As the pro bono and public-interest bar association of Washington, DC, the Washington Council of Lawyers’ core tenet is that the legal system should treat everyone fairly regardless of money, position, or power. We continue to fight against the challenges to this core principle from the administration, elected officials, and other actors.

Over the last couple of months, we have seen more strident attacks against law firms, law schools, legal organizations, and lawyers seeking to chill legal representation, pro bono assistance, and legal education.

Our courts are under attack. Individual judges have been targeted for issuing opinions that government officials do not like.

The legal profession is under attack. Retribution against law firms that donate their time and talent to helping those who need legal assistance is a direct threat to the rule of law and the right to counsel. Targeting law schools that seek to educate the next generation of lawyers to follow the rule of law is a direct threat to democracy.

We have chosen to speak out in support of those who cannot for fear of retribution. We speak out against tyranny and in support of the rule of law. We speak out against bullying and support the right of every individual to pursue their rights to the full extent of the law. We speak out to ensure everyone has fair and equitable access to justice.

Washington Council of Lawyers will always stand with and work to support the pro bono volunteers, the public-interest lawyers, the organizations that pursue the rights of our neighbors, and the rule of law.