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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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

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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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

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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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

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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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

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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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

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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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

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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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

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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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

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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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

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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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

January 12, 2023 at 6:33 PM

An Orwellian set of rule changes

This week, in an Orwellian set of rule changes, the House of Representatives effectively gutted the Office of Congressional Ethics (“OCE”), the independent, nonpartisan body overseen by eight board members that was created to investigate complaints about members of Congress. “Defend institutions. I…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

December 21, 2022 at 3:11 PM

Accountability wins the week

Taking its place in history, the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol has completed its work and taken the unprecedented step of making a criminal referral of the former President of the United States to the Justice Department.Colleagues and Friends, T…

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

December 15, 2022 at 11:29 PM

Our First Four Years: A Special Report

Today, we send you this comprehensive report on the history of our work at Lawyers Defending American Democracy (“LDAD”).Colleagues and Friends, Since its inception, LDAD has been a pioneer.  We were the first to submit an ethics complaint against a senior government lawyer who supported the former …

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

December 13, 2022 at 2:51 PM

Reflections on Moore v. Harper

On December 7th, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Moore v. Harper, a case presenting one of the greatest threats to American democracy in the last 250 years.Colleagues and Friends, On December 7th, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Moore v. Harper. The Petitioners, North Carolina …

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

November 29, 2022 at 9:33 PM

Last chance to double your donation

We are grateful to our anonymous donor who offered a five-thousand dollar matching gift for donations made on behalf of Giving Tuesday. We hope that you will respond to this special opportunity with a donation today!Colleagues and Friends, The chance to double the impact of your donation expires a…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

November 29, 2022 at 1:46 PM

Help us ensure that hate never wins

We are grateful to our anonymous donor who offered a five-thousand dollar matching gift for donations made on behalf of Giving Tuesday. We hope that you will respond to this special opportunity with a donation today!Colleagues and Friends, We are grateful to our anonymous donors who offered a five…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

November 28, 2022 at 5:21 PM

Double your donation for Giving Tuesday

An anonymous donor has just stepped forward to match all gifts between now and tomorrow. Please consider a Giving Tuesday donation to LDAD to help us continue and expand upon our work.Colleagues and Friends, Three weeks after the mid-term elections, LDAD continues its focus on protecting democracy …

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

November 8, 2022 at 10:20 PM

The Federalist Society’s Influence on the Courts, and other news: November newsletter

Today, Bloomberg Law published an article by our LDAD colleagues, Peggy Quince and Lauren Stiller Rikleen, entitled: Federalist Society’s Influence on Courts is Bad for Democracy.  Dear John,  Our organization, Lawyers Defending American Democracy, exists because we believe in the need to protect de…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

November 1, 2022 at 2:13 PM

"Intimidation is the bread and butter of terrorism"

As shocking lies are spread about the attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, federal and state law enforcement authorities have moved quickly to file charges against the assailant that could keep him in prison for life.Colleagues and Friends, As shocking lies con…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 28, 2022 at 1:09 PM

LDAD Files Amicus Brief in Moore v. Harper Gerrymandering Case

LDAD filed an amicus brief in Moore v. Harper, a case before the Supreme Court that has sweeping ramifications for how future elections may be decided. Colleagues and Friends, Today, LDAD filed an amicus brief in Moore v. Harper, a case before the Supreme Court that has sweeping ramifications for…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 18, 2022 at 4:18 PM

We heard you: Deadline to sign Chesebro Complaint extended to 10/19

A group of prominent attorneys on Wednesday asked attorney regulators in New York to investigate lawyer Kenneth Chesebro in connection with former U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 electoral loss to Joe Biden.Colleagues and Friends, We appreciate the interest that so many…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 14, 2022 at 6:24 PM

LDAD Opens Chesebro Ethics Complaint to New Signers

A group of prominent attorneys on Wednesday asked attorney regulators in New York to investigate lawyer Kenneth Chesebro in connection with former U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 electoral loss to Joe Biden.Colleagues and Friends, This week, we informed you of our ethic…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 13, 2022 at 2:41 PM

