What the Law Firm Executive Orders Revealed About Professional Ethics and the Rule of Law, 10/21

Presented by the David F. and Constance B. Girard-diCarlo Center for Ethics, Integrity and Compliance

Wednesday, October 21
12:20–1:20 p.m.

Laurence E. Hirsch ’71 Classroom (Room 101)
John F. Scarpa Hall

When President Trump issued the first executive order against the law firm Perkins Coie, accusing the firm of "dishonest and dangerous activity" related to past political work and diversity initiatives, it posed an existential threat to the firm and a broader challenge to the legal profession. As is well known, a few firms filed lawsuits seeking to enjoin the executive orders, while many others either struck deals with the administration or kept quiet. The ensuing litigation was an unqualified victory for the four firms that fought back, but what does this episode show about lawyers' commitment to professional values like independence and the rule of law?

The Center for Ethics, Integrity and Compliance welcomes W. Bradley Wendel, the Edwin H. Woodruff Professor of Law at Cornell Law School, to explore this event and its aftermath.

Lunch will be provided—quantities are limited. No registration is necessary.