How lawyers, law firms, and legal communities can step up to collectively defend democratic norms and the rule of law
In an era marked by political polarization, institutional distrust, and the rapid erosion of democratic norms, conversations about the rule of law can feel both urgent and abstract. In the United States, the challenges are acute: Systems that were once viewed as the cornerstone of democracy now seem increasingly hollow. For many, the phrase “rule of law” conjures up images of courtrooms, legislation, or elite policy circles, far removed from everyday life.
Against this challenging global backdrop, Salzburg Global, in partnership with the International Bar Association (IBA), launched the International Law Fellows Network to support early-career associates and aspiring international lawyers. This program gathers young legal professionals to engage with pressing issues central to safeguarding the rule of law. As part of the first session, "Safeguarding Democracy and the Rule of Law: The Crucial Role of Rising International Lawyers," held from March 27 to 30, 2025 in Salzburg, several panelists shared their insights through a conversation on “Law Firms on the Front Lines: Defending the Rule of Law through Private Practice.”
The conversation revealed a shared recognition that the rule of law is neither distant nor theoretical. It is inherent to every aspect of our lives and its survival depends not only on legal professionals, but on a broader ecosystem of engaged citizens and professionals from different sectors.
Speakers emphasized that the credibility of the legal profession rests not only on its stated principles, but also on its readiness to act when those principles are under threat. In such times, they noted, silence is not a neutral stance, and without a unified response, the long-term consequences for the profession could be severe.
As one participant noted, the situation in the United States deserves continued attention, not because it is the only country facing a legal crisis, but because its current state was once unthinkable. “I don't think any of us would have expected that we’d be in this situation, that we’d be concerned about the U.S. staring into the abyss,” they reflected. “It’s critical that the U.S. legal profession survives this. But we also have to remember: This erosion of the rule of law isn’t unique to the United States. No region is immune. The data is there, the patterns are clear, and we need to stay alert.”
While the challenges are global, many legal communities are stepping up to defend democratic norms. Bar associations, in particular, have emerged as key actors, not only in the United States, but around the world. Joining a voluntary bar association allows legal professionals to contribute, providing a platform to advocate, collaborate, and act without necessarily placing individual firms under heightened scrutiny.
Participants repeatedly stressed that the way forward must be collaborative. The rule of law thrives when people from different sectors commit to shared values and envision creative ways forward. As the world becomes more complex, linear solutions fall short. “We’re living in a time when the old systems aren’t working, and people want results now,” another participant noted, “and that leads to frustration.” To meet this moment, legal professionals and the systems they inhabit must be willing to change. Rather than going back to the way things were, this entails building something new, with courage, clarity, and a deep commitment to justice.
A recurring theme was the urgent need for civic education, not only in law schools but beginning in primary and secondary education. The erosion of democratic understanding is particularly visible in younger generations. One panelist encouraged legal professionals to look beyond traditional definitions of legal work. “Lawyers are leaders in their communities, period,” she said. “Whether you're on the school board or going to the school, you have the opportunity to support the rule of law.”
It is hard to do this work when the system itself feels broken. Many, especially young people and communities of color, believe that bias is baked into the legal system. During the discussion, it was observed that this is one of the crises we face and one reason why people are turning to populism, simplified narratives, and “political strongmen” who promise quick results in a complicated world.
The legal profession could benefit from becoming better at telling its story. As one panelist put it, “Lawyers are the profession that people love to hate. They hate us until they need us.” Whether providing pro bono services, advocating for clean water or housing rights, mentoring students, or serving on school boards, these actions all exemplify the rule of law in practice. It's essential to better showcase this work and explain why it matters. As another panelist put it, the profession needs to "toot its own horn," not out of ego, but because the public needs to understand the value of lawyers, especially in an era marked by growing distrust.
One of the clearest themes to emerge was the centrality of pro bono work in grounding legal work with a sense of purpose, especially among younger generations. Young lawyers are enthusiastic about doing pro bono work, not only because it’s personally fulfilling, but because they’re professionally recognized for it. In many firms, this added sense of purpose has become a recruitment and retention strength, with pro bono opportunities seen as essential to a well-rounded career.
While lawyers play a critical role in bringing cases forward, it is judges who interpret and uphold the law, often under immense scrutiny and pressure. And as participants noted, most legal battles never reach the Supreme Court. The real work of justice is carried out in lower courts, day after day, by individuals committed to impartiality and the rule of law. In today’s political climate, protecting the independence of these judges must remain a top priority for the legal community.
The conversation also emphasized the importance of building alliances beyond the legal field. While the rule of law is often framed as a legal issue, it is fundamentally a societal one and many other professions are grappling with the same concerns. Educators, librarians, social workers, legislators, and civic organizations across sectors are holding parallel conversations about trust, democracy, and civic responsibility.
One proposed step forward is to begin mapping these potential allies and creating a shared network of organizations committed to democratic values. By recognizing common ground and working collaboratively, the legal profession can help catalyze broader, cross-sector movements that reinforce the rule of law as a collective priority.
Learn more about the International Law Fellows Network and the Lloyd N. Cutler Center for the Rule of Law.
