Lawyer shaking hands with a client making about documents, contracts, agreements, cooperation agreements with a female client at the lawyer's desk and a hammer at the table. (Photo credit: Sirikarn Rinruesee / Shutterstock)
The American Bar Associationreleased a statement on Monday reminding lawyers they must stand up for the rule of law.
The statement comes amid a flood of legal battles between the Trump administration and several workers who were fired.
Americans can expect a certain amount of change with a new administration, the group said. However, "Americans also expect that changes will take place in accordance with the rule of law and in an orderly manner that respects the lives of affected individuals and the work they have been asked to perform," said association president William R. Bay.
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He called out "wide-scale affronts to the rule of law itself" under the new administration, specifically attempts to end birthright citizenship and dismantling USAID, which was congressionally created and funded.
"We have seen attempts at wholesale dismantling of departments and entities created by Congress without seeking the required congressional approval to change the law," Bay continued. "There are efforts to dismiss employees with little regard for the law and protections they merit, and social media announcements that disparage and appear to be motivated by a desire to inflame without any stated factual basis."
He called it "chaotic" and acknowledged it might "appeal to a few," but it doesn't make it right. "Most Americans recognize it is wrong. It is also contrary to the rule of law."
He also said that the Bar Association believes everyone should be held accountable under the law, even the government itself.
Bay quoted U.S. District Judge John Coughenour's ruling last week, saying, “Nevertheless, in this courtroom and under my watch, the rule of law is a bright beacon which I intend to follow.”
"These actions do not make America stronger. They make us weaker," wrote Bay.
He warned there are "real-world consequences" to the mass government purge and public targeting of workers.
"Recently hired employees fear they will lose their jobs because of some matter they were assigned to in the Justice Department or some training they attended in their agency. USAID employees assigned to build programs that benefit foreign countries are being doxed, harassed with name-calling and receiving conflicting information about their employment status," he said, warning it should concern every American.
Bay closed by saying, "The ABA does not oppose any administration. Instead, we remain steadfast in our support for the rule of law."
He asked elected officials to stand up with them in support of the rule of law, though the Republican-led House and Senate have been unwilling to fight back against Trump thus far.
"The administration cannot choose which law it will follow or ignore," Bay argued.
He further called on all attorneys to join him in supporting the oath they all took to become lawyers in which they pledged to follow the law.