In a New York Times op-ed by former federal judges Shira Sheindlin of the Southern District of New York and John Jones III of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, they note the obvious. Lawyers have forsaken their dignity. In support, they tell the sordid tale of Trump coercing Biglaw to bend to his will, and some white shoe firms flopping on their knees with tongues out and drool dripping on Trump’s Thom McCans.
Last year was not the proudest year for the American legal profession. The Trump administration took unconscionable and manifestly illegal measures against law firms that had represented clients and causes the administration disliked. In response, several large firms made deals to eliminate diversity efforts and agreed to provide nearly $1 billion of free legal services to causes favored by the government. While a handful of firms fought back and won, most simply remained silent, no doubt wary of making themselves a target of political ire.
