 at 5:47 PM

Whitewashing History: Please Sign & Share

An increasingly dangerous authoritarian movement is sweeping our country, undermining public education, and harming children by denying them an honest analysis of America’s past and open conversations about the present. Dear John,  Government actions that fictionalize the teaching of American histor…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

August 10, 2023 at 1:38 PM

Whitewashing History — An Urgent Call to Action

An increasingly dangerous authoritarian movement is sweeping our country, undermining public education, and harming children by denying them an honest analysis of America’s past and open conversations about the present. Dear John,  An increasingly dangerous authoritarian movement is sweeping our cou…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

August 2, 2023 at 1:04 PM

The Indictment: An Inflection Point in History

Yesterday’s indictment of Donald Trump serves as an inflection point for this country. How we respond to a process that has no precedent in American history will send a message to the world about the strength of our democracy. Dear John,  Yesterday’s indictment of Donald Trump serves as an inflectio…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

July 20, 2023 at 11:30 AM

We have to ask...

If you're receiving this email from us today it means you're someone who believes in — and fears for  — our democracy and in LDAD's mission to protect it. Dear John,  If you're receiving this email from us today it means you are someone who believes in — and fears for  — our democracy and LDAD's mis…

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July 12, 2023 at 1:12 PM

LDAD's Latest in Bloomberg Law Examines Supreme Anomaly

Failing to impartially apply traditional principles of constitutional interpretation undermines the Supreme Court’s role as a fair interpreter of the law and erodes the public’s trust in the rule of law. A decision like that in Moore should be the norm, rather than be celebrated as an anomaly from a…

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July 7, 2023 at 10:47 PM

LDAD Statement Re: Report Calling for Rudolph Giuliani's Disbarment

In an important step for the legal profession and the rule of law, the Hearing Committee for the Board on Professional Responsibility of the DC Bar has issued a Report and Recommendation that Rudolph Giuliani be disbarred for actions he took in Pennsylvania to overturn the 2020 election. In its deci…

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July 1, 2023 at 1:12 AM

Our response to this Court’s evisceration of rights cannot be despair

It is time to outright reject the characterization of this Supreme Court as composed of a conservative majority and liberal minority. The Court has demonstrated that it is now dominated by ideologs with an agenda to remove rights and protections carefully developed and built upon over decades of jur…

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June 22, 2023 at 7:50 PM

Justice Alito makes the case for LDAD's Supreme Court Code of Ethics

The question can no longer be whether the Supreme Court should be subject to a Code of Conduct. The answer is clearly yes. We need to move the conversation towards the identification of specific provisions. Our draft code invites that discussion. Dear John,  Yet again, there is reason to lose trust …

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June 8, 2023 at 2:13 PM

LDAD Files Amicus Brief Against Texas Attorney General

LDAD and sixteen distinguished Texas Bar members recently filed an amicus brief in a Texas Court of Appeals case against Texas Attorney General Kenneth Paxton.  Dear John,  LDAD and sixteen distinguished Texas Bar members recently filed an amicus brief in a Texas Court of Appeals case against Texas …

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

May 23, 2023 at 7:31 PM

The War on "Woke"

LDAD board member and former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, Peggy Quince, wrote movingly for Bloomberg Law about the way in which the term has been hijacked for political purposes with profoundly damaging results: Dear John,  The word “woke” has entered our vernacular as a pejorative te…

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May 10, 2023 at 3:12 PM

LDAD recognizes Arkansas College Student as a Democracy Hero

Threats to the rule of law are as much a reality within our own communities as they are nationally. It is at the local level where we find our current democracy hero, Alex Barnett. Dear John,  Threats to the rule of law are as much a reality within our own communities as they are nationally. It is a…

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April 25, 2023 at 3:14 PM

Pushing Back Against False Truths

In the movie, the Glass Onion, Kate Hudson’s Birdie – with self-admiration and a lack of introspection – announced that she is a “truth-teller.” In response, the detective played by Daniel Craig drolly noted, “It’s a dangerous thing to mistake speaking without thought for speaking the truth.”  Dear …

