Michael Avitzur
@mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social
Government Relations Director for the Boston Bar Ass'n. I post about policies affecting the legal profession, access to justice, and the law (sometimes movies). Views are my own.
Frightening, but important, article from Mass. Lawyers Weekly on threats to judicial security: masslawyersweekly.com/2025/05/16/j...
Judges face rising threats amid political rhetoric | Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
Federal and state judges face unprecedented online threats as political rhetoric escalates, prompting calls for increased security and legal protections.
masslawyersweekly.com
May 19, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Frightening, but important, article from Mass. Lawyers Weekly on threats to judicial security: masslawyersweekly.com/2025/05/16/j...
bsky.app
May 12, 2025 at 5:36 PM
It's time again for Good News, Bad News...
Good news!: The President withdrew his nomination of Ed Martin to be US Attorney for DC. Martin had used his interim appointment to, inter alia, threaten perceived political opponents of the President, including Georgetown Law School ...
bit.ly/4jM1g6q
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Good news!: The President withdrew his nomination of Ed Martin to be US Attorney for DC. Martin had used his interim appointment to, inter alia, threaten perceived political opponents of the President, including Georgetown Law School ...
bit.ly/4jM1g6q
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Trump says he's pulling Ed Martin's nomination
It was becoming increasingly difficult to see a path for Martin's confirmation.
bit.ly
May 9, 2025 at 4:20 PM
It's time again for Good News, Bad News...
Good news!: The President withdrew his nomination of Ed Martin to be US Attorney for DC. Martin had used his interim appointment to, inter alia, threaten perceived political opponents of the President, including Georgetown Law School ...
bit.ly/4jM1g6q
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Good news!: The President withdrew his nomination of Ed Martin to be US Attorney for DC. Martin had used his interim appointment to, inter alia, threaten perceived political opponents of the President, including Georgetown Law School ...
bit.ly/4jM1g6q
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Back with more Good News, Bad News...
Good News!: ICYMI, the DOJ urged a federal court to dismiss a suit challenging FDA approval of mifepristone, on the basis of venue, standing, and more. bit.ly/3GKbi9J
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Good News!: ICYMI, the DOJ urged a federal court to dismiss a suit challenging FDA approval of mifepristone, on the basis of venue, standing, and more. bit.ly/3GKbi9J
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Trump administration asks judge to toss suit restricting access to abortion medication
President Donald Trump's administration has asked a judge to toss out a lawsuit from three Republican-led states seeking to cut off telehealth access to the abortion medication mifepristone.
bit.ly
May 8, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Back with more Good News, Bad News...
Good News!: ICYMI, the DOJ urged a federal court to dismiss a suit challenging FDA approval of mifepristone, on the basis of venue, standing, and more. bit.ly/3GKbi9J
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Good News!: ICYMI, the DOJ urged a federal court to dismiss a suit challenging FDA approval of mifepristone, on the basis of venue, standing, and more. bit.ly/3GKbi9J
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Reposted by Michael Avitzur
Even *if* you accept Stephen Miller’s (textually, historically, and morally indefensible) claim that undocumented immigrants are not entitled to due process, you’d *still* need due process to ensure that the individuals at issue are, in fact, undocumented.
His argument fails even on its own terms.
His argument fails even on its own terms.
May 5, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Even *if* you accept Stephen Miller’s (textually, historically, and morally indefensible) claim that undocumented immigrants are not entitled to due process, you’d *still* need due process to ensure that the individuals at issue are, in fact, undocumented.
His argument fails even on its own terms.
His argument fails even on its own terms.
Today the Trial Court launched an on-line tool for tenants to petition to seal an eviction case—once the appeal period ends, if there’s a favorable disposition or the case was dismissed, or for a no-fault eviction, or 4 years after the end of a non-payment case or 7 years after a fault eviction.
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May 5, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Today the Trial Court launched an on-line tool for tenants to petition to seal an eviction case—once the appeal period ends, if there’s a favorable disposition or the case was dismissed, or for a no-fault eviction, or 4 years after the end of a non-payment case or 7 years after a fault eviction.
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Today's Good News, Bad News...
Good News!: Federal judge permanently blocks an executive order targeting Perkins Coie, finding the EO unconstitutional and saying it presented an "unprecedented attack" on foundational principles ensuring lawyers crucial independence from any group wielding power.
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Good News!: Federal judge permanently blocks an executive order targeting Perkins Coie, finding the EO unconstitutional and saying it presented an "unprecedented attack" on foundational principles ensuring lawyers crucial independence from any group wielding power.
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May 5, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Today's Good News, Bad News...
Good News!: Federal judge permanently blocks an executive order targeting Perkins Coie, finding the EO unconstitutional and saying it presented an "unprecedented attack" on foundational principles ensuring lawyers crucial independence from any group wielding power.
