In a bold move, 17 prominent bar societies and law associations from around the world have condemned the Trump administration for its recent actions against lawyers, law firms, and legal organizations. The joint statement, released on Tuesday, calls out the administration’s sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), attacks on the American Bar Association (ABA), and the stripping of security clearances from law firms assisting individuals or organizations that the administration disapproves of.
The groups argue that these actions demonstrate “contempt for the independence of the legal profession” and violate international standards that protect lawyers from undue interference. The letter stresses that legal professionals must be free to represent their clients without fear of retaliation, emphasizing that they should not be punished based on their clients’ identities or causes.
The letter also demands that the Trump administration revoke its executive orders, halt all forms of intimidation, and comply with the UN’s Basic Principles for the Role of Lawyers. These principles safeguard lawyers’ rights, ensuring they can work without fear of civil or criminal charges for their professional conduct, and have access to necessary information to assist their clients effectively.
This latest condemnation follows a series of actions by the Trump administration that have drawn sharp criticism. In February, President Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on ICC personnel and their families, accusing the court of overstepping its jurisdiction with investigations into U.S. military actions. The UN quickly condemned the sanctions, stating that they violated international law and hindered the court’s function. Over 79 countries rallied in support of the ICC, reaffirming its importance in the global legal framework.
Additionally, the administration has targeted major law firms like Paul Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, and Perkins Coie after they provided legal services to clients at odds with Trump’s policies. Paul Weiss represented former special counsel Jack Smith in investigations related to the January 6th riots, while Perkins Coie had its security clearance revoked after challenging an executive order on trans women in sports.
On top of this, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently demanded data from 20 law firms about their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, sparking concerns of potential discrimination investigations. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) condemned the ABA after it issued a letter criticizing the Trump administration’s recent executive orders, accusing the ABA of partisan bias and undue influence from big tech.
This growing backlash against the Trump administration’s actions against legal professionals raises critical questions about the independence of lawyers and the rule of law in the U.S., with these global lawyer groups calling for immediate reform.
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