Donald Trump and his allies have strategized a potential “MAGA makeover” for government offices, aiming to counter what they perceive as partisan bias in legal institutions. After the controversial disbarment of Rudy Giuliani in Washington, Trump’s circle seeks to embed conservative private-sector lawyers in crucial government roles. This effort underscores a drive to bypass current professional regulations, which they argue can sometimes be at odds with the administration’s objectives. Observers suggest this move aims to ensure a team that aligns closely with Trump’s philosophies and directives if he were to assume office again (Slate).
Simultaneously, the legal landscape sees other significant developments. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) registrations have surged by 18% compared to the previous year, pointing towards a potentially competitive admissions cycle. Various factors, such as upcoming elections and recent Supreme Court rulings, are speculated to be influencing this uptick in interest towards legal careers (Reuters).
In other news, Wendy Hensel, a former provost at Georgia State University, was found to have retaliated against a Black law professor, Tanya Washington. This finding came after Washington questioned Hensel’s appointment choices, marking a notable instance of institutional bias and retaliation (Honolulu Civil Beat).
The legal industry continues to experience significant lateral moves among practitioners. High-profile transitions include Benjamin Snyder joining Paul Hastings from the US Solicitor General’s Office, and Patrick Dundas moving to Proskauer from Akin Gump. These lateral shifts highlight the dynamic nature of legal careers and the ongoing demand for strategic expertise in various legal sectors.
For an in-depth look at these developments, read further on Bloomberg Law.