Dear SFVBA Membership:
The San Fernando Valley Bar Association’s (SFVBA) mission statement is to serve the Valley’s legal community and public “by promoting ethical legal practice, advocating for access to justice, and providing educational and networking opportunities for its members [. . .]” The following statement, which concerns recent attacks on the judicial branch of our government that relate directly to the integrity and continued viