US legal website Law.com has interviewed current and former judges, litigators and other senior lawyers about the impact of the Trump administration’s threats to judges and laws firms, asking specifically how this affects the rule of law and the future of the profession.
The interviews follow calls by Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance to impeach or remove judges who rule against President Donald Trump’s executive orders, and the Trump administration’s targeting of two big American law firms
Those interviewed say Trump’s second term has quickly presented challenges that until now were unimaginable – from the president’s executive orders to Musk’s impeachment call to Vance’s claim that judges lack the authority to override the administration’s decisions.
They say the game-plan seems to be to intimidate judges and lawyers perceived to be in a position to “subdue the Trump agenda”.
One BigLaw partner said: “People are scared. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say the president has the power to destroy a firm or company in relatively short order.” He said larger firms were being targeted because they have the resources to take on the administration.
A retired judge from the New York State Court criminal division said: “The challenge to the rule of laws is affecting lawyers in their everyday practice because you may not be as aggressive because you’re afraid. I don’t think you can stay on the bench anymore unless you understand it’s getting tougher and tougher to rule.”
Retired US District Judge Shira Scheindlin said Trump was trying to test the limits of executive power by signing “outrageous” executive orders that are “contrary to the rule of law”.
“He’s definitely trying to intimidate lawyers.” Scheindlin said. “He’s just trying to make sure that firms are intimidated for taking on the representation of people that are on his enemies list. It’s that simple.”
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