In recent years, we have seen America’s most powerful law firms wield their influence in high-profile cases and complex legal matters. These firms, with their vast resources and top legal talent, have often been seen as the guardians of justice and defenders of the rule of law. However, in the face of the Trump administration’s assaults on democratic norms and institutions, many of these law firms have been noticeably silent.
One would expect that these powerhouse law firms, with their expertise in constitutional law and their commitment to upholding the principles of justice, would be at the forefront of challenging the Trump administration’s actions. After all, the rule of law is a cornerstone of our democracy, and it is the duty of lawyers to defend it. Yet, time and time again, we have seen these firms fail to speak out or take action against the blatant abuses of power by the Trump administration.
One of the most glaring examples of this lack of action is the Trump administration’s policy of separating migrant families at the border. This cruel and inhumane policy has been widely condemned by human rights organizations, legal experts, and politicians from both sides of the aisle. Yet, many of America’s most powerful law firms have remained silent on the issue, choosing to prioritize their relationships with the administration over their commitment to justice and human rights.
This silence is not just disappointing—it is dangerous. By failing to stand up to the Trump administration, these law firms are complicit in the erosion of our democracy and the undermining of the rule of law. In a time when our democratic institutions are under attack, it is more important than ever for lawyers to use their expertise and influence to push back against abuses of power and defend the principles that underpin our democracy.
Of course, there are some law firms that have taken a stand against the Trump administration. We have seen lawyers from firms like WilmerHale and Covington & Burling representing clients in high-profile cases against the administration, and we have seen some firms speak out against the administration’s attacks on the judiciary and the press. But these examples are the exception, not the rule.
It is time for America’s most powerful law firms to step up and fulfill their duty to defend the rule of law. The stakes are too high to remain on the sidelines. As lawyers, it is our responsibility to use our expertise and our influence to protect the principles that are the foundation of our democracy. It is time for these law firms to put aside their concerns about alienating clients or damaging relationships with the administration, and to take a stand for justice, democracy, and the rule of law.
