Trusted Colleagues and Allies in Justice,
I am proud to share that my insights for Bloomberg, one of the most trusted global news sources for law, business, and politics, went live. In my piece, “Big Law Firms Who Surrendered to Trump’s Demands Ended up Losing,” I share my expertise from nearly 40 years in the legal landscape and the lessons law firms, businesses, and institutions should heed one year after President Donald Trump issued executive orders targeting law firms.
For over a year now, I have been sounding the alarm through phone calls to peers, amicus briefs to the courts, and opinion pieces for the nation to read, rallying opposition from firms and partners, encouraging the industry to stand strong against this unprecedented bullying tactic from our nation’s president. My intention is for these insights to reach those who are vulnerable at being “punished” by the Trump administration for serving communities or causes the administration may find in opposition to their political agenda. I also hope this reaches those who may not be in the direct line of fire, but whose allyship and solidarity are absolutely necessary.
As you may know, the administration recently told the Court of Appeals that it intended to abandon its appeal of the district court decisions, and then in an embarrassing “flip flop” one day later, reversed course, announcing that it would pursue the appeal after all. This inspired my reflections and reaffirmed my original reassurances to anyone being targeted: The rule of law will prevail!
What truly is at stake, is the reputation of those who chose to either acquiesce to intimidation or stand firm.
“The law firms’ actions should help shape how we should think about resisting Trump’s authoritarian tendencies in the remainder of his second term,” I write. And this roadmap applies to not just the legal profession, but universities, financial institutions, fair housing organizations, and more. For those who have faith in the rule of law, read my four lessons on why it serves us to continue to fight and not fold.
Sincerely,
John Relman
Founding Partner of Relman Colfax