During a recent meeting of the American Bar Association (ABA), Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor urged lawyers to “stand up” in defense of their profession, which she believes is under threat from the Trump administration. Speaking in Washington, she described the gathering as an act of solidarity amid ongoing uncertainty. Sotomayor emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, stating, “Right now we can’t lose the battles we are facing,” and encouraged lawyers to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
This address served as a motivational speech aimed at members of the ABA’s Tort, Trial, and Insurance Practice Section, with Sotomayor asserting that if one is not prepared to engage in difficult fights, they should reconsider a legal career. Her message resonated with the audience, eliciting enthusiastic applause.
Sotomayor’s comments come as part of a broader trend among Supreme Court justices to defend the judiciary. Chief Justice John Roberts has also highlighted the necessity of maintaining independent courts, while Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed concerns over recent criticisms aimed at judges, framing them as efforts to intimidate the judicial branch.
The Trump administration has specifically criticized the ABA, particularly regarding its support for diversity initiatives, and has barred participation in its events by certain lawyers. This has heightened concerns within the legal community about potential undermining of judicial independence and the role of legal professionals in advocating for justice amidst political and social challenges.
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