Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

April 24, 2025 at 1:51 PM

LDAD Calls on Elite Law Firms to End Their Silence and Unite to Protect the Justice System

Yesterday, Lawyers Defending American Democracy led a coalition of lawyers in the issuance of an open letter, calling on the country’s elite law firms to join forces in opposing President Trump's baseless Executive Orders. Dear John,  Yesterday, Lawyers Defending American Democracy led a coalition …

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

April 22, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Unmasking Executive Power

President Trump’s barrage of sweeping executive orders have broad implications for the federal government, higher education, business, and other institutions. And they also affect you and your family. Dear John,  President Trump’s barrage of sweeping executive orders have broad implications for the…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

April 14, 2025 at 2:32 PM

Abandoned Allies and Law Firms Abandoning Democracy

For Americans who once felt proud of our standing in the world and our contributions to the well-being of other countries, the past few months have been painful. Dear John,  For Americans who once felt proud of our standing in the world and our contributions to the well-being of other countries, th…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

April 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM

LDAD responses to a Legal Profession Under Attack

Lawyers Defending American Democracy is proud to have filed an amicus brief in support of the legal challenge filed by Perkins Coie in response to a sweeping executive order issued by the President of the United States against the law firm. At its core, the presidential edict is a draconian effort t…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

March 26, 2025 at 2:04 PM

Facing the Urgency: We Must Be Everywhere, Do Everything

We are often asked what people should do in response to the daily onslaught of executive edicts that are smashing the norms and principles of democracy and the rule of law.  Our answer borrows from the title of a 2022 movie – we all have to be everywhere, do everything, all at once. Dear John,  We a…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

March 21, 2025 at 9:01 PM

Law firm's appeasement abandons principles and democracy

Yesterday, one of the nation's preeminent law firms, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, took a step that is dangerous for the country, for the profession, and maybe for itself. LDAD executive director Lauren Stiller Rikleen wrote about this in the Boston Globe: In appeasing Trump, law…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

March 19, 2025 at 4:05 PM

Responding to Threats; New LDAD Chapter; Upcoming Webinar

Join LDAD for an upcoming webinar: The Resilient Government Lawyer in the US and the EU - Dilemmas and Strategies Dear John,  This week, an exciting new development took place in Maryland when a distinguished group of lawyers gathered to discuss the creation of an LDAD chapter in that state. We are …

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

March 14, 2025 at 12:31 PM

Attacks on the Legal Profession Threaten Us All

The nation’s co-president, an unelected billionaire, is controlling the infrastructure of our federal government and contributing to conditions that, each day, brings a new source of pain. And executive edicts now fuel government policy – even when they lack a legal or Constitutional basis. Dear Jo…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

March 7, 2025 at 1:30 PM

Protecting Democracy: Legal Actions & Global Challenges

We all share deep distress over the recent onslaught of attacks on the rule of law and democracy. In response, LDAD has been engaged in numerous efforts to protect our democratic institutions. Dear John,  We all share deep distress over the recent onslaught of attacks on the rule of law and democra…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

February 24, 2025 at 5:35 PM

The Dangerous Path of the Co-President's Agenda

It is difficult to watch an unelected “co-president” show uncontained joy at the pain inflicted, at his direction, throughout the country and the world. Fired career civil servants who have dedicated themselves to public service now worry whether they can find a new job, obtain health insurance, and…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

February 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM

A Holiday Marked by a Constitution Under Siege

“President’s Day” usually presents a welcome opportunity to enjoy a long weekend and holiday sales. This year’s observance, however, blighted by relentless attacks on democracy and the rule of law, warrants a moment to reflect on the President behind the holiday.Dear John,  “President’s Day” usually…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

February 11, 2025 at 2:15 PM

[Corrected Link] Sleepwalking into Autocracy

The media loves to call our country a divided nation, but for whatever disagreements we have, we can say with certainty that the new administration is taking actions that Americans did not want, did not know about, and would not support if asked. Dear John,  The media loves to call our country a div…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

February 11, 2025 at 1:52 PM

Sleepwalking into Autocracy

The media loves to call our country a divided nation, but for whatever disagreements we have, we can say with certainty that the new administration is taking actions that Americans did not want, did not know about, and would not support if asked. Dear John,  The media loves to call our country a div…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

