Lawyers Take to the Streets To Defend the Rule of Law

Lawyers Take to the Streets To Defend the Rule of Law

6.17.2026

By Jennifer Andrus

Lawyers filled Foley Square in New York City Tuesday to rededicate themselves to defending the rule of law. The theme of the rally was “Time to Lawyer Up,” with speakers encouraging lawyers to step up and take on more pro-bono work defending immigrants and federal workers and protecting voting rights.

The rally was sponsored by the New York State Bar Association, which was organized by several sister bar associations and the New York Civil Liberties Union.

“Advancing the rule of law is one of the key pillars of our mission,” said New York State Bar Association President Taa Grays. “As lawyers we have a special duty to ensure that the law governs everyone equally and courts and lawyers operate independently.”

Grays was joined by several bar leaders, attorneys and judges who spoke about the need for skilled attorneys to help defend the rule of law, protect judges from threats of violence and stand up for civil rights.

“This country has never moved forward because things were easy. It moved forward because somebody decided they’d rather be brave than comfortable, and that job lands on lawyers in a special way,” said Asha Smith, treasurer for the New York County Lawyers Association. “When the powerful want to bend the rules, lawyers are the ones who stand in the doorway and say ‘No, not like this.’ When somebody’s rights are getting trampled, lawyers are the ones who know the words to fight back.”

During the rally, lawyers demonstrated their commitment to the rule of law by retaking the oath of office. Use this link from the  QR code below to sign up for pro bono work in your area.