ABA to be ‘proactive’ on attacks – new president
The new president of the American Bar Association (ABA) has said that the lawyers’ organisation will redouble its efforts to defend liberty and pursue justice to advance the rule of law.
Wisconsin lawyer Michelle Behnke (small picture) took up the role this week at the close of the association’s annual meeting in Toronto.
Referring to “unprecedented challenges to the rule of law and the profession”, Behnke listed the ABA’s priorities as:
- Advocating for the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government,
- The physical safety of judges,
- The independence of the legal profession, and
- The importance of an inclusive and fair justice system and legal profession.
‘Steadfast’
In her remarks to the delegates, Behnke said that the ABA had been “steadfast” in its response to challenges by the Trump administration to the rule of law, law firms, and the profession.
“It is imperative that we not only respond to attacks, but we must be proactive and fulfil our goals and strengthen our association,” she stated.
“Because when you have a strong ABA, you have strong lawyers. And when you have strong lawyers, you have a strong defence for the rule of law,” Behnke said.
‘Doors remain open’
She reiterated the ABA’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession and the justice system.
Behnke told delegates that, without a key US Supreme Court ruling in Brown v Board of Education, “I likely would not be standing here today”.
“But progress on the path doesn’t mean we’ve arrived at the destination. We have to ensure we don’t slip back and that the doors remain open to all,” she stated.
Outgoing president William Bay said that the organisation had chosen a “steady and strategic course” in the face of what he described as the Trump administration’s “anti-ABA campaign”.