January 29, 2025 at 4:36 PM

The West Wing Episode No One Wants: Government's Destruction

Imagine a West Wing episode where a newly inaugurated President Bartlet pardoned hundreds of convicts involved in the beating of police and the desecration of the Capitol, illegally halted the expenditure of lawfully appropriated federal funds, unconstitutionally decreed the end to birthright citize…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

January 23, 2025 at 7:35 PM

Behind Trump's Executive Orders: Understanding Project 2025's Master Plan

Democracy and the rule of law had a bad week. But the barrage of Executive Orders issued in the past few days were fully predictable. Project 2025 detailed exactly what should happen and was written in large measure by individuals now empowered to implement the 900-page manifesto. Dear John,  Democr…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

January 16, 2025 at 7:37 PM

Texas Supreme Court Undermines Ethics Accountability for Texas AG’s Lawyers

As we have previously reported, LDAD and a group of distinguished Texas lawyers sought disciplinary action by the State Bar of Texas against state Attorney General Kenneth Paxton and filed amicus briefs in a parallel action against his First Assistant, Brent Webster.Dear John,  As we have previousl…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

January 9, 2025 at 5:38 PM

Supreme Gaslighting

The Constitution established guardrails that are critical to the protection of our democratic institutions. A key guardrail is the judiciary, whose power depends upon the public's trust and confidence in its work. Dear John,  The Constitution established guardrails that are critical to the protectio…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

December 30, 2024 at 2:01 PM

The Consequential Work Ahead

As 2024 draws to a close, we face 2025 with commitment and gratitude for your support. Your contributions are needed as we work to ensure that democracy and the rule of law prevail against those who are threatened by their durability and instead see our system as an impediment to governance by autoc…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

December 18, 2024 at 4:16 PM

Our 2024 Report

Thanks to your support and encouragement, Lawyers Defending American Democracy ("LDAD") was relentless in its mission to protect democracy in 2024. LDAD is proud to share with you our Annual Report, detailing our accomplishments this year -- and the work ahead for 2025.Dear John,  Thanks to your sup…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

December 3, 2024 at 2:38 PM

Defending Democracy Together—Your Support Matters

We are reaching out to ask for your support at a crucial time. Lawyers Defending American Democracy has a special role and mission in the nonprofit rule of law community, but our voice cannot survive without your contribution.  Dear John,  We are reaching out to ask for your support at a crucial tim…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

November 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM

The Supreme Court and the Shadow Docket - Webinar Recording

America's founders carefully structured a government of checks and balances to ensure that when one branch overreaches, the others serve as the guardrails. But even this carefully crafted system of independent branches of government does not guarantee that those who serve will understand or care abo…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

November 8, 2024 at 4:20 PM

CORRECTED DATE: The Road Ahead; Registration Reminder

Our country approaches the end of a monumental week that leaves us with more questions than answers about what lies ahead. But we can say with certainty that, for LDAD, our commitment to protecting democracy and the rule of law remains unwavering.   Dear John,  Our country approaches the end of a mo…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

November 8, 2024 at 3:43 PM

The Road Ahead; Registration Reminder

Our country approaches the end of a monumental week that leaves us with more questions than answers about what lies ahead. But we can say with certainty that, for LDAD, our commitment to protecting democracy and the rule of law remains unwavering.   Dear John,  Our country approaches the end of a mo…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

November 5, 2024 at 4:35 PM

Registration Link Open; Our Hope for Today and the Days Ahead

The registration link is now open for LDAD's November 13 webinar: Hiding in the Shadows - The Supreme Court, the Shadow Docket, and the Future of Judicial Independence.   Dear John,  The registration link is now open for LDAD's November 13 webinar: Hiding in the Shadows - The Supreme Court, the Shad…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

November 1, 2024 at 3:35 PM

Our Advocacy for Democracy is Ongoing

A core component of LDAD's work is to advocate for the principles and norms of democracy that are foundational to a society that respects the rule of law. Today, we share with you recent examples of this work, and a commitment to continue to protect democracy in the months and years ahead.  Dear Joh…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 31, 2024 at 8:05 PM

Project 2025 Talking Points: Unbridled Presidential Powers

Project 2025 embodies an agenda led by the Heritage Foundation to revise, reorganize and eliminate vast portions of the statutes, rules and norms that were built over decades, and that have guided our democracy and preserved our freedoms during Republican and Democratic administrations alike.  Dear …

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 30, 2024 at 8:45 PM

SAVE THE DATE for a special opportunity!

