CTLA Supports the Rule of Law and the Sanctity of Lawyers' Obligations to Advocate for Their Clients
April 10, 2025
A few weeks ago, CTLA issued a statement in support of our judiciary and the rule of law. Since then, disparagement of judicial integrity has continued, and the administration has retaliated against law firms that have represented causes it disfavors with a series of executive orders. The executive orders have revoked security clearances, directed federal contractors to terminate contracts with these firms, and limited lawyers' access to federal buildings, including federal courthouses.
The threat these orders pose is not subtle: any representation challenging the actions of the administration and its priorities carries the risk of retaliation. This statement does not comment on these actions as politics. Indeed, it is the fact that these actions are so far outside the norms of American politics that requires us to take a stand. These actions threaten the rule of law, a cornerstone of our democratic political system. Our adversarial adjudicative process depends on the freedom for zealous advocates to present opposing sides of a case. All of us know that you can't represent a client on your knees. If lawyers who represent some clients can only do so under threat of retaliation, our democracy will suffer.
Members of CTLA have dedicated their practices to protecting individual rights through fair laws and access to justice. Together we have stood guard against attacks on the rights of injured people and fought for laws that make our courts more accessible and transparent. United States Chief Justice John Roberts recently stated that "[a]ttempts to intimidate judges for their rulings in cases are inappropriate and should be vigorously opposed." CTLA opposes any and all attempts to intimidate judges for their rulings. CTLA likewise opposes the use of executive power to punish lawyers and firms for representing clients and causes this administration disfavors. These lawyers' and firms' right and ability to advocate zealously for their clients is sacred and essential to the rule of law.
We are proud to stand with all the lawyers, firms and legal associations who are taking a stand on this issue, including the American Board of Trial Advocates, National Board of Trial Advocacy, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, https://iatl.net/joint-statement-defending-the-rule-of-law-amid-rising-attacks-on-the-judiciary-and-legal-profession/, the American Bar Association and Connecticut Bar Association, https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2025/03/bar-organizations-statement-in-support-of-rule-of-law/, and the American Association for Justice, https://www.justice.org/resources/press-center/aaj-statement-on-attacks-on-law-firms.
Alinor Sterling
President
Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association
