In a strategic move, Abbe Lowell, renowned for his defense work with influential political figures, is setting up a new law firm, Lowell & Associates. This initiative aims to confront President Trump’s ongoing legal maneuvers against various major law firms.

Background and Purpose

Lowell & Associates has brought together a team of attorneys previously affiliated with firms that aligned with the Trump administration. These attorneys left their positions amid growing concerns over excessive executive influence on legal practices, particularly those representing Trump’s political adversaries.

President Trump’s administration has enacted executive orders that specifically target law firms that defended his opponents or engaged in litigation against him, compelling these firms to disassociate from any legal partnerships that could be construed as undermining his administration.

Notable Clients and Representation

Among its initial clients, Lowell & Associates has attracted high-profile figures such as New York Attorney General Letitia James, former Trump official Miles Taylor, and whistleblower advocate Mark Zaid. The firm is positioned to defend individuals and organizations that have been inappropriately targeted through Trump’s policies.

The firm’s announcement indicates a commitment to represent both current and former officials facing unjust scrutiny as well as entities involved in disputes concerning revoked government funding by the Department of Government Efficiency.

Leadership’s Vision

Brenna Trout Frey, a key partner in the firm, emphasized their mission by stating, We are not here to make statements; we are here to litigate, win, and help reinforce the legal guardrails that hold our democracy together. Frey transitioned to Lowell & Associates after departing from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, a firm that pledged $100 million in pro bono services for Trump’s interests.

Industry Response to Executive Orders

The legal community has reacted decisively to Trump’s executive orders. Many firms, including Willkie Farr & Gallagher and Paul, Weiss, have committed substantial resources to support the Trump administration, while others, like Jenner & Block and Perkins Coie, are actively challenging these orders in court.

Trump’s directives not only require government contractors to disclose affiliations with certain law firms but also direct federal agencies to reassess contracts based on alignment with administration interests. This has profound implications for legal practices attempting to navigate a politically charged environment.