On November 13 at 4:00pm (eastern), Lawyers Defending American Democracy is hosting a special webinar entitled: Hiding in the Shadows - The Supreme Court, the Shadow Docket, and the Future of Judicial Independence. Dear John,  On November 13 at 4:00pm (eastern), Lawyers Defending American Democracy…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 28, 2024 at 7:22 PM

The Dangerous Capitulation of Jeff Bezos

The decision by billionaire and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos to overrule his editorial board’s endorsement for President is one of the most historically consequential anti-democracy actions we have seen in America.   Dear John,  The decision by billionaire and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos to…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 25, 2024 at 8:38 PM

Project 2025 Talking Points: Opposition to Dietary Guidelines and Hostility to Climate Change Considerations

Project 2025 embodies an agenda led by the Heritage Foundation to revise, reorganize and eliminate vast portions of the statutes, rules and norms that were built over decades, and that have guided our democracy and preserved our freedoms during Republican and Democratic administrations alike.  Dear …

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 23, 2024 at 9:56 PM

Understand what is ahead - register for tomorrow's webinar!

Please join LDAD for a fantastic conversation tomorrow focusing on election threats in Georgia and the importance of identifying and combatting efforts to manipulate voters and voting. Dear John,  Please join us for a fantastic conversation tomorrow focusing on election threats in Georgia and the im…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 22, 2024 at 2:05 PM

Register for Thursday's Webinar: How Lawyers May Anticipate Threats to Democracy in Georgia

Join Lawyers Defending American Democracy for an important conversation about threats to the rule of law during the 2024 election, including changes to state election rules in Georgia and in other states, the impact of manipulated and false narratives on the election, fears of violence and hostility…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM

Project 2025 Talking Points: Eliminate Medicaid Funding for Planned Parenthood

Project 2025 embodies an agenda led by the Heritage Foundation to revise, reorganize and eliminate vast portions of the statutes, rules and norms that were built over decades, and that have guided our democracy and preserved our freedoms during Republican and Democratic administrations alike.   Dear…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 19, 2024 at 1:00 PM

Register for Upcoming Webinar Addressing Election Threats to Democracy in Georgia

Please join us for a special webinar next week: "How Lawyers May Anticipate Threats to Democracy in Georgia: Combatting Manipulation & Understanding Election Law Changes"  Dear John, Please join us for a special webinar next week entitled, How Lawyers May Anticipate Threats to Democracy in Georg…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 17, 2024 at 8:19 PM

Register for Today's Webinar

Our executive director will be participating in a webinar this evening sponsored by Third Act - Lawyers to discuss the work of Lawyers Defending American Democracy and the important work that continues beyond election day.  Dear John,  Our executive director will be participating in a webinar this e…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 15, 2024 at 1:54 PM

New Project 2025 Talking Points: Hostility to Science

Project 2025 embodies an agenda led by the Heritage Foundation to revise, reorganize and eliminate vast portions of the statutes, rules and norms that were built over decades, and that have guided our democracy and preserved our freedoms during Republican and Democratic administrations alike.   Dear…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 8, 2024 at 6:06 PM

New Project 2025 Talking Points: Making America More Dangerous

Project 2025 embodies an agenda led by the Heritage Foundation to revise, reorganize and eliminate vast portions of the statutes, rules and norms that were built over decades, and that have guided our democracy and preserved our freedoms during Republican and Democratic administrations alike.   Dear…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 4, 2024 at 1:00 PM

Project 2025 Talking Points: Crossing the Boundary of Religious Involvement in Federal Programs

Project 2025 embodies an agenda led by the Heritage Foundation to revise, reorganize and eliminate vast portions of the statutes, rules and norms that were built over decades, and that have guided our democracy and preserved our freedoms during Republican and Democratic administrations alike.   Dear…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 2, 2024 at 6:04 PM

