Oregon Leads Charge as Attorneys General Defy Trump’s Unconstitutional Bullying of Law Firms
In light of the Trump administration’s illegal attempts to deter lawyers from challenging its actions or representing clients disfavored by the administration, a coalition of attorneys general, including Oregon Attorney General Rayfield, wrote an open letter calling on the legal community to resist attempts at bullying or retribution.
The AGs urge professionals to uphold the values of their profession.
AG’s Address Trump Administration Attempts To Bully Lawyers Challenging Questionable Orders And Decisions
President Trump has issued executive orders against five law firms, seeking retribution over ideological differences and punishing firms for the actions of individual attorneys representing clients adverse to the president or his supporters.
Last week, Trump also issued a memorandum threatening all law firms and lawyers that engage in litigation against the federal government.
The threatened actions, which the AGS describe as unconstitutional, gross abuse of authority, and an attack on the practice of law, would be dire and include:
- Cancellation of all government contracts with the targeted firms
- All the firms’ attorneys would be stripped of their security clearances (and extends to any firm that dares to step out of line)
- Lawyers from the firms would be barred from public buildings
- Client privacy would be violated, including mandating clients disclose their contracts with the targeted firms.
- In consultation with state attorneys general, the U.S. attorney general was called on to “investigate” law firms with programs or policies focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Baseless attacks on federal judges who have ruled against President Trump and his allies.
Trump had already condemned individual attorneys because they represented clients who challenged his administration’s actions.
In addition, one targeted firm has already agreed to, among other things, abandon DEI practices and provide $40 million in pro bono work on causes supported by Trump.
As part of a coalition of 21 attorney generals, Rayfield confirmed, “It is outrageous for political leaders to threaten lawyers because of who their clients are.”
Rayfield has found himself in the unenviable position of addressing countless Trump administration actions and decisions, including defending DEI and accessibility in schools, forcing the Trump Administration to unfreeze FEMA fundings, and stopping the Trump Administration from dismantling the Education Department.
The AGs reminded lawyers they must uphold the rule of law and should not give in to intimidation by dropping clients or refusing to take on certain cases due to fear of retribution. They encourage firms to stand strong and support their colleagues.
The attorneys general also confirmed they will not allow their offices to be used for political attacks against law firms that hold viewpoints unfavored by the administration.