In the wake of controversial actions by the Trump administration allegedly aimed at intimidating legal professionals, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, in collaboration with 20 other attorneys general, has issued a public cry for resistance within the legal community. They've disseminated an open letter condemning attempts by the administration to stifle legal challenges and representations of those who stand opposed politically. "The legal community is a key pillar in our system of checks and balances, and helps protect people from tyranny," Brown stated in remarks originally reported by the Washington Attorney General’s Office.
The 21 attorneys general have accused the administration of overstepping constitutional boundaries, labeling its actions as severe abuses of power. According to their letter, President Trump has sought to directly punish law firms and attorneys through executive orders for ideological deviations and representing clients adverse to his interests. They further highlighted that Trump's threats to strip security clearances and cancel government contracts are calculated to quickly discourage law firms from entering potential litigation against the federal government. Trump has gone as far to also personally call out attorneys for the mere act of aligning with clients that challenge his administration's decisions.
One firm has already shown signs of yielding under this pressure, abandoning their diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments, presumably to escape the threat of being targeted. As part of their capitulation, they've committed to $40 million worth of pro bono work towards causes favored by Trump. This reaction illustrates the kind of chilling effect the attorneys general warned about in their letter.
Brown and his counterparts have urged legal professionals to hold steadfast and not to let intimidation tactics force them to drop clients or steer clear of cases that could draw ire from the administration. They are strengthening their resolve by supporting legal colleagues and vowing not to use their offices to conduct political assaults against firms that hold unfavored viewpoints. "I urge attorneys across Washington state to resist this attack on the rule of law," Brown implored, emphasizing the gravity of the current atmosphere.
The inter-state legal coalition, led by Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, also includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
