We, the undersigned, call on the leaders of law firms across the United States to stand united against the abuse of power by the President of the United States.

The President’s recent actions have raised serious concerns that threaten the independence of the legal profession and the integrity of our justice system. These actions must be addressed to preserve the fairness and impartiality that are essential to the rule of law.

Our primary concerns include:

• Crippling the ability of lawyers to properly represent their clients in accordance with applicable ethical standards: The President has stripped security clearances from law firms and select lawyers and restricted their access to government buildings, actions which will severely impact their ability to properly represent the interests of their clients. This action by the President undermines the rule of law and a client’s constitutional right to effective counsel.
• Coercing law firms into providing millions of dollars’ worth of free legal work in furtherance of the President’s personal and political objectives: The President has pressured law firms to take on extensive free legal work, reportedly valued between $40 million and $100 million, that align with his personal or political interests. These actions represent an abuse of power, designed to exploit the legal profession for personal and political gain.

We believe:

• The independence of the legal profession must be protected. No lawyer or law firm should be coerced into providing legal services based on political motives or personal grievances.
• The integrity of our legal system is paramount. Law firms must be free from political retribution and influence, ensuring that all clients receive impartial legal counsel.
• Coercion and intimidation undermine the rule of law. The President’s actions are an assault on the American justice system and an assault on the rule of law and the legal profession.
• All clients deserve proper legal representation. Law firms must be able to represent their clients without conflicts of interest, particularly when the client’s interests may conflict with the President’s personal or political objectives.

We demand that leaders of law firms:

• Stand united in rejecting any attempt by the President to undermine the rule of law by undermining the independence of the legal profession.
• Resist any efforts by political powers to pressure law firms into providing legal services that serve the President’s personal or political interests.
• Publicly commit to upholding the ethical standards of the legal profession in the face of government coercion. 
  Ensure that all legal representation is free of interference by the government.
• Communicate commitments to the legal profession and to the public to reinforce participation in and defense of impartiality and the rule of law.

We, the undersigned, stand together in support of these actions, calling on the legal community to defend justice, fairness, and the rule of law.