As Thanksgiving approaches, legal professionals are encouraged to take a moment to reflect on the privilege of serving in one of the most prestigious and financially rewarding sectors of society. With Am Law 100 firms generating a combined $131 billion in 2022, the legal industry continues to thrive, contributing to a U.S. legal services market worth $390 billion. Many lawyers also dedicate substantial time to pro bono work, with estimates showing that attorneys contribute between 50-80 hours annually to charitable causes.
Yet, despite the financial success of the legal profession, there is an urgent issue that demands attention: the ongoing decline of the rule of law in the United States. According to the World Justice Project (WJP), trust in U.S. institutions—including the judicial system—has plummeted in recent years, sparking widespread concerns about the integrity of legal processes. In a national study conducted by the WJP earlier this year, it was revealed that less than half of Americans believe that judges rule independently, and the public’s confidence in holding high-ranking officials accountable for breaking the law has dropped drastically, from 60% to 35% in the past decade.
With the rule of law eroding, the legal community stands to lose not only its credibility but also its ability to uphold the very foundations of justice that enable the profession to function. Legal professionals, who play a vital role in safeguarding democracy, must now rise to the challenge and take an active role in restoring public trust in the U.S. legal system.
The United States now ranks 26th out of 142 countries in the WJP’s Global Rule of Law Index—behind countries like Uruguay, Spain, and even Slovenia. The country has also slipped to 107th in access to affordable civil justice and 99th for equal treatment under the law. These rankings place the U.S. in or near the bottom quartile, alongside nations like Papua New Guinea and Colombia. Such statistics paint a sobering picture of the state of justice in the country and signal that significant work lies ahead to restore the integrity of the legal system.
Adding to this concern is the alarming decline in civic education. A 2023 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report found that only 24% of eighth graders across the U.S. are proficient in civics, a sharp drop from previous years. Only 30 states mandate civics or government education, and even fewer require testing on the subject to graduate. This lack of education on fundamental democratic principles further exacerbates the erosion of trust in the legal system.
Despite the growing crisis, when asked at three October legal conferences which firms or in-house teams were actively engaging in pro bono work related to strengthening the rule of law, the response was disheartening: only three hands were raised, with two of the firms focusing exclusively on election integrity. The lack of widespread engagement in addressing rule-of-law issues is troubling, especially considering the significant economic and societal implications that a deteriorating legal system could have.
If this trend continues, the consequences could extend far beyond the legal profession. The $113 billion litigation and disputes market, which comprises the largest segment of the U.S. legal industry, could suffer as businesses lose confidence in the ability of courts to fairly and effectively resolve disputes. A weakened rule of law would undermine the very foundation of American democracy and legal fairness.
Now is the time for legal professionals to step up and become champions for the rule of law. Legal experts, especially those in the top 200 law firms, have the opportunity to make a tangible difference. By rallying around causes that advocate for the rule of law, lawyers can help raise awareness about its importance, educate the public, and work toward restoring trust in legal institutions. If just 10 lawyers from each of the top 200 firms committed to this cause, it would result in 20,000 lawyers actively driving change and fostering public understanding of why the rule of law matters.
What Lawyers Can Do:
For those who are ready to take action, there are several ways to get involved in strengthening the rule of law. These include:
Partnering with Corporate Legal Teams: Many law firms already partner with corporate clients on pro bono initiatives. By joining forces, legal professionals can multiply their impact and broaden their reach.
Engaging with Rule-of-Law Organizations: There are several organizations that focus on strengthening the rule of law and providing civic education. Notable groups include:
Street Law: A global nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals through civics education and rule of law programs.
World Justice Project: A leading organization focused on advancing the rule of law through research, advocacy, and public engagement.
Generation Citizen: An organization committed to transforming civics education in U.S. communities with an emphasis on equity and social justice.
For those unable to donate time, financial contributions to these and similar organizations can also have a significant impact. With Giving Tuesday just around the corner, it presents a perfect opportunity for lawyers to give back and support efforts to strengthen the rule of law.
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