Attorney resigns to combat authoritarianism amid attacks on legal firms

In a gripping testimony during the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary's Bicameral Spotlight Hearing, former attorney Miss Cohen delivered a powerful message about the escalating threats against the legal community under the Trump administration. She described a climate of fear where attorneys are increasingly targeted for their advocacy, warning that the integrity of the legal profession is at stake.

Cohen, who resigned from her position at Skadden Arps, cited a series of executive orders aimed at law firms that represented clients the administration opposed. She highlighted the case of Covington and Burling, which lost government contracts for its work with special counsel Jack Smith, and Perkins Coie, which faced similar repercussions. In a stark contrast, she criticized Paul Weiss for capitulating to the administration by offering $40 million in pro bono services, a move she deemed a betrayal of the legal system's core values.

Cohen's resignation was not an isolated act; it was part of a broader movement among associates in the legal field who sought to challenge the administration's intimidation tactics. She emphasized the importance of representation in the legal system, stating, "Everyone deserves an advocate," and warned that the administration's actions threaten to undermine the very foundation of American justice.

Her testimony resonated with the committee members, as she called for courage in the face of authoritarianism, urging her colleagues to stand firm against the pressures to remain silent. "If we allow any president to dictate who deserves a lawyer, our legal system fails," she declared, reinforcing the need for brave advocates in the fight for democracy.

As the hearing concluded, the implications of Cohen's words lingered, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity within the legal community to protect the rights of all citizens against encroaching authoritarianism. The stakes have never been higher, and the call for courage and advocacy has never been more critical.