When the Law Bends: Appeasement in the Legal World

Bigger Than Me Democracy Project

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If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know.

📧 Email Template

Subject: Our Legal Institutions Are Being Tested—Stand Up for the Rule of Law

Dear [Representative/Senator Name],

I’m writing today because what’s happening in our legal system isn’t just troubling—it’s a warning sign.

After President Trump’s reelection, he launched executive orders targeting law firms with diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Several of the most powerful firms in the country complied. They erased language from their websites, pledged “patriotic” pro bono work, and changed hiring practices—not because the law required it, but because they feared political retaliation.

That’s not normal. That’s authoritarian pressure reshaping institutions that should be independent.

Other firms took a different path. Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, and Jenner & Block went to court. They defended the Constitution, professional ethics, and the rights of their clients. And they won.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about the rule of law and the strength of our democratic institutions. When law firms surrender their principles to protect their contracts, the entire legal profession—and the rights it protects—are at risk.

I’m asking you to speak out. Use your platform to defend institutional independence. Push back against executive overreach. Make it clear that bending the law to serve political power is unacceptable.

Because what’s being tested right now isn’t just the law. It’s all of us.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

☎️ Phone Script

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [City or ZIP Code].

I’m calling because I’m deeply concerned about how President Trump’s administration is pressuring law firms to abandon core values like diversity and legal independence. Some firms gave in—not because they had to, but because they feared political consequences. Others stood up, took him to court, and won.

This moment is a test of our legal system, and I’m asking you to speak out. We need our elected officials to defend the rule of law and protect institutions from authoritarian influence. Please make it clear that surrendering to political pressure is not acceptable—not from law firms, and not from Congress. Thank you.

📣 Sample Social Media Post

🚨When law firms surrender to authoritarian threats, we all lose. Some bent to Trump. Others fought back—and won. This is what democracy looks like under pressure. Choose resistance over retreat. #DefendDemocracy #OnTyranny #RuleOfLaw

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f10c47e9-69a0-4ab6-88f4-381baa9c2e38/

Sources:

• Reuters, April 11, 2025
• Wikipedia, April 2025
• Axios, April 11, 2025
• Associated Press, April 10, 2025
• Reuters, April 15, 2025
• Reuters, March 28, 2025
• Reuters, April 4, 2025
• Politico, April 11, 2025 -
• The Guardian, March 22, 2025
• Reuters, March 21, 2025