Federal Government

Rise in hate crimes, divisive rhetoric prompts bar groups to act

President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to restrict immigration from seven Muslim countries was part of a disturbing trend that didn’t surprise members of minority bar associations already prepping for court battles to come. Even before the “Muslim ban,” affinity bars were marshaling resources and teaming up to fight a reported increase in racism, bigotry, xenophobia, harassment and hate crimes.

Apr 1, 2017 4:10 AM CDT

Taking on Trump: ABA House urges Trump to withdraw travel ban

The ABA House of Delegates urged President Donald Trump to withdraw his executive order issued Jan. 27, titled “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.” The House also pressed him to ensure full, prompt and uniform compliance with court orders concerning the order for as long…

Apr 1, 2017 1:50 AM CDT

How Trump might handle enforcing laws

President Donald Trump’s administration is expected to bring significant change to enforcing laws. Despite the president’s at times unpredictable approaches to governance, a panel of experts provided some possibilities for enforcement priorities at the ABA Midyear Meeting in Miami.

Apr 1, 2017 12:40 AM CDT

April 8, 1952: Truman seizes steel mills

In November 1951, as the Korean War raged, steelworkers sought a new contract with the domestic industry. The industry, in turn, sought government approval for steep price increases, ostensibly to pay for new labor costs. Talks stalled.

Apr 1, 2017 12:20 AM CDT

White House tells ABA it won’t be asked to review lower court judicial candidates before nomination

The White House has notified the ABA that President Donald Trump's administration doesn’t intend to ask for a review of possible judicial nominees to the lower federal courts before their names are announced.

Mar 31, 2017 3:02 PM CDT

Judge approves $25M settlement in suit against Trump University

A federal judge targeted by Donald Trump during the presidential campaign gave final approval on Friday to a $25 million settlement in a suit against Trump University. U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel approved the settlement after considering objections by a Florida bankruptcy lawyer who said she wanted a trial and…

Mar 31, 2017 2:19 PM CDT

Seattle sues over threat to withhold funds from ‘sanctuary cities’

The city of Seattle has sued President Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions over their threat to withhold grants to “sanctuary cities.” The federal lawsuit (PDF) argues violation of the Tenth Amendment’s reservation of powers to the states and the Constitution’s spending clause, the Seattle Times reports. The suit…

Mar 30, 2017 3:14 PM CDT

Trump argues supremacy clause shields him from ‘Apprentice’ contestant’s state suit while in office

Lawyers for President Donald Trump plan to argue in a suit by a former The Apprentice contestant that the president is immune from a civil suit in state court while he is in office. Trump’s lawyers at Kasowitz Benson Torres said in a legal filing in the New York state…

Mar 29, 2017 7:00 AM CDT

Trump signs executive order rolling back climate change policy; next move is before DC Circuit

President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order that directs the Environmental Protection Agency to begin rescinding and rewriting the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, designed to fight global warming by curbing carbon emissions. Trump characterized his order as a way to restore jobs in the coal industry, the…

Mar 28, 2017 2:16 PM CDT

DOJ cited privilege in seeking to block Russia testimony by former acting attorney general

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes abruptly canceled a hearing this week on links between Russian officials and the Trump campaign on the same day that a lawyer for the former acting attorney general indicated that she intended to testify. David A. O’Neil, a Debevoise & Plimpton partner who represents…

Mar 28, 2017 10:53 AM CDT

Lawyer is surprised by vitriol over her representation of Trump’s son-in-law and daughter

The lawyer considered to be a front-runner for attorney general in a Hillary Clinton administration is now representing President Trump’s daughter and son-in-law, to the consternation of some Democrats. Jamie Gorelick has represented Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, to help them determine compliance with federal ethics laws, Politico…

Mar 27, 2017 8:00 AM CDT

Philadelphia district attorney indicted on bribery and corruption charges

Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams is about to learn what life as a criminal defendant feels like. On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the embattled prosecutor was indicted on more than 21 counts, including bribery, wire fraud and honest services fraud. According to the Inquirer, Williams is being accused…

Mar 21, 2017 4:01 PM CDT

SCOTUS limits president’s power in making temporary appointments

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a person appointed by the president in an acting capacity in a position requiring the advice and consent of the Senate is prohibited from continuing in that role if subsequently nominated for the permanent position. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the 6-2 majority…

Mar 21, 2017 2:30 PM CDT

DC lawyer sues Trump over financial disclosure form

A Washington, D.C. lawyer has sued President Donald Trump for not specifically identifying his personal debts on his candidate’s financial disclosure form. Politico reported Sunday that Jeffrey Lovitky, a government contracts and health law solo practitioner, has filed a complaint (PDF) with the U.S. District Court for the District of…

Mar 21, 2017 1:48 PM CDT

FBI director confirms probe of Trump campaign and Russia

FBI director James Comey confirmed that the bureau is investigating whether there was coordination between Russian officials and President Donald Trump’s campaign during the 2016 presidential campaign. The House Intelligence Committee opened hearings on Monday to determine the extent of Russian interference and whether campaign officials from either side helped.…

Mar 20, 2017 3:02 PM CDT