It seems that nearly every day, we wake up to new attacks on the rule of law, our courts, our profession and the principles we hold dear. This pattern has increased in intensity and frequency and shows no signs of abating. Many have wondered where the lawyers are and how they are responding. Rest assured that the American Bar Association has heard the call to action. We have spoken clearly and repeatedly. But we do not stand alone. We highlight today what the legal profession is saying.
March 31, 2025 From the American Bar Association
Bar organizations stand together for the rule of law
We are lawyers from every part of our country and the world. Regardless of our practice setting or specialty, where we live or our political views, we are bound by a common oath we took upon being admitted to practice. We believe in the rule of law.
We rally together when the rule of law is under attack. And make no mistake, our courts and profession are under attack. This is our moment as a profession to speak loudly and clearly, reminding our communities why the rule of law and our justice system are vital to our democracy. Today is the day when the organized bar stands and speaks.
Here are the statements of many bar organizations from throughout the United States and the world.
The number of statements grows every day. In their own words, they speak truth to those who attack and threaten the rule of law. Read them. These are the words of the governing boards of bar organizations in the United States, which collectively have more than 1 million members. But they are not alone. Governing boards of international bar organizations, which collectively have more than 4 million members, have also spoken. All these organizations use various words and phrases and emphasize different aspects of the rule of law, but the overall message is clear. And even though some members surely overlap, the numbers evidence a strong united profession. Together, they support the bedrock principles that have guided our country, our courts and the legal profession for more than 200 years.
The statements are clear and direct as to the principles that guide our profession. We stand for the rule of law. We defend our judicial system against attacks that seek to intimidate and threaten our courts and judges. We reject the repeated efforts to impeach and remove judges because the government does not agree with the decision. We condemn attacks on lawyers and law firms for representing clients who have challenged a government policy. We defend law firms and organizations who are being attacked for their commitment to a judicial system and profession that are free of bias and for their policies and programs that enhance diversity. Shouldn’t every person who appears in our courts be treated the same and consistent with due process as required by our Constitution? Finally, we reject efforts that seek to punish those who have represented parties that the government does not like. These attacks undermine our system of justice and the principles that define who we are and how democracy works.
Let there be no doubt. The ABA and the profession will lead when we need it most. Now is that time. We stand with our courts and the legal profession as a bulwark against these threats. They must stop.
– William R. Bay, president of the American Bar Association