The Legal System Under Siege

I want to talk directly about something deeply troubling—and increasingly dangerous—that I’ve been watching unfold: the concerted attacks on lawyers, law firms, and judges.

These aren’t isolated incidents. They appear as a coordinated strategy to discredit and intimidate legal actors who dare to challenge the Trump administration. At stake is preservation of the ability of our legal system to function without fear or favor. When lawyers are targeted for representing unpopular clients, and judges face threats for upholding the law, we risk undoing the very prerequisites that make justice possible.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve seen White House executive orders targeting three of the country’s most respected law firms—Covington & Burling, Perkins Coie, and Paul Weiss. I was especially alarmed by Paul Weiss’s decision not to fight back in court, despite precedent suggesting they could prevail (as Perkins Coie did). Instead, reports suggest it reached a quiet agreement that includes tens of millions in pro bono work aligned with the administration’s values, and a review and chilling of its DEI commitments. That kind of capitulation sends a dire message to the entire profession: that upholding principle might come at too high a cost. It undermines our ability to stand up for the rule of law when it matters most.

Equally distressful are efforts that intimidate judges—through public threats, articles of impeachment, and improvident motions to remove them from cases. This is not how our justice system works: we don’t get to swap out referees mid-game because we don’t like the calls. And yet that’s exactly what’s happening.

Judges need to know the public—and the profession—has their backs. If we allow these tactics to go unchecked, we’re conceding ground that once lost, will be difficult to regain. That’s why I hope, if you concur, we must stand together and be heard in defense of our institutions, our profession, and the rule of law itself.

00:00 – Attacks on the Legal System: An Overview
01:09 – Undermining Good Faith Litigation
02:15 – Executive Orders Target Covington, Perkins Coie, and Paul Weiss
04:35 – Paul Weiss Declines to Fight Back
06:00 – The $40 Million Pro Bono Settlement & DEI Concessions
08:12 – Government Overreach and Private Firm Autonomy
10:00 – Chilling Effect on Lawyers and Legal Challenges
13:30 – Executive Orders and the Targeting of Plaintiffs’ Counsel
16:55 – Escalating Attacks on Judges and the Judiciary
22:29 – What We Can Do: Standing Up for the Rule of Law

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[laurac]

If I was a lawyer with Paul Weiss I would be looking for a new firm. If I was a client, the same.

[zeropoleski]

Mr. Weissmann…please know how grateful I am for your presence in the world. Thank you.

[verachino]

The attack on our legal system is extremely damaging, disturbing, and frightening. It is the single most important avenue we have to keep us all legally protected when we have a serious wrong committed towards society, individuals or when specific ethnic groups are wrongfully accused of crimes. We need the expertise of attorneys and judges. Otherwise we no longer have a democracy. Thank you Mr. Weissmann for this important discussion.

[cindycatmom]

Thank you so much Mr. Weismann. I really appreciate you explaining the Trump siege.

[ashleystearns]

Thank you, Prof. Weissmann. Really needed the point that law firms are *private* actors that cannot ordinarily be compelled by the government to do its bidding reiterated. The *coersion* the Trump regime is engaging in is as horrifying as Paul, Weiss's unnecessary capitulation. Tough times.

[cellosong]

Thank you for your courage and your leadership.

[paulamariegourley]

Your calm intelligence and wisdom is heartening, and gives solid knowlege as a valuable foundation for resistance. Compassion shines through you, and is much needed as we face this onslaught. Thank you, Andrew Weissman, from my heart, for all of us..

[prairiegalcanada]

Thank you for commenting on Paul, Weiss. I think what they did was a disgrace and has opened the door for Trump to attack other firms. Such a large law firm caving to pressure from a convicted felon is very disheartening and shameful.

[joane]

It is getting worse every day, I heard your name mentioned yesterday, that you were being gagged as were as others who have been brave enough to speak truth to power. It is illegal and must stop. We need you, I support you and I thank you for all you have done already.

[tw]

If major law firms and universities are cowed and don’t stand UP to this bully, what hope do the rest of us ( without law degrees ) have? Calling all people with integrity - have courage!

[ckh]

I am appalled. Shaking my head. It's how I go through my days now. I'm 76... have lived through a lot, personally, professionally and politically. But this... this is... ummm... well this is a shitshow beyond any I've seen. I dare not begin to point to what is so alarming... I don't have enough fingers. I have lost hope, and I've never been here before. Hold my hand, Andrew. It's a very bumpy ride.

[wconradjr]

This is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Time to be brave, people.

[ginamarquardt]

I hope all of Paul Weiss’ clients dump them! Those attorneys should be ashamed of themselves! It’s time they found a new line of work.

[TraconWizard]

Not that I would have any likelihood of hiring Paul Weiss, why would I want to now. A law firm that won't even fight for themselves, I don't want.

[barrylane]

I just wrote to Paul, Weiss to express my dismay with their submission to Donald Trump. I told them that financially they would pay a future price for this cowardice!!!

[snow]

I listened to a talk program on Public radio late on Friday evening discussing recent issues, one of the guest speakers said they were concerned no one was paying attention to this concerning pressure by this admin and their DOJ. on our courts, lawyers and law firms. They felt that no one is concerned or reporting on this grave issue. WTH? I guess they are not listening, another example of media not doing responsible and fair coverage of what is happening. I was screaming at the radio. Thank you for sharing your grave concerns with us, and making it available for everyone to hear.

[mjf]

Please continue to inform us and speak out against this attempted capture of our legal system, Andrew. I wish it were under different circumstances, but we're all getting a much-needed legal education from your channel and substack. It is making us stronger and more able to push back. Thank you!!

[quinnfinnegan]

We all appricate your commitment and knowledge.

[rebeccahankin]

So much respect for you, Andrew Weismann. Proud and grateful to support you and your work.

[prairiegalcanada]

Please -- anyone peacefully protesting on April 5th in Washington or across America -- carry signage that supports the judicial system and the judges holding the line against the corrupt practices of the Trump Administration.