LDAD Files Ethics Complaint Against Kenneth John Chesebro

A group of prominent attorneys on Wednesday asked attorney regulators in New York to investigate lawyer Kenneth Chesebro in connection with former U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 electoral loss to Joe Biden.Colleagues and Friends, Just yesterday, LDAD filed an ethics c…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 7, 2022 at 5:44 PM

The "Purposeful Cruelty" of Using Asylum Seekers as Political Pawns

Democracy and the rule of law suffer when those in power use human beings as pawns in their political games.Colleagues and Friends, Earlier this month, a group of asylum seekers from Venezuela found themselves used as political pawns of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.  In a story now widely known, …

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 3, 2022 at 4:01 PM

"Abuse of discretion:” Our take on the Mar-a-Largo search warrant

Our democracy is again under attack by the former president, those who continue to enable his behavior, and perhaps most troubling, the judge overseeing the Mar-a-Lago search warrant challenge.Colleagues and Friends, Once again, our democracy is under attack by the former president, his enablers, …

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

September 16, 2022 at 2:56 PM

Securing our Midterm Elections

In two months, Americans throughout the Nation will head to the polls to vote in what are perhaps the most important midterm elections of this generation.Colleagues and Friends, In two months, Americans throughout the Nation will head to the polls to vote in what are perhaps the most important mi…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

September 14, 2022 at 7:26 PM

The need to value democracy

Through the work and dedication of a small Board and a growing volunteer base, Lawyers Defending American Democracy is much like the little engine that could.Colleagues and Friends, Through the work and dedication of a small Board and a growing volunteer base, LDAD is much like the little engine …

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

August 30, 2022 at 7:10 PM

Media coverage following our Vindman letter

Last week, we asked for your signature in support of Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman who is retiring this month and seeks a small measure of honor for his service to our country – retiring with his hard-earned rank of colonel.Colleagues and Friends, Last week, we asked for your signature in support of Y…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

August 24, 2022 at 6:12 PM

Act Now: Request President Biden Honor Eugene Vindman

Would you consider signing this letter and adding your voice in support of a lawyer who did something courageous for democracy, then paid a price?Colleagues and Friends, It's not too late to add your signature to our letter to President Biden requesting he grant Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman the milit…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

August 22, 2022 at 2:44 PM

In Support of Eugene Vindman (Add Your Signature by 8/24)

Would you consider signing this letter and adding your voice in support of a lawyer who did something courageous for democracy, then paid a price?Colleagues and Friends, Today, we are asking for your signature in support of a lawyer who did something courageous for democracy, then paid a price.  …

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

August 18, 2022 at 3:33 PM

Another Consequential Week in History

We continue to face an ongoing onslaught of consequential news stories, with no end in sight. In such an environment where each news cycle reports dramatically important events, it is difficult to have time to reflect upon the latest revelations, how to make sense of them, and what can be done.Coll…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

August 12, 2022 at 12:14 PM

Ethics complaint filed against John Eastman in DC

Lawyers Defending American Democracy and States United Democracy Center have partnered in the filing of an ethics complaint before the District of Columbia’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC), requesting an investigation into John Eastman’s attempts to discredit and overturn the 2020 election.Co…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

July 28, 2022 at 2:39 PM

Major News: Double your impact

Lawyers Defending American Democracy is honored to announce a $40,000 matching gift opportunity from Boston lawyer Barbara Schmitt, who was motivated to act by LDAD’s ongoing efforts to galvanize the legal profession to do more to protect our democratic institutions.Colleagues and Friends, LDAD is…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

July 23, 2022 at 2:20 PM

A Monumental Week for the Rule of Law

It has been a monumental week – one that brings hope about the future of our democracy and the rule of law. Colleagues and Friends, It has been a monumental week – one that brings hope about the future of our democracy and rule of law.  Friday, the DC Office of Disciplinary Counsel charged former …

