Washington State Lawyers Rally for Rule of Law Amid Concerns Over Trump Administration Actions
Seattle, WA – Hundreds of Washington state lawyers gathered at the King County Courthouse on Thursday, reaffirming their commitment to the rule of law and expressing concerns about the Trump administration’s perceived disregard for legal processes. The event marked the launch of the Washington State Bar Association’s Rule of Law Ambassador Program, an initiative urging lawyers to actively defend the integrity of the legal system and counter misinformation. While speakers refrained from directly naming the Trump administration during the formal ceremony, the impetus for the program was clear, with many attendees pointing to the administration’s actions as the primary motivator.
The ceremony, presided over by King County Superior Court Presiding Judge Ketu Shah, saw lawyers retake their oaths to uphold the U.S. and Washington state constitutions. Judge Shah emphasized the importance of the rule of law in a functioning democracy, stating, "It is this rule of law that allows us to disagree but still resolve our disagreements peacefully and move forward." This sentiment resonated with the assembled lawyers, many of whom expressed a shared anxiety over the administration’s apparent disregard for court orders and its rhetoric targeting the judiciary.
This concern was palpable amongst the attendees. Retired attorney Joan Kalhorn, echoing the sentiments of many, highlighted the administration’s deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador despite a Supreme Court order as a prime example of concerning behavior. This incident, along with others cited, fueled the sense of urgency among the legal professionals, who viewed the ambassador program as a critical step in upholding the principles of justice and due process. The presence of judges from various levels of the state judiciary underscored the gravity of the situation and the unified front presented by the legal community.
The event also saw the participation of King County Councilmember Jorge Barón, a lawyer and former executive director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. Barón reiterated his commitment to the rule of law, emphasizing its crucial role in a functioning democracy. He expressed particular concern regarding immigration policy, arguing that the current administration is exceeding legal boundaries. This concern was shared by other attendees, who pointed to various executive orders and policies related to immigration as evidence of a disregard for legal norms.
Erin Overbey, President of the King County Bar Association, echoed these concerns, adding that the legal community is deeply troubled by attacks on federal judges who have issued rulings against the administration. Overbey highlighted instances where judges have been targeted for impeachment following unfavorable rulings, emphasizing that such actions undermine the independence of the judiciary. She also expressed concern for Seattle law firm Perkins Coie, which has been the subject of criticism from President Trump. The bar association’s stance underscores the broader anxieties within the legal community about the perceived erosion of legal norms and the potential chilling effect on the legal profession.
Following the ceremony, the National Lawyers Guild organized a march from the courthouse to the Seattle FBI offices to protest the recent arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan. Judge Dugan was accused of assisting an undocumented immigrant in avoiding arrest by federal immigration officials. The Guild called for the charges against Judge Dugan to be dismissed and for criminal charges to be filed against FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging intimidation of a judge and civil rights violations. While Overbey expressed some reservations about the specifics of Judge Dugan’s actions, she affirmed the right of those marching to express their concerns, recognizing the importance of First Amendment protections. The convergence of these events highlights the growing tension between the legal community and the administration, as lawyers grapple with how best to defend the rule of law in a politically charged environment.