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ABA rapid-response series explains evolving legal and policy concerns

By Amanda Robert

March 13, 2025, 11:24 am CDT

In a new rapid-response project, the ABA is providing guidance on pressing legal and policy issues that have unfolded under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The project—called How Things Work: The Legal Edition—aims to explain some of the administration’s actions, their legality and their impact on civil rights and democracy. It does this through through videos and other resources, and it also offers steps attorneys and other advocates can take.

“Through strategic collaboration, we will rapidly assess and respond to policies that dismantle civil rights and liberties,” says Lacy Durham, the chair of the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice, which is leading the project. “We will mobilize legal expertise, develop critical resources and provide timely information to affected communities.”

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Center, the Center for Public Interest Law, the Young Lawyers Division and other entities are also involved in the project.

Its first three episodes are now available:

• “The Legacy of the Laken Riley Act” discusses the implications of the new law, which requires mandatory detention for certain noncitizens without the conviction of a crime.

• “Mass Deportation & Expedited Removal” explores Trump’s immigration-related executive orders.

• “Guantanamo Bay Detentions” focuses on the Trump administration’s policy of detaining migrants outside of the United States at Guantanamo Bay.

This effort seeks to not only address the current administration’s actions but quell disinformation and bring the legal profession together to uphold justice and the rule of law, says Mario Sullivan, the chair-elect of the Civil Rights and Social Justice Section.

“Today, we are faced with an administration that has learned from its mistakes, was ready and has begun the systematic dismantling of rule of law and civil rights at a speed no one thought possible,” Sullivan says.

The Civil Rights and Social Justice Section and its partners are inviting attorneys, law students and other advocates to get involved in the project by suggesting topics, contributing expertise, and assisting with research and resources.

“Through this initiative, we transform moments of crisis into opportunities for meaningful change and impact,” Durham adds.

For more information, visit the How Things Work: The Legal Edition website.

See also:

Free virtual boot camp seeks to recruit and educate civil rights advocates

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