NYCLA SIGNS AMICUS BRIEF APPEALING EXECUTIVE ORDERS AIMED AT LAW FIRMS

New York, NY — April 6, 2026 — On April 3, 2026, twenty-seven bar associations, eighteen university professors and scholars submitted an amicus brief in the consolidated appeal, contending that the President’s executive orders aimed at law firms reflect democratic erosion and pose a serious threat to the rule of law. The group urges the court to affirm the lower court decisions blocking the orders, arguing that “democracies require legal institutions and lawyers free from political pressure, as well as a strong and independent judiciary committed to faithfully applying the law.”

Richard P. Swanson, NYCLA President, said “NYCLA is pleased to have joined this amicus brief, filed last Friday in the D.C. Circuit, supporting the four law firms against whom the Administration issued Executive Orders attempting to punish and curtain their ability to represent clients before the Government.  The brief was prepared by Project Democracy and Jeannie Luk Gersen of Harvard Law School, and it argues for the need for independent counsel to be able to take on matters adverse to the Government, including pro bono matters. Oral arguments are scheduled for May 14.  We thank Project Democracy and Professor Gersen for their outstanding efforts. “

Read the entire brief here.

About the New York County Lawyers Association
The New York County Lawyers Association (www.nycla.org) was founded in 1908 as one of the first major bar associations in the country that admitted members without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, or gender. Since its inception, it has pioneered some of the most far-reaching and tangible reforms in American jurisprudence and has continuously played an active role in legal developments and public policy.

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