This weekend, around the country, a coalition of liberal groups is planning mass demonstrations. In a social media post about the protests, scheduled for April 5th, organizers said, “Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. They’re taking everything they can get their hands on, and daring the world to stop them.”
Lawyers are looking to get in on the action. The legal industry and the rule of law is under attack. Thus far, Covington & Burling, Perkins Coie, Paul Weiss, Jenner & Block, and WilmerHale have seen Executive Orders aimed at their Biglaw firms for the grievous insult of having their attorney (or former attorneys) take on clients or matters that Donald Trump (or his allies) don’t like. The chilling effect has been felt throughout the industry, despite the fact the orders are likely unconstitutional. And those who oppose this creep towards authoritarianism want a place to let their voices be heard.
As organizers say, “We are encouraging NYC-based attorneys to gather at the April 5 protest led by 50501 and Hands Off. 50501 seeks to organize a single day of 50 protests in 50 states against the anti-democratic actions of the Trump Administration. We specifically seek to carve out a space there for the many attorneys who took our professional constitutional oaths and who are rightfully alarmed at the Administration’s very recent attacks on the legal institution and the independence of judges and law firms.”
Headed to the protests this weeked? Let Above the Law know how it went by email, by text message (646-820-8477), or by tweet (@ATLblog). An insightful response — we’ll keep you anonymous — could find its way into an update to this story.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @[email protected].
