Leslie Levin
@leslieclevin.bsky.social
Law professor University of Connecticut Law School. I write/teach in the areas of Legal Ethics, the Legal Profession, and Media & the Law.
Very disappointing when lawyer disciplinary authorities won't provide reasons for not proceeding with seemingly valid complaints. It undermines confidence in the fairness & efficacy of the system. #lawyers
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
State Bar Of Texas Declines To Open Grievance On Ramey - Law360
The State Bar of Texas has declined to open a grievance against patent litigator William P. Ramey III after a San Francisco federal court sanctioned him and his firm, Ramey LLP, for practicing law in ...
www.law360.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:17 PM
Very disappointing when lawyer disciplinary authorities won't provide reasons for not proceeding with seemingly valid complaints. It undermines confidence in the fairness & efficacy of the system. #lawyers
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
Reposted by Leslie Levin
“You cannot be neutral about the dismantling of our democracy and still expect to be protected by it,” Georgia Fort told CJR days before her arrest. “If the Constitution fails to protect US citizens, it will fail to protect the media, the free press.” www.cjr.org/news/astonis...
The astonishing arrests of Don Lemon and Georgia Fort.
In an interview, Fort described a challenge in her work documenting news in the Twin Cities: “Every independent journalist is kind of every person for themselves.” Two days later, officers came to her...
www.cjr.org
January 30, 2026 at 10:35 PM
“You cannot be neutral about the dismantling of our democracy and still expect to be protected by it,” Georgia Fort told CJR days before her arrest. “If the Constitution fails to protect US citizens, it will fail to protect the media, the free press.” www.cjr.org/news/astonis...
Reposted by Leslie Levin
We are OUTRAGED and deeply alarmed by the arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort by federal agents, and by the government’s escalating effort to criminalize and threaten press freedom under the guise of law enforcement.
The First Amendment is not optional and journalism is not a crime.
The First Amendment is not optional and journalism is not a crime.
NABJ OUTRAGED AT ARRESTS OF DON LEMON, GEORGIA FORT ‘THE FIRST AMENDMENT IS NOT OPTIONAL’
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is outraged and deeply alarmed by the arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort by federal agents, and […]
nabjonline.org
January 30, 2026 at 8:44 PM
We are OUTRAGED and deeply alarmed by the arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort by federal agents, and by the government’s escalating effort to criminalize and threaten press freedom under the guise of law enforcement.
The First Amendment is not optional and journalism is not a crime.
The First Amendment is not optional and journalism is not a crime.
Reposted by Leslie Levin
The party that has spent unlimited resources and energy getting states to pass laws to allow citizens to openly carry loaded weapons anywhere - now believes that exercising this right is permission for law enforcement to murder you.
Honestly, how dumb do they think we are?
Honestly, how dumb do they think we are?
January 25, 2026 at 10:02 PM
The party that has spent unlimited resources and energy getting states to pass laws to allow citizens to openly carry loaded weapons anywhere - now believes that exercising this right is permission for law enforcement to murder you.
Honestly, how dumb do they think we are?
Honestly, how dumb do they think we are?
State disciplinary authorities are refusing to consider the disciplinary grievances being filed against DOJ lawyers. They need to address them. #lawyers #doj
www.law.com/ctlawtribune...
www.law.com/ctlawtribune...
State Disciplinary Authorities Must Investigate Justice Department Misconduct| Law.com
Misconduct seemingly includes lying to courts, flouting court orders, misusing prosecutorial power, and other acts prejudicial to the administration of justice. State lawyer disciplinary authorities c...
www.law.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:10 PM
State disciplinary authorities are refusing to consider the disciplinary grievances being filed against DOJ lawyers. They need to address them. #lawyers #doj
www.law.com/ctlawtribune...
www.law.com/ctlawtribune...
Another example of court continuing to act as guardrails during this dark time. Suggests disbarment may be appropriate for pardoned lawyer involved in Jan. 6 events. #ruleoflaw
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
Ga. Justices Deny Atty's Reprimand Bid After Jan. 6 Actions - Law360
A public reprimand may not be enough to discipline an attorney who was convicted and later pardoned of a felony and several misdemeanor federal offenses in connection with his participation in events ...
www.law360.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Another example of court continuing to act as guardrails during this dark time. Suggests disbarment may be appropriate for pardoned lawyer involved in Jan. 6 events. #ruleoflaw
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
NCBE will not have full report on beta testing of NextGen exam until May. Six states are requiring the test for the July bar exam.
