Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Katayun Jaffari issued the following statement condemning recent attacks on judicial independence, including calls for the impeachment of judges and attempts to limit judicial oversight, and the executive order by the President revoking the security clearance of attorneys of the law firm Covington & Burling as punitive action arising from the firm’s representation of former special counsel Jack Smith, who had led investigations into President Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021 insurrection and his handling of classified documents.

“We are deeply concerned at the unprecedented escalation of attacks against the federal judiciary by the current administration and, just this week, the attacks by the President against a private law firm that was retained by former special counsel Jack Smith,” Jaffari said. “These attacks have included calls for impeachment of judges who have stayed the enforcement of executive orders by the President and actions by the President’s administration, and calls by the President and some members of Congress to restrict judicial review in these cases.”

“The actions of the Trump administration are directly in conflict with the mission of our Association and the values of our profession, which include respect for the rule of law, the importance of judicial independence, and the need to advance the fair and equal administration of justice. As judges and attorneys, we commit to supporting and defending the Constitution. No judge or attorney should fear personal or professional retribution for the rulings they make or the clients whom they represent. These attacks are also dangerous in that they erode public trust in the justice system, which is essential to its ability to function effectively and to our society as a whole.”

“Our republic was founded upon a system of checks and balances to ensure that no single branch of government could exercise unfettered power. In the proud tradition and spirit of the Philadelphia Lawyer, our Association stands with our federal judiciary and with all attorneys representing their clients in pursuit of upholding the judicial system.”

As past Chancellors, we stand with the Philadelphia Bar Association in its condemnation of the attacks on the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession:

Jennifer S. Coatsworth, 2024
Marc J. Zucker, 2023
Wesley R. Payne IV, 2022
Hon. A. Michael Snyder (Ret.), 2020
Rochelle M. Fedullo, 2019
Deborah R. Gross, 2017
Albert S. Dandridge III, 2015
Kathleen D. Wilkinson, 2013
John E. Savoth, 2012
Sayde J. Ladov, 2009
Alan M. Feldman, 2006
Audrey C. Talley, 2003
Edward F. Chacker, 1999, and partner Brian Chacker
Francis P. Devine III, 1996
Andre Dennis, 1993
Deborah R. Willig, 1992
David H. Marion, 1985