Frightening, but important, article from Mass. Lawyers Weekly on threats to judicial security: masslawyersweekly.com/2025/05/16/j...

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It's time again for Good News, Bad News... Good news!: The President withdrew his nomination of Ed Martin to be US Attorney for DC. Martin had used his interim appointment to, inter alia, threaten perceived political opponents of the President, including Georgetown Law School ... bit.ly/4jM1g6q 1/

Back with more Good News, Bad News... Good News!: ICYMI, the DOJ urged a federal court to dismiss a suit challenging FDA approval of mifepristone, on the basis of venue, standing, and more. bit.ly/3GKbi9J 1/

Even *if* you accept Stephen Miller’s (textually, historically, and morally indefensible) claim that undocumented immigrants are not entitled to due process, you’d *still* need due process to ensure that the individuals at issue are, in fact, undocumented. His argument fails even on its own terms.

Today the Trial Court launched an on-line tool for tenants to petition to seal an eviction case—once the appeal period ends, if there’s a favorable disposition or the case was dismissed, or for a no-fault eviction, or 4 years after the end of a non-payment case or 7 years after a fault eviction. 1/

Today's Good News, Bad News... Good News!: Federal judge permanently blocks an executive order targeting Perkins Coie, finding the EO unconstitutional and saying it presented an "unprecedented attack" on foundational principles ensuring lawyers crucial independence from any group wielding power. 1/

BBA President Matt McTygue speaking to Adams Benefit attendees: "Our role as defenders of the rule of law is being scrutinized." Thank you to the 500+ firms who joined the amicus brief filed yesterday in opposition to targeted attacks on the legal community.

So ... we are back to ICE agents prowling in and around courthouses, only now it seems they're nabbing people in the middle of a trial. We oppose the use of courthouses a venue for immigration enforcement and support the previous ICE policy of including them as sensitive locations. bit.ly/3E48KlL 1/

From @bostonbar.bsky.social @nycbarassociation.bsky.social & many, many more: bit.ly/4iXC3FA "[We condemn] the President’s orders targeting law firms, [which] violate fundamental principles of our legal system and undermine right to counsel, independence of the legal profession, and rule of law. ...

Here's former BBA Council member Jeff Pyle, of Prince Lobel, quoted at the top of a WaPo story on the arrest and attempted deportation of legal permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil: "This case is as clear a First Amendment violation as any case I’ve ever seen in my 23-year career.” bit.ly/4iiZs4h 1/4

Terrifying that it has to be said yet again, but here goes: When the executive branch wields its power to single out a specific law firm and its attorneys for their past or present representation, it strikes at the heart of an impartial and independent justice system. bit.ly/41q4ftw

"In the face of efforts to undermine the independence of the legal profession, there is a continuing & increasing need for lawyers to offer competent representation to all—especially those who are vulnerable or out of political favor. The BBA encourages all members of our profession to do the same."

More from the statement: "The BBA proudly and clearly reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law. ... bit.ly/41q4ftw

From our Disappointing But Not Surprising Department... www.cnn.com/2025/03/05/p...

Revolutionary Spaces marks the Boston Massacre's 250th anniversary today by debating whether to "extract vengeance against the soldiers or call for law and order above all else. Have your voice heard in a Town Meeting debate: vengeance or justice?" 1/x revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/upco...

Important statement on the latest emerging threat to rule of law, as one firm is singled out for its work with special counsel Jack Smith—sending "a chilling message to all lawyers, that representation of individuals out of favor with the Administration could invite [government] retaliation."

Even beyond the practical ramifications of this move, can we just take a moment to consider why a President should even have the power to fire a judge? It's only because the Immigration Court is housed within DOJ and effectively under its control. 1/3

I want to make sure you've seen this important and timely statement from the BBA President!

Long day but I'm back to post a little about the BBA's 15th annual Beacon Awards, hosted by President Matt McTygue.

Hello, Bluesky! I've joined just in time to live-post about today's Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid: equaljusticecoalition.org/walk @bostonbar.bsky.social