Fordham Law Dean Emeritus Matthew Diller asserts in this Bloomberg Law article that President Donald Trump’s recent actions targeting the legal profession will force attorneys to consider their role in upholding democracy.
I’m heartened to see reports that nearly 300 associates from the nation’s largest firms have signed a letter calling on firm leaders to stand up to Trump’s actions. However, the most powerful voices in the private bar have mostly remained silent, and Paul Weiss’ decision to placate the administration rather than challenge blatantly illegal action is deeply troubling.
Lawyers, especially those in leadership positions, need to rise to the challenge and play their role in defending our democracy, and not fold under threat of retaliation. I hope—as did the educators and leaders of the bar after the Watergate scandals—that we’ve been effective in conveying the values of our profession. And I hope law students, past and present, have absorbed those values.
Read “Lawyers Must Not Stay Quiet in Face of Trump Attack on Firms (1)” in Bloomberg Law.