In a recent development amid the ongoing debate surrounding the hiring boycotts against law graduates of certain institutions, a voice of dissent echoes loudly. Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III of the Fourth Circuit delivered a striking verdict on the situation.
Wilkinson doesn’t mince words when he proclaims, “I will not be participating in any of these boycotts. It all smacks too much of guilt by innocent association.” His powerful comment resounds across the legal profession, challenging the baselines of these controversial decisions made by 13 federal judges.
His strongest argument addresses an important factor that has been evidently overlooked in this haste of boycotts. He advocates for the individuality of students, many of whom have achieved commendable feats on their own merit. The judge asserts that students deserve to be recognized for their achievements rather than be ostracized simply because of the institution they attend.
Wilkinson’s remarks come amidst the unraveling saga of clerk-hiring boycotts against graduates of Columbia and Yale law schools. His words present a different angle on this burning issue, drawing attention to the potential consequences of these drastic actions.
Wilkinson’s sentiments shine an incisive light on the whole affair, charging it with the urgent question: “Which opportunities and by what criteria are these students to be denied?” His concerns run deeper than just the immediate impact of these boycotts, invoking a fear that these measures could undermine the faith young people have in the principles of hard work and character building.
The complete remarks by Judge Wilkinson elaborating his take on this controversial issue can be found on the Above the Law website. The judge’s perspective offers a compelling counter-argument against the ongoing wave of clerk-hire boycotts and serves as a reminder of the values that the legal profession should uphold.