Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with 20 other state attorneys general, has issued an open letter urging the legal community to unite in defense of the rule of law. This action comes in response to President Trump's recent actions, which include calls for the impeachment of federal judges and threats against law firms and attorneys opposing his administration.

One major law firm, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (Paul Weiss), has reportedly complied with President Trump's demands for policy support in exchange for relief from an executive order targeting the firm. Attorney General Bonta expressed concern that such compliance could create a chilling effect within the legal community.

"Lawyers are not spectators to the Constitution; we are its agents…Law firms must refuse to bow to illegal and unconstitutional threats of retribution for having the temerity to represent clients and cases opposing the administration," stated Attorney General Bonta.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized that "the President seeks to bully and intimidate federal judges, attorneys, and law firms that disagree with him or take positions he does not like – undermining the American legal system built atop the U.S. Constitution he two months ago swore to uphold." He called on members of the legal profession to stand firm in their principles and uphold the U.S. Constitution and rule of law.

In a separate statement issued on Sunday, Attorney General Bonta highlighted the importance of speaking up when democratic norms are violated. The multistate coalition reiterated their commitment to judicial independence: "As state attorneys general, we have sworn oaths to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Rule of law is the bedrock of everything that makes our country great."

The letter was co-signed by attorneys general from Delaware, Illinois, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

A copy of the letter is available online.