Amid an avalanche of lawsuits and exit strategies, former DOJ attorneys from the Biden administration have found new homes in litigation firms determined to challenge Trump-era policies.
At a Glance
- Former DOJ officials join advocacy firms opposing Trump policies.
- Over 200 lawsuits filed against Trump administration policies.
- New law firms emerge to support vulnerable federal workers.
- Major firms hesitate on pro-bono cases against Trump.
Former DOJ Lawyers Find New Paths
The legal landscape is witnessing a transformation as former DOJ attorneys from the Biden era have moved to advocacy-oriented law firms. These legal professionals are unified by a common goal: resisting Trump administration policies. The surge includes new firms, such as Justice Connection and the Civil Service Law Center, dedicated to supporting federal employees and opposing policies perceived as detrimental to justice.
Merrick Garland, former Attorney General, joined Arnold & Porter with cases pending against Trump’s policies. New firm launches by attorneys like Daniel Jacobson, who previously served as general counsel in the Office of Management and Budget, address funding cuts imposed by Trump. Jacobson’s firm focuses on assisting organizations unable to afford large law firm fees.
Emerging Legal Entities Against Trump Policies
Over 200 lawsuits filed against Trump administration policies reveal a fierce legal battle. More than 70 rulings have already blocked these policies. The legal coalition formed by these advocates is not only steadfast but growing. Groups like Democracy Forward have employed former DOJ attorneys, including Jodie Morse and Brian Netter, in crafting lawsuits against Trump’s directives.
“Democrat lawyers at Democrat law firms illegally conspired with Democrat government officials to violate the constitutional rights of President Trump, his top aides, and his supporters before November’s election,” – Mike Davis.
Clayton Bailey, former DOJ attorney, launched a fightback through The Civil Service Law Center, representing federal workers unjustly fired. Similarly, individuals like Matthew Olsen join law firms opposing the Trump administration, emphasizing a legal momentum resisting policy changes.
Major Law Firms Hesitant in a Charged Climate
The tense political climate has major law firms treading cautiously. Fear of retaliation or political backlash has discouraged many from pursuing pro-bono cases against the Trump administration. Observers note that while these large firms shy away, smaller and new advocacy-driven firms fill the resulting gap.
“The new firms are a response to the political moment and what’s happening to lawyers and other people in society that are being targeted. They’re doing it in this very specific context, that I think is great, because they’re also filling in gaps now that we’re seeing happening in the context of these big law firms that are no longer that interested maybe in bringing cases that are going to put them on the wrong side of the government.” – Scott Cummings.
As lawsuits continue to mount, the legal fight promises to be an arduous one. Trump’s admirers see the resistance as politically motivated anathema, while his detractors regard the legal maneuvers as essential checks and balances. The Trump administration’s frustration with the judiciary grows as the compilation of legal oppositions slows its agenda.