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April 12, 2023 at 1:12 PM

Working together to protect democracy

We are also grateful that a long-time supporter heard our call and stepped forward with an additional matching gift. Doug Hauer, a partner at Mintz, and his spouse, Jack Gilad, have provided an additional $10,000 to extend our current match campaign to $25,000! Dear John, First: THANK YOU to all tho…

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April 5, 2023 at 9:34 PM

Tennessee: A battleground for democracy

Less than one week ago, Tennessee state lawmakers acted with alarming speed and without a legitimate process to expel three of their colleagues for leading an anti-gun demonstration in the House. Dear John,  The fight to preserve democracy is being waged within each state – local clashes that have s…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

March 29, 2023 at 2:42 PM

Your support matters more than ever.

We have no intention of slowing down our efforts to prevent the backsliding of our democracy – but please: WE NEED YOUR HELP. For a limited time, our volunteer Board is offering a $15,000 dollar matching gift for donations made between now and April 5. Dear John, Timing can be tricky – allow us to m…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

March 22, 2023 at 7:31 PM

We need your help

Since Day 1, our organization has been led by a dedicated and impassioned Board of volunteers — lawyers who have dedicated their time away from their families and other obligations to fight against American authoritarianism. Today, they take this dedication further, by offering a $15,000 dollar matc…

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March 15, 2023 at 7:29 PM

LDAD Complaint Featured on MSNBC

Last night, LDAD's ethics complaint against Cassidy Hutchinson’s attorney, Stefan Passantino, was featured in the opening segment of the Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC. Dear John,  Last night, LDAD's ethics complaint against Cassidy Hutchinson’s attorney, Stefan Passantino, was featured …

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

March 9, 2023 at 3:15 PM

Major Announcement

At a time when public trust in the Supreme Court of the United States is at an historic low, the implementation of a formal code of conduct is necessary to restore confidence in this critical institution. Dear John, At a time when public trust in the Supreme Court of the United States is at an histo…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

March 7, 2023 at 5:24 PM

LDAD Seeks Disbarment of Cassidy Hutchinson’s Attorney Stefan C. Passantino

Prior to his representation of Ms. Hutchinson, Mr. Passantino served as a member of Donald J. Trump’s Office of White House Counsel. The 18-page complaint meticulously sets forth the evidence against Mr. Passantino that demonstrates how he failed in his duty to represent his client, and instead prot…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

March 7, 2023 at 5:20 PM

LDAD Seeks Disbarment of Cassidy Hutchinson’s Attorney Stefan C. Passantino

Prior to his representation of Ms. Hutchinson, Mr. Passantino served as a member of Donald J. Trump’s Office of White House Counsel. The 18-page complaint meticulously sets forth the evidence against Mr. Passantino that demonstrates how he failed in his duty to represent his client, and instead prot…

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February 14, 2023 at 7:34 PM

Can we connect?

In these difficult Twitter days, we would particularly like to increase our presence on LinkedIn as we look at additional social media options for communicating about the continued critical challenges facing our democracy.Colleagues and Friends, These days, there are many ways to follow the news and…

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February 10, 2023 at 4:04 PM

LDAD's Executive Director Edits Revealing New Book on Female Judges

Lawyers Defending American Democracy is proud to share with you information about an upcoming book edited by our executive director, entitled: Her Honor –Stories of Challenge and Triumph from Women Judges. The book contains nuanced, personal stories by and about some of the nation’s most respected w…

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January 27, 2023 at 8:40 PM

CA Disciplinary Authority Files Charges Against John Eastman

Yesterday, the State Bar of California filed disciplinary charges against John Eastman for his role in attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election. LDAD commends the Office of Chief Trial Counsel for seeking to hold Mr. Eastman accountable.Colleagues and Friends, Yesterday, the State Bar …

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January 25, 2023 at 9:51 PM

Trump's “Revenge” Lawsuit and What It Means for Lawyers

Last week, Federal District Court Judge Donald Middlebrooks issued an order assessing nearly one million dollars in sanctions against Donald Trump and his lawyer, Alina Habba, for a lawsuit filed against 31 individuals and entities, including Hillary Clinton and former FBI Director James Comey.Colle…

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