The NCBE "is running short on time to work out potential kinks."
www.reuters.com/legal/legali...
The NCBE "is running short on time to work out potential kinks."
www.reuters.com/legal/legali...
New US bar exam is put to the test
More than 1,600 U.S. law school graduates are taking the newly-revamped bar exam this week, in the overhauled test's first and only full practice run before it debuts nationally in July.
www.reuters.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:22 PM
NCBE will not have full report on beta testing of NextGen exam until May. Six states are requiring the test for the July bar exam.
The NCBE "is running short on time to work out potential kinks."
www.reuters.com/legal/legali...
The NCBE "is running short on time to work out potential kinks."
www.reuters.com/legal/legali...
This is not nearly enough to fund the Legal Services Corporation, but significantly better than Trump's proposal.
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
House OKs $540M For Imperiled Legal Services Corp. - Law360 UK
The "minibus" appropriations bill that the U.S. House of Representatives passed on Thursday includes a lifeline $540 million allocated toward the nonprofit Legal Services Corp. — representing a reduct...
www.law360.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:26 PM
This is not nearly enough to fund the Legal Services Corporation, but significantly better than Trump's proposal.
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
Reposted by Leslie Levin
Bluesky community! This is my official NYC mayor account. I’ll be posting updates on what’s happening at City Hall and how we’re delivering for New Yorkers. It’s great to be here.
January 8, 2026 at 1:37 PM
Bluesky community! This is my official NYC mayor account. I’ll be posting updates on what’s happening at City Hall and how we’re delivering for New Yorkers. It’s great to be here.
Reposted by Leslie Levin
GOP Sen. Thom Tillis strongly criticized White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller’s recent comments suggesting the US should take control of Greenland, calling the remarks “amateurish” and “absurd,” and urging President Donald Trump to fire people who give that kind of advice.
‘I’m sick of stupid’: GOP senator slams Stephen Miller’s comments on Greenland | CNN Politics
GOP Sen. Thom Tillis strongly criticized White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller’s recent comments suggesting the US should take control of Greenland, calling the remarks “amateurish” and “ab...
www.cnn.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:32 PM
GOP Sen. Thom Tillis strongly criticized White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller’s recent comments suggesting the US should take control of Greenland, calling the remarks “amateurish” and “absurd,” and urging President Donald Trump to fire people who give that kind of advice.
Anyone who thinks that the U.S. is going to fix these countries must have failed the high school U.S history course.
Rick Scott: "This is the start of changing Venezuela, then we're gonna fix Cuba, Nicaragua will get fixed, next year we'll get a new president in Colombia. Democracy is coming back to this hemisphere."
January 7, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Anyone who thinks that the U.S. is going to fix these countries must have failed the high school U.S history course.
Reposted by Leslie Levin
I know there's too much going on right now with the destabilization of the world order but what the actual fuck. It is disgraceful that any Dem electeds still use that platform. Boycott X and prosecute Musk.
BREAKING: X’s chatbot Grok isn’t just making AI porn deepfakes, it’s now making Nazi AI porn deepfakes, undressing women and showing them wearing “swastika bikinis”. Many of these women are Jewish, including a recently deceased Holocaust survivor.
Elon Musk’s “Grok” is undressing women and showing them in swastika bikinis
One woman targeted is a Jewish Holocaust survivor
decoherence.media
January 7, 2026 at 2:52 PM
I know there's too much going on right now with the destabilization of the world order but what the actual fuck. It is disgraceful that any Dem electeds still use that platform. Boycott X and prosecute Musk.
Reposted by Leslie Levin
Big Law isn’t just sitting out the fight against DOJ lawsuits. They have virtually disappeared from the fight for voting rights and free and fair elections altogether. www.democracydocket.com/opinion/big-...
Big Law walks away from democracy
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Big Law isn’t just sitting out the fight against DOJ lawsuits. They have virtually disappeared from the fight for voting rights and free and fair elections altogether. www.democracydocket.com/opinion/big-...
