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- Veteran attorney Abbe Lowell launches new law firm to defend targets of President Trump’s actions.
- Lowell & Associates hires attorneys from firms targeted by President Trump’s executive orders.
- The firm aims to protect individuals and organizations from what it calls “unlawful and inappropriate” targeting by the Trump administration.
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Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
Abbe Lowell, a seasoned criminal defense attorney with nearly 40 years of experience, has launched a new law firm, Lowell & Associates. This move is in response to President Trump’s recent executive orders targeting law firms and individuals who have opposed him. Lowell has a history of representing high-profile clients, including Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Hunter Biden, and President Trump.
Core Players
- Abbe Lowell – Founder of Lowell & Associates, veteran criminal defense attorney
- President Donald Trump – Current president, issuer of executive orders against law firms
- Lowell & Associates – New law firm focused on defending targets of President Trump’s actions
- New York Attorney General Letitia James – One of the firm’s first clients
- Miles Taylor – Former President Trump administration official, client of Lowell & Associates
Key Numbers
- 40 years – Abbe Lowell’s legal practice experience
- $100 million – Pro bono commitment by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom for President Trump’s interests, leading to attorney resignations
- February and March 2025 – Months when President Trump issued executive orders against law firms
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The Catalyst
President Trump’s recent executive orders have targeted several major law firms, including Covington and Burling and Perkins Coie LLP, for their roles in opposing him or representing his political opponents. These actions have led to the suspension of security clearances and the termination of federal contracts for these firms.
“We are not here to make statements, we are here to litigate, win, and help reinforce the legal guardrails that hold our democracy together,” said Brenna Trout Frey, an attorney who joined Lowell & Associates after resigning from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.
Inside Forces
Lowell & Associates has attracted attorneys from firms that were pressured by President Trump’s administration. The firm’s mission is to protect individuals and organizations from what it describes as “unlawful and inappropriate” targeting. This includes defending against the improper revocation of grant funding and other legal challenges posed by the Trump administration.
The firm’s client list already includes notable figures such as New York Attorney General Letitia James, former President Trump administration official Miles Taylor, and whistleblower lawyer Mark Zaid.
Power Dynamics
President Trump’s actions against law firms reflect a broader strategy to punish his political opponents and challenge the legal system. Lowell & Associates is positioning itself as a counterforce to these actions, leveraging the expertise of its attorneys to defend those targeted.
The move also highlights the internal dynamics within the legal community, where some firms are aligning with President Trump’s agenda while others are actively opposing it.
Outside Impact
The establishment of Lowell & Associates has significant implications for the legal landscape and the broader political environment. It signals a robust response from the legal community against what many see as an overreach of executive power.
This development could also influence how other law firms navigate their relationships with the President Trump administration and how they choose to represent clients who are targets of President Trump’s actions.
Future Forces
As the legal battles between the Trump administration and its opponents continue, Lowell & Associates is likely to play a pivotal role. The firm’s success will depend on its ability to navigate complex legal challenges and protect its clients’ interests effectively.
Key areas to watch include the outcomes of legal challenges to President Trump’s executive orders, the firm’s ability to attract more high-profile clients, and the broader impact on the rule of law in the United States.
Data Points
- February 25, 2025: President Trump administration announces suspension of security clearances for Covington and Burling lawyers.
- March 6, 2025: President Trump issues executive order targeting Perkins Coie LLP.
- May 2, 2025: Abbe Lowell launches Lowell & Associates.
- $100 million: Pro bono commitment by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom for President Trump’s interests.
The launch of Lowell & Associates marks a significant development in the ongoing legal and political tensions between the President Trump administration and its opponents. As the firm begins its work, it will be crucial to watch how it navigates these complex issues and how its efforts impact the broader legal and political landscape.
