The rule of law has long been the foundation of American democracy, ensuring fairness, accountability, and justice for over two centuries. But today, the principles that uphold our legal system—defending judges and courts, adhering to the rule of law, respecting the separation of powers—are under attack. These principles are not just legal ideals—they are the cornerstones of our democracy. 

On March 3, 2025, the American Bar Association (ABA) issued a powerful statement reaffirming its unwavering support for the rule of law, emphasizing its integral role in maintaining the checks and balances between the government’s three co-equal branches. The statement correctly highlights how current actions to intimidate judges, constrain lawyers, and undermine the judiciary weaken our democracy and erode public trust in our legal system. 

Why This Matters 

The judicial branch of government, an essential protector of the rights of individuals and balance of power, is being deliberately undermined. Judges are being targeted for fulfilling their duty to follow the law, rather than the whims of public opinion or pressure from politicians. Lawyers serving their ethical responsibilities to represent their clients face intimidation and threats for doing so. These attacks set a dangerous precedent. The ability of lawyers to represent clients—without fear of government retaliation—is a fundamental pillar of democracy.

Regardless of political affiliation, everyone, especially everyone in the legal industry, should be concerned when the government targets legal professionals for simply doing their jobs. We must stand united in defense of the judicial branch and the legal profession. If we, members of the Legal Marketing Association, remain silent, we risk being complicit in the dismantling of our nation’s democratic principles. 

Now is the time for lawyers, legal marketing professionals, and all who value the rule of law to stand firm and resist these affronts to justice. 

Legal professionals, lawyers and law firms must defend the independence of the legal system, even when it’s politically uncomfortable. We should publicly condemn actions that undermine attorney-client relationships. If we remain silent now, we may regret it when the legal system no longer functions as a fair and independent check on power.

Call to Action 

We urge the Legal Marketing Association (LMA) to publicly support the ABA's statement and take a clear stand on protecting the rule of law. Specifically, we ask the LMA to endorse the ABA’s principles in the following ways:

1. Issue a formal statement that mirrors the ABA's support for fair and impartial courts, the proper functioning of the three co-equal branches of government, and protections for the legal profession against intimidation or interference.
2. Incorporate education and advocacy about these issues into LMA's communications, workshops, and events, enabling members to better understand and support these critical matters. We must remind our members that the rule of law is not self-sustaining. It requires constant defense—especially in moments like this.
3. Partner with the ABA in its ongoing efforts to defend the judiciary, ethical legal representation, and the rule of law.
   This is not about partisanship or politics; it is about preserving the processes and principles that define democracy. 

Stand with the ABA. Stand for the rule of law. Stand for democracy.