Reposted by Leslie Levin
Never has a President wagged a dog harder than Trump and MAGA now.
To distract from Epstein, the explosion of health and homeowners insurance costs, and the tariffs that are decimating small businesses, Trump is plunging this country into a war and using our soldiers as pawns.
To distract from Epstein, the explosion of health and homeowners insurance costs, and the tariffs that are decimating small businesses, Trump is plunging this country into a war and using our soldiers as pawns.
January 4, 2026 at 5:17 PM
Never has a President wagged a dog harder than Trump and MAGA now.
To distract from Epstein, the explosion of health and homeowners insurance costs, and the tariffs that are decimating small businesses, Trump is plunging this country into a war and using our soldiers as pawns.
To distract from Epstein, the explosion of health and homeowners insurance costs, and the tariffs that are decimating small businesses, Trump is plunging this country into a war and using our soldiers as pawns.
Reposted by Leslie Levin
“The Testament of Ann Lee,” is the finest piece of cinema this year — a startling and clear-headed work of genius, led by a remarkable Amanda Seyfried in the film’s titular role."
"The Testament of Ann Lee" shows us that utopia is possible
The bold pseudo-musical about the founder of the Shakers caps the year on a hopeful, brilliant note.
www.salon.com
December 28, 2025 at 2:06 PM
“The Testament of Ann Lee,” is the finest piece of cinema this year — a startling and clear-headed work of genius, led by a remarkable Amanda Seyfried in the film’s titular role."
"Homeland Security flatly refused to show him photos, and Brown said he was given timeline information that was 'evasive and demonstrably false.'”
Not sure why the judge would trust the Government to produce accurate photos, but he is right to threaten contempt.
Not sure why the judge would trust the Government to produce accurate photos, but he is right to threaten contempt.
New: A Trump-appointed judge is threatening the government with contempt after learning of the "putrid" conditions of an ICE holding room on Long Island.
He ordered the DHS to give him photos of the room. DHS refused.
More @courthousenews.bsky.social
He ordered the DHS to give him photos of the room. DHS refused.
More @courthousenews.bsky.social
Trump-appointed judge decries ICE’s ‘horrendous detention practices’ in Long Island and beyond
“ICE held them, day after day, without access to bunks, bedding, soap, showers, toothbrushes or clean clothes,” wrote U.S. District Judge Gary Brown.
www.courthousenews.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:04 PM
"Homeland Security flatly refused to show him photos, and Brown said he was given timeline information that was 'evasive and demonstrably false.'”
Not sure why the judge would trust the Government to produce accurate photos, but he is right to threaten contempt.
Not sure why the judge would trust the Government to produce accurate photos, but he is right to threaten contempt.
I am tired of reading about state lawyer disciplinary authorities that lack the courage to do their jobs.
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
Virginia Bar Declines To Investigate Interim US Atty Halligan - Law360
The Virginia State Bar has declined to investigate whether Lindsey Halligan should face discipline over her scandal-plagued tenure as the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, ju...
www.law360.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:50 PM
I am tired of reading about state lawyer disciplinary authorities that lack the courage to do their jobs.
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
Reposted by Leslie Levin
The Trump Admin is threatening to block SNAP money unless states surrender personal data from millions of families. We sued, and a court order blocks the administration from unlawfully cutting off SNAP. Court orders are not optional. We'll fight this unlawful demand every step of the way.
December 3, 2025 at 1:29 AM
The Trump Admin is threatening to block SNAP money unless states surrender personal data from millions of families. We sued, and a court order blocks the administration from unlawfully cutting off SNAP. Court orders are not optional. We'll fight this unlawful demand every step of the way.
State lawyer disciplinary authorities have mostly declined to act on grievances against high-level DOJ lawyers.
My thoughts on why and how disciplinary authorities should act on grievances against high-level lawyers in the DOJ and state attorneys general's offices.
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
My thoughts on why and how disciplinary authorities should act on grievances against high-level lawyers in the DOJ and state attorneys general's offices.
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
The Use of State Discipline to Sanction Attorneys General and Other High-Ranking Legal Officers
The United States Attorney General, state attorneys general, and high-ranking officials in their offices, like all lawyers, are subject to rules of professional
papers.ssrn.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:47 PM
State lawyer disciplinary authorities have mostly declined to act on grievances against high-level DOJ lawyers.
