In a recent call to action, former federal judge Shira Scheindlin highlighted the lack of coordinated response from large law firms regarding executive orders from the White House. These orders have reportedly targeted legal practices, prompting criticism from various legal leaders. Scheindlin expressed disappointment over some firms’ decisions to acquiesce or negotiate deals in response to the executive directives, which she deemed as unconstitutional. She suggested that a unified stance by the legal industry could have prompted a quick retreat of these orders. Her sentiments were echoed by Illan Maazel, a partner at Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel, who advocated for resistance, stating, “Every firm that fights will win,” urging firms that have conceded to reconsider their positions.
The full narrative surrounding these discussions, addressing law firms’ responses and potential lapses in collective action, can be explored further through the New York Law Journal.