President Trump's executive orders aimed at large law firms have prompted a mixed response, with some firms yielding to his demands and others hesitant to engage in pro bono work that could oppose the administration.
In response to the administration's policies, opponents found that they could rely on solo practitioners, former government lawyers, and smaller law firms to challenge the agenda. Michael H. Ansell, a solo practitioner from Morristown, N.J., joined the Pro Bono Litigation Corps, a newly established initiative by Lawyers for Good Government, where he volunteered to support an upcoming case.
Earlier in the year, Trump issued multiple executive orders targeting major law firms linked to past works or clients he disapproved of. Although some firms chose to contest these orders successfully, others opted to settle, committing approximately $1 billion in pro bono assistance to causes favored by the administration. Many firms that resisted Trump's initiatives remained cautious about taking on cases that could provoke further conflict.
Lawyers like Ansell are eager to participate in pro bono cases, focusing on issues such as due process violations. He is involved in a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that aims to restore funding for community and environmental groups after the agency terminated its grant program.
The Pro Bono Litigation Corps, led by experienced legal professionals, serves as a new player in the ongoing legal battles against aspects of the Trump agenda, joining forces with larger nonprofits that have been active in these matters.
Small law firms and solo practitioners have increasingly taken on immigration cases, a domain traditionally managed by larger firms. Recently, a coalition of human rights groups faced challenges in contesting deportations linked to the administration's actions.
In a shift, some major firms have also engaged in legal battles against the administration. A notable case involved Perkins Coie suing the Justice Department, which garnered support from 504 firms signing a friend of the court brief. However, only a few top firms publicly opposed Trump's orders, while many smaller firms expressed their willingness to defend civil rights and diversity initiatives.
Norman Eisen, a former Obama administration ethics official, highlights the significant contributions of small and medium-sized firms in countering the administration's policies, aiming to protect the rights of individuals affected by government actions.
Heidi Burakiewicz, a boutique lawyer specializing in labor law, has also dedicated countless hours to represent professionals who faced unjust dismissal under the administration. The collaborative efforts of numerous individuals and organizations illustrate a robust legal response to the challenges presented by the current administration.
As the landscape of legal representation evolves amidst the Trump administration's actions, small and independent law firms continue to play a critical role in upholding legal rights and challenging executive authority.