LDAD's Efforts to Ensure Accountability for Texas Officials

LDAD has previously reported on its efforts to ensure that Texas Attorney General Kenneth Paxton and his First Assistant Brent Webster are held accountable for their alleged violations of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. These violations arose from their misrepresentations to th…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

October 1, 2024 at 1:15 PM

Project 2025 Talking Points: A Radical Change to Fundamental Constitutional Principles

Project 2025 embodies an agenda led by the Heritage Foundation to revise, reorganize and eliminate vast portions of the statutes, rules and norms that were built over decades, and that have guided our democracy and preserved our freedoms during Republican and Democratic administrations alike.   Dear…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

September 26, 2024 at 1:30 PM

Leveraging our voices

As a small organization, LDAD well understands the importance of leveraging our voice and participating with other exemplary organizations dedicated to protecting democracy. Below, we ask you to join one such effort and inform you of two others.  Dear John,  As a small organization, LDAD well unders…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

September 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Project 2025 Talking Points: Dismantling NOAA and Ignoring Climate Science

Project 2025 embodies an agenda led by the Heritage Foundation to revise, reorganize and eliminate vast portions of the statutes, rules and norms that were built over decades, and that have guided our democracy and preserved our freedoms during Republican and Democratic administrations alike.   Dear…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

September 19, 2024 at 3:58 PM

New Project 2025 Talking Points - Eliminating Programs That Help Children

Project 2025 embodies an agenda led by the Heritage Foundation to revise, reorganize and eliminate vast portions of the statutes, rules and norms that were built over decades, and that have guided our democracy and preserved our freedoms during Republican and Democratic administrations alike.   Dear…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

September 17, 2024 at 2:43 PM

Last chance to register for LDAD's Webinar

This is a final opportunity to register for LDAD's webinar tomorrow, September 18, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm (eastern), featuring an important conversation addressing how the behaviors of lawyers can contribute to the erosion of democracies and the creation of autocracies.   Dear John,  This is a f…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

September 16, 2024 at 1:10 PM

New Project 2025 Talking Points

Project 2025 embodies an agenda led by the Heritage Foundation to revise, reorganize and eliminate vast portions of the statutes, rules and norms that were built over decades, and that have guided our democracy and preserved our freedoms during Republican and Democratic administrations alike.   Dear…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

September 13, 2024 at 1:34 PM

New Project 2025 Talking Points

Project 2025 embodies an agenda led by the Heritage Foundation to revise, reorganize and eliminate vast portions of the statutes, rules and norms that were built over decades, and that have guided our democracy and preserved our freedoms during Republican and Democratic administrations alike.   Dear…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

September 11, 2024 at 1:00 PM

LDAD launches exciting new student program

Today we seek your support for an exciting initiative launched by Lawyers Defending American Democracy in partnership with an extraordinary group of young voters committed to strengthening democracy and enhancing our rights.  Dear John,  Today we seek your support for an exciting initiative launched…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

September 9, 2024 at 4:12 PM

New Project 2025 Talking Points

Project 2025 embodies an agenda led by the Heritage Foundation to revise, reorganize and eliminate vast portions of the statutes, rules and norms that were built over decades, and that have guided our democracy and preserved our freedoms during Republican and Democratic administrations alike.   Dear…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

September 6, 2024 at 1:10 PM

Register today for LDAD's webinar; The Media's Impact on Younger Generations

Please join our webinar on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 5:00 pm (eastern) for an important conversation about how the behaviors of lawyers can contribute to the erosion of democracies and the creation of autocracies.   Dear John,  Please join our webinar on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 5:0…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

September 4, 2024 at 1:00 PM

New Project 2025 Talking Points

Project 2025 embodies an agenda led by the Heritage Foundation to revise, reorganize and eliminate vast portions of the statutes, rules and norms that were built over decades, and that have guided our democracy and preserved our freedoms during Republican and Democratic administrations alike.   Dear…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy

  Lawyers Defending American Democracy · [email protected]

August 29, 2024 at 1:00 PM

You Won't Want to Miss This Online Event - Save the Date - 9/18/24!

We hope you will join us for a one-hour webinar on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 5:00 pm (eastern) for a timely and impactful conversation about the lawyers' role in degrading democracies and creating autocracies through actions that undermine institutions and practices.   Dear John,  We hope yo…

See More from Lawyers Defending American Democracy