Law Forward reaffirms commitment to rule of law, commends Governor’s response to White House threats

In response to two major developments yesterday, Law Forward President & General Counsel Jeff Mandell issued the following statement:

Wisconsinites live in a nation, and a state, defined by the rule of law. When we have disputes—whether they arise between private interests, between government actors and a private interest, or between two government actors—we resolve them by recourse to law.

Yesterday, two developments cast this fundamental commitment in stark relief. Here in Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers stood calm and steadfast in response to implicit but undeniable threats from Trump Administration official Tom Homan, who made those threats in response to common-sense instructions the Governor sent to Wisconsin state workers about consulting in-house legal counsel if federal immigration officials make demands at state facilities. Governor Evers explained that the rule of law remains paramount even in moments of intimidation, fear, or shows of force.

Hours after Governor Evers stood up for the rule of law, a federal court in Washington, DC did the same, permanently blocking Executive Order 14230, in which President Trump targeted law firm Perkins Coie LLP. The court reaffirmed longstanding, core American principles, including that the federal constitution protects the right of everyone in our country to consult an attorney and the right of all attorneys to give independent legal advice, free from government interference.

Law Forward exists to defend and advance the rule of law on which our democracy depends. We commend Governor Evers for his leadership and his clear, calm commitment. We proudly joined an amicus brief in support of Perkins Coie, and we celebrate the court’s order.

Threats to silence, intimidate, and even incarcerate perceived political enemies cannot go unanswered, lest they metastasize into unconstitutional actions. This is especially true when those threats emanate from the White House. Law Forward stands ready, with Governor Evers and all of Wisconsin’s elected officials and state workers, to defend against politically motivated retaliation and to uphold the rule of law. Our democracy depends on it.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.