Official statement by Justly Prudent condemning President's attack on attorneys and law firms

As Managing Attorney of Justly Prudent and former Department of Justice trial attorney, I stand firmly against the recent Presidential Memorandum that targets attorneys and law firms who challenge government actions. This directive represents a disturbing attempt to weaponize the Department of Justice against legal professionals who are fulfilling their ethical obligations to advocate for clients, uphold constitutional principles, and check government overreach. 

The memorandum's broad language directing the Attorney General to "seek sanctions against attorneys and law firms who engage in frivolous, unreasonable, and vexatious litigation against the United States" creates a chilling effect on legitimate legal advocacy. Particularly concerning is the directive's focus on matters related to "national security, homeland security, public safety, or election integrity"—precisely the areas where independent legal scrutiny is most essential to preventing abuse of power.

Throughout my career and in founding Justly Prudent, I have dedicated myself to defending civil rights and individual liberties. I view this action as a direct threat to the foundational principle of equal justice under law. The legal profession's independence from government intimidation is not a privilege but a necessity in a functioning democracy. When the Executive Branch attempts to silence its legal critics through threats of sanctions, security clearance revocations, and contract terminations, it strikes at the heart of our constitutional system of checks and balances.

The Presidential Memorandum cynically invokes the rules of professional conduct while simultaneously distorting their purpose. These ethical rules exist to ensure lawyers advocate zealously within the bounds of the law—not to shield government officials from legitimate challenges to potentially unconstitutional actions.

I reaffirm my and Justly Prudent's unwavering commitment to:

1. Represent clients challenging government overreach without fear of political retribution;

2. Defend the constitutional rights of all individuals, especially those most vulnerable to state power;

3. Uphold the independence of the legal profession as essential to the rule of law; and

4. Continue filing meritorious cases that hold officials accountable, regardless of administration.

I call upon my colleagues throughout the legal profession—including bar associations, law schools, and firms of all sizes—to join in condemning this dangerous directive. I also urge the judiciary to recognize this memorandum for what it is: an attempt to intimidate attorneys and obstruct access to justice.

The strength of our legal system lies in its independence and its ability to check power. This memorandum tests whether we as a profession will defend those principles or surrender them to political pressure. My answer is clear and on behalf of every staff member at Justly Prudent—we will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced.

Sincerely, 

Jordan D. Howlette

Managing Attorney

Justly Prudent