A surge of law firms dedicated to addressing the legal needs of civil servants and government critics is unfolding in Washington in response to President Donald Trump’s early administration.
Veteran litigators and former government lawyers have launched new firms to advocate for individuals targeted by the president and government workers affected by widespread layoffs within the federal workforce. Over the past two weeks, at least three such firms have been established.
Addressing Administration Behavior
Clayton Bailey, a former litigator at the Justice Department, co-founded the Civil Service Law Center, emphasizing fair treatment for federal workers amidst an increasingly unjust government. Bailey commented, “What we’re witnessing is a direct result of the administration’s conduct.”
During the initial 100 days of the administration, the White House initiated an unprecedented campaign against major law firms, pressuring those associated with Trump’s adversaries and securing support from others for presidential initiatives. Judicial challenges have arisen, with one judge deeming Trump’s actions against the firm Perkins Coie unconstitutional.
The Rise of Boutique Firms
Renowned defense attorney Abbe Lowell, representing prominent figures like Hunter Biden and Ivanka Trump, ventured into the boutique firm trend by establishing Lowell & Associates. Departing from Winston & Strawn, Lowell assembled a team of lawyers disillusioned by prominent firms’ compliance with White House demands.
While Lowell represents high-profile clients, other new firms concentrate on aiding civil servants affected by federal workforce reductions. Thousands of federal employees have been laid off since Trump’s inauguration, with more cuts anticipated, as reported by The New York Times.
Focusing on Federal Employment Law
Pamela Hicks and Greg Pinto, former government attorneys, launched the DC Law Collective, specializing in federal employment law. Hicks, ousted from her role at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, emphasizes the critical need for legal representation amidst the administration’s aggressive workforce changes.
Trump’s extensive actions against the federal workforce have prompted the establishment of firms like the DC Law Collective, dedicated to advocating for impacted individuals. The demand for federal employment law expertise has surged under the current administration, with existing lawyers acknowledging the unprecedented need for legal services.
Anticipating Continued Growth
The legal landscape anticipates further growth in firms catering to federal employment law demands. Despite concerns about competition and self-interest, the field acknowledges the urgency of the current situation, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to navigate these challenging times.
