4,300+ Prominent Conservative and Progressive Signatories Represent Diverse Coalition

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, thousands of lawyers transmitted a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging her to reject political attacks on attorneys and law firms. The letter, organized by Democracy Forward in partnership with the Society for the Rule of Law Institute, Public Citizen and American Civil Liberties Union, represents a cross-ideological coalition of legal professionals, united in concern that recent attacks—many stemming from the Project 2025 playbook—are part of an effort to scare people from exercising their right to access the justice system.

The letter, which has garnered more than 4,300 signatures from individuals and organizations, features several notable conservative and progressive signatories – including former judges, Members of Congress, senior political appointees from both Republican and Democratic, administrations, private law firms and legal organizations. 

“This administration’s ongoing attacks on the rule of law and those sworn to protect it are outrageous and should concern every American,” said Democracy Forward President & CEO Skye Perryman. “This letter demonstrates the groundswell of energy within the legal profession—from Democrats, Republicans and across the political spectrum—of lawyers standing up for the rule of law and for the American people.”

“We are living through an unprecedented assault against the rule of law,” said Gregg Nunziata, Executive Director, Society for the Rule of Law Institute. “Our system of government depends on an independent judiciary, where lawyers can present cases without fearing retaliation from the government. As the top law enforcement officer in the executive branch, the attorney general has a responsibility to defend this pillar of our Constitution.”

“Our courts are an essential check on corporate criminals and an increasingly lawless executive branch — as well as a defense for regular people,” said Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen. “The Trump administration’s ongoing attempt to retaliate against lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals who challenge them will not be tolerated by those of us who remain committed to fighting for equal justice under the law.” 

“President Trump is trying to scare lawyers from taking your cases and scare judges from hearing them. He knows that people have less power to fight for their rights when one critical tool – challenging him in court – is cut off at the knees. But so far, the courts are checking the President’s efforts to abuse his power and courageous lawyers are continuing to challenge his many manifestly illegal actions targeting immigrants, protesters, advocates, students, journalists, civil society and more. We are proud to show up alongside the thousands of signatories from across the ideological spectrum who are holding strong in the face of intimidation and political retribution,” said Mike Zamore, National Director of Policy & Government Affairs for the American Civil Liberties Union. 

The letter follows President Trump’s recent executive memorandum targeting attorneys who represent clients in actions against the federal government, his public declaration to “go after… a lot of law firms,” and his criticism of the American Bar Association, the nation’s preeminent voluntary association for legal professionals. 

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Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org. 

Final Letter Regarding Protecting the Legal Profession_ 4.2.25 Upd.