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

July 14, 2022 at 3:15 PM

The Supreme Court moves toward a dangerous future

In the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, the United States Supreme Court states that substantive rights under the Fourteenth Amendment that are not specifically mentioned in the Constitution must be “deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition.”Colleagues and Friends, …

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

July 7, 2022 at 1:32 PM

The threat of exhaustion: July newsletter

A public radio station host asked listeners to describe how they are coping with the onslaught of terrible news that we face each day. Many callers described feeling: “depressed,”“fearful,” and “afraid of what will happen next.” Dear John, A public radio station host asked listeners to describe how…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

June 30, 2022 at 12:30 PM

June Newsletter: Time for Pat Cipollone to Testify

At a time when so many people worry about the resiliency of American democracy, yesterdays' testimony by Cassidy Hutchinson is a reminder that there are still courageous public servants willing to stand up for what is right and to abide by their oaths to the Constitution. Colleagues and Friends, A…

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  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

June 27, 2022 at 1:38 PM

The gathering storm

In ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, five justices on the Supreme Court have upended nearly 50 years of precedent, ignored legal standards, and threatened the fundamental right to privacy.  Colleagues and Friends, In ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, five justices on the Supreme Court have upended near…

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  Scott Harshbarger · [email protected]

June 22, 2022 at 5:17 PM

Election Subversion in New Mexico

In a rural county in New Mexico, the nation has been given a terrifying glimpse into the bleak future of democracy, absent aggressive intervention by those who care about its protection. Colleagues and Friends, At yesterday’s January 6 Commission hearings, we witnessed the quiet passion of public …

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  Scott Harshbarger · [email protected]

June 10, 2022 at 4:28 PM

Match your gift to LDAD before July 1

Today we reach out to share good news and seek your help. LDAD has officially become a 501(c)(3) organization and, in honor of this milestone, friends of our organization have offered a matching gift up to $10,000 for all donations received by July 1. Colleagues and Friends, Today we reach out to…

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

June 8, 2022 at 7:33 PM

State Bar of Texas v. Texas AG Paxton

On May 25, 2022, the State Bar of Texas filed a Disciplinary Petition alleging that Mr. Paxton made multiple “dishonest” representations to the Court, including that “an outcome determinative number of votes were tied to unregistered voters.” Colleagues and Friends, Last July, LDAD authored a co…

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  Scott Harshbarger · [email protected]

May 31, 2022 at 3:42 PM

Our Shattered Domestic Tranquility: May Newsletter

It is interesting to imagine what our founding fathers would think about our country today. One suspects they would also be sharing in the grief felt by a nation brought to its knees from yet two more horrific mass killings, less than two weeks apart.  Hi John,  At Lawyers Defending American Democr…

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  Lauren Rikleen · [email protected]

May 4, 2022 at 12:46 AM

Roe v. Wade ruling is a terrifying glimpse into the future

If ever there was a call to the legal profession to step up and speak out, it is now. Otherwise, our silence will speak volumes about the future we are willing to accept. Colleagues and Friends, Politico’s publication of an apparently leaked draft of the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v.…

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  Scott Harshbarger · [email protected]

April 25, 2022 at 1:01 PM

Why Signing an Open Letter Matters

At a time when we see so many efforts to undermine democracy — and common decency — I was moved by a speech last week by Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow. We hope you will be as well, and will join us in speaking out against hate. Colleagues and Friends, At a time when we see so many efforts…

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  Scott Harshbarger · [email protected]

April 22, 2022 at 4:25 PM

Hate Won't Win (Add Your Signature)

By this letter, we ask that you, too, refuse to stay silent in the face of attacks on fundamental American democratic principles of civil discourse and fair treatment. Colleagues and Friends,Last week, Senator Mallory McMorrow was the subject of hate speech in the form of a fundraising letter from …

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