My thoughts on why and how disciplinary authorities should act on grievances against high-level lawyers in the DOJ and state attorneys general's offices.
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
My thoughts on why and how disciplinary authorities should act on grievances against high-level lawyers in the DOJ and state attorneys general's offices.
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
Reposted by Leslie Levin
Statement from ABA President Michelle A. Behnke: Judicial independence safeguards our democracy. https://bit.ly/4i8THH6
November 17, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Statement from ABA President Michelle A. Behnke: Judicial independence safeguards our democracy. https://bit.ly/4i8THH6
I spent the entire weekend calling all of the lawyers that I know at law firms around D.C. Everybody I talked to was saying: “Thank you so much for what you’re doing...." But nobody wanted [to represent her] or wanted to put their name on a letter to Todd Blanche. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
November 17, 2025 at 5:33 PM
I spent the entire weekend calling all of the lawyers that I know at law firms around D.C. Everybody I talked to was saying: “Thank you so much for what you’re doing...." But nobody wanted [to represent her] or wanted to put their name on a letter to Todd Blanche. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Blanche says, "we're changing the regulation" so that complaints against DOJ lawyers will go to the DOJ's "ethics department. The bar doesn't get a look at it." So complaints would go to the DOJ's gutted and partisan OPR.
Read more at: www.law360.com/legalethics/...
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
Read more at: www.law360.com/legalethics/...
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
'It's A War, Man': Trump's Deputy AG Unloads On Judges, Bars - Law360
The U.S. Department of Justice is in "a war" with federal judges who are "not following the law," and it is separately formulating plans to block "activist, obnoxious" bar associations from assessing ...
www.law360.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Blanche says, "we're changing the regulation" so that complaints against DOJ lawyers will go to the DOJ's "ethics department. The bar doesn't get a look at it." So complaints would go to the DOJ's gutted and partisan OPR.
Read more at: www.law360.com/legalethics/...
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
Read more at: www.law360.com/legalethics/...
www.law360.com/legalethics/...
Agree. I hate to throw any cold water on what he has accomplished, but he needs a better speechwriter. His acceptance speech had some good lines, but could have been much more effective.
Reposting my favorite Mamdani campaign video in case anyone is curious about why he won: his love of NYC and New Yorkers is front and center. And his video team was spectacular.
youtu.be/Q5e6ihnji-M
youtu.be/Q5e6ihnji-M
Why we walked the length of Manhattan
YouTube video by Zohran Mamdani for NYC
youtu.be
November 5, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Agree. I hate to throw any cold water on what he has accomplished, but he needs a better speechwriter. His acceptance speech had some good lines, but could have been much more effective.
Reposted by Leslie Levin
10/ So bottom line: 8 months after Trump starts a massive trade war with China:
- U.S. factory jobs declining
- U.S. families paying thousands for tariffs
- China makes not a single concession
- The world watches Xi bully Trump into surrender
Awesome.
- U.S. factory jobs declining
- U.S. families paying thousands for tariffs
- China makes not a single concession
- The world watches Xi bully Trump into surrender
Awesome.
Opinion | Trump Lost the Trade War to China
www.nytimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:29 PM
10/ So bottom line: 8 months after Trump starts a massive trade war with China:
- U.S. factory jobs declining
- U.S. families paying thousands for tariffs
- China makes not a single concession
- The world watches Xi bully Trump into surrender
Awesome.
- U.S. factory jobs declining
- U.S. families paying thousands for tariffs
- China makes not a single concession
- The world watches Xi bully Trump into surrender
Awesome.
Reposted by Leslie Levin
We are actively responding to the extraordinary threats facing our nation. We have filed numerous amicus briefs, profiled Project 2025’s authoritarian roots & its ties to recent executive actions, launched our Meeting the Moment initiative & so much else.
Please support our work. ldad.org/donate
Please support our work. ldad.org/donate
November 3, 2025 at 10:08 PM
We are actively responding to the extraordinary threats facing our nation. We have filed numerous amicus briefs, profiled Project 2025’s authoritarian roots & its ties to recent executive actions, launched our Meeting the Moment initiative & so much else.
Please support our work. ldad.org/donate
Please support our work. ldad.org/donate