1/
Good News!: Federal judge permanently blocks an executive order targeting Perkins Coie, finding the EO unconstitutional and saying it presented an "unprecedented attack" on foundational principles ensuring lawyers crucial independence from any group wielding power.
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BBA President Matt McTygue speaking to Adams Benefit attendees: "Our role as defenders of the rule of law is being scrutinized." Thank you to the 500+ firms who joined the amicus brief filed yesterday in opposition to targeted attacks on the legal community.
We’re excited for tonight’s John & Abigail Adams Benefit! Can’t make it? Follow along here beginning around 6pm for some live photos, highlights, speeches and more.
April 5, 2025 at 11:45 PM
BBA President Matt McTygue speaking to Adams Benefit attendees: "Our role as defenders of the rule of law is being scrutinized." Thank you to the 500+ firms who joined the amicus brief filed yesterday in opposition to targeted attacks on the legal community.
So ... we are back to ICE agents prowling in and around courthouses, only now it seems they're nabbing people in the middle of a trial.
We oppose the use of courthouses a venue for immigration enforcement and support the previous ICE policy of including them as sensitive locations.
bit.ly/3E48KlL
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We oppose the use of courthouses a venue for immigration enforcement and support the previous ICE policy of including them as sensitive locations.
bit.ly/3E48KlL
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Boston judge launches inquiry after ICE agents apprehend defendant mid-trial - The Boston Globe
ICE has arrested hundreds of people across Massachusetts in recent days, sending shockwaves through the state’s immigrant communities.
bit.ly
March 31, 2025 at 2:31 PM
So ... we are back to ICE agents prowling in and around courthouses, only now it seems they're nabbing people in the middle of a trial.
We oppose the use of courthouses a venue for immigration enforcement and support the previous ICE policy of including them as sensitive locations.
bit.ly/3E48KlL
1/
We oppose the use of courthouses a venue for immigration enforcement and support the previous ICE policy of including them as sensitive locations.
bit.ly/3E48KlL
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From @bostonbar.bsky.social @nycbarassociation.bsky.social & many, many more: bit.ly/4iXC3FA
"[We condemn] the President’s orders targeting law firms, [which] violate fundamental principles of our legal system and undermine right to counsel, independence of the legal profession, and rule of law. ...
"[We condemn] the President’s orders targeting law firms, [which] violate fundamental principles of our legal system and undermine right to counsel, independence of the legal profession, and rule of law. ...
In Defense of the Rule of Law and the Independence of the Legal Profession | New York City Bar Association
Joint Statement of the Bar Associations Listed Below We, the undersigned bar associations, stand united in condemning the President’s orders […]
bit.ly
March 24, 2025 at 6:08 PM
From @bostonbar.bsky.social @nycbarassociation.bsky.social & many, many more: bit.ly/4iXC3FA
"[We condemn] the President’s orders targeting law firms, [which] violate fundamental principles of our legal system and undermine right to counsel, independence of the legal profession, and rule of law. ...
"[We condemn] the President’s orders targeting law firms, [which] violate fundamental principles of our legal system and undermine right to counsel, independence of the legal profession, and rule of law. ...
Here's former BBA Council member Jeff Pyle, of Prince Lobel, quoted at the top of a WaPo story on the arrest and attempted deportation of legal permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil: "This case is as clear a First Amendment violation as any case I’ve ever seen in my 23-year career.”
bit.ly/4iiZs4h
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bit.ly/4iiZs4h
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Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest violates First Amendment protections, lawyers say
Trying to deport Khalil for demonstrating against Israel is an obvious violation of his rights and an attempt to intimidate others, they say.
bit.ly
March 21, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Here's former BBA Council member Jeff Pyle, of Prince Lobel, quoted at the top of a WaPo story on the arrest and attempted deportation of legal permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil: "This case is as clear a First Amendment violation as any case I’ve ever seen in my 23-year career.”
bit.ly/4iiZs4h
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bit.ly/4iiZs4h
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Terrifying that it has to be said yet again, but here goes: When the executive branch wields its power to single out a specific law firm and its attorneys for their past or present representation, it strikes at the heart of an impartial and independent justice system.
bit.ly/41q4ftw
bit.ly/41q4ftw
March 20, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Terrifying that it has to be said yet again, but here goes: When the executive branch wields its power to single out a specific law firm and its attorneys for their past or present representation, it strikes at the heart of an impartial and independent justice system.
bit.ly/41q4ftw
bit.ly/41q4ftw
"In the face of efforts to undermine the independence of the legal profession, there is a continuing & increasing need for lawyers to offer competent representation to all—especially those who are vulnerable or out of political favor. The BBA encourages all members of our profession to do the same."
As we said when the White House targeted Covington—and as it seems we'll have to say again—when the executive branch wields its power to single out a specific law firm and its attorneys for their past or present representation, it strikes at the heart of an impartial and independent justice system.
March 7, 2025 at 6:29 PM
"In the face of efforts to undermine the independence of the legal profession, there is a continuing & increasing need for lawyers to offer competent representation to all—especially those who are vulnerable or out of political favor. The BBA encourages all members of our profession to do the same."
More from the statement: "The BBA proudly and clearly reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law. ...
bit.ly/41q4ftw
bit.ly/41q4ftw
March 7, 2025 at 6:28 PM
More from the statement: "The BBA proudly and clearly reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law. ...
bit.ly/41q4ftw
bit.ly/41q4ftw
Revolutionary Spaces marks the Boston Massacre's 250th anniversary today by debating whether to "extract vengeance against the soldiers or call for law and order above all else. Have your voice heard in a Town Meeting debate: vengeance or justice?" 1/x
revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/upco...
revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/upco...
Vengeance or Justice: Town Meeting
Join Revolutionary Spaces and National Parks of Boston for Vengeance or Justice, commemorating the 255th anniversary of the Boston Massacre.
revolutionaryspaces.org
March 5, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Revolutionary Spaces marks the Boston Massacre's 250th anniversary today by debating whether to "extract vengeance against the soldiers or call for law and order above all else. Have your voice heard in a Town Meeting debate: vengeance or justice?" 1/x
revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/upco...
revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/upco...
Important statement on the latest emerging threat to rule of law, as one firm is singled out for its work with special counsel Jack Smith—sending "a chilling message to all lawyers, that representation of individuals out of favor with the Administration could invite [government] retaliation."
BBA President Matt McTygue released a statement today regarding the recent Presidential Action targeting Covington & Burling LLP:
bostonbar.org/news/bba-pre...
bostonbar.org/news/bba-pre...
BBA President McTygue Responds to Presidential Action Targeting Covington & Burling LLP - Boston Bar Association
On Tuesday, President Trump took an alarming step in undermining the rule of law, issuing a directive that explicitly targets Covington & Burling LLP,
bostonbar.org
February 27, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Important statement on the latest emerging threat to rule of law, as one firm is singled out for its work with special counsel Jack Smith—sending "a chilling message to all lawyers, that representation of individuals out of favor with the Administration could invite [government] retaliation."
Even beyond the practical ramifications of this move, can we just take a moment to consider why a President should even have the power to fire a judge?
It's only because the Immigration Court is housed within DOJ and effectively under its control. 1/3
It's only because the Immigration Court is housed within DOJ and effectively under its control. 1/3
I keep hearing people say Trump is dumb for firing immigration judges just as he’s trying to dramatically ramp up deportations.
It’s only dumb if you assume they plan to respect due process for those they deport.
I think “ominous” is the better word.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/18/m...
It’s only dumb if you assume they plan to respect due process for those they deport.
I think “ominous” is the better word.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/18/m...
‘It makes no logical sense’: A Mass. immigration judge is among more than 20 fired by Trump administration - The Boston Globe
The firings could add to the growing immigration court backlog in Massachusetts and nationwide.
www.bostonglobe.com
February 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Even beyond the practical ramifications of this move, can we just take a moment to consider why a President should even have the power to fire a judge?
It's only because the Immigration Court is housed within DOJ and effectively under its control. 1/3
It's only because the Immigration Court is housed within DOJ and effectively under its control. 1/3
I want to make sure you've seen this important and timely statement from the BBA President!
Over the past three weeks, our 236-year-old constitutional system of governance has strained under the weight of executive orders and directives from the new Administration, many of which undermine—if not violate—norms, laws, and the Constitution:
(2/11)
(2/11)
February 14, 2025 at 8:42 PM
I want to make sure you've seen this important and timely statement from the BBA President!
Long day but I'm back to post a little about the BBA's 15th annual Beacon Awards, hosted by President Matt McTygue.
January 23, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Long day but I'm back to post a little about the BBA's 15th annual Beacon Awards, hosted by President Matt McTygue.
Hello, Bluesky! I've joined just in time to live-post about today's Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid: equaljusticecoalition.org/walk
@bostonbar.bsky.social
@bostonbar.bsky.social
Walk to the Hill - Equal Justice Coalition
Each year, hundreds of attorneys participate in one of the largest lobby days at the Massachusetts State House.
equaljusticecoalition.org
January 23, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Hello, Bluesky! I've joined just in time to live-post about today's Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid: equaljusticecoalition.org/walk
@bostonbar.bsky.social
@bostonbar.bsky.social