More than 1,200 Law Students Call on Lawyers to Defend Rule of Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nancy Rodriguez, media@acslaw.org 

Washington, D.C. – As National Law Day of Action approaches on May 1, over 1,200 law students from over 120 law schools around the country are calling on the legal profession to stand up against the current administration’s attacks against the rule of law, lawyers, and the judiciary.

“As current law students and aspiring members of the legal profession, we fear that the rule of law is eroding before our eyes, leaving the American justice system unrecognizable,” a letter signed by the students states. “We came to law school to fight for liberty and a more just and inclusive world. Preserving these ideals and goals for us and for future generations requires current members of the legal profession to stand up and defend the rule of law against this lawless administration.” 

The letter recounts the administration’s targeted actions against lawyers and law firms who have represented the President’s political opponents, participated in investigations involving the President, or supported causes the President disfavors. It also notes the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s investigation into law firm Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, and the administration’s call for the impeachment of federal judges “for simply fulfilling their sworn duty: administering justice and upholding the Constitution.”  

“These threats and attacks aim to obstruct and dissuade lawyers from taking on clients that oppose the President’s agenda, undermining their ability to seek justice,” the letter states. “Retaliatory attacks against lawyers and judges threaten not only the rule of law, but also separation of powers, thereby attacking both the foundation of the American justice system and the fundamental principles of a constitutional democracy.” 

The letter goes on to say, “Leaders at every level of the profession must stand together to defend the rule of law.” 

“Protecting our Nation’s democracy requires each and every person in the legal profession – our future peers and all legal organizations, including law firms – to actively oppose the President’s attacks on lawyers, judges, and legal institutions. Ultimately, there can be no legal profession without the rule of law,” it says.  

The letter was written by twelve American Constitution Society student leaders with support from the American Constitution Society in late March. Since the drafting, over 1,200 students from more than 120 law schools have signed onto the letter. 

A nonpartisan, progressive nonprofit, ACS has expressed growing concern with the administration’s actions and condemned attacks on the legal profession.  

“ACS is proud and inspired by these twelve student drafters and the over 1,200 students who courageously signed onto the letter to demand action from the legal profession,” said Interim ACS President Zinelle October. “In the first 100 days of this administration, we have watched with growing concern as the rule of law, our institutions, and so many of our rights and protections have come under attack. We—the legal profession and the public at large—must stand together against this administration’s efforts to intimidate us and erode our freedoms. Doing otherwise will only further threaten our Democracy.” As the letter notes, “The time to speak out and act in defense of the rule of law is now.”  

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AMERICAN CONSTITUTION SOCIETY
The American Constitution Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit, non-partisan legal organization. Through a diverse nationwide network of progressive lawyers, law students, judges, scholars, advocates, and many others, our mission is to support and advocate for laws and legal systems that redress the founding failures of our Constitution, strengthen our democratic legitimacy, uphold the rule of law, and realize the promise of equality for all, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and other historically excluded communities. For more information, visit us at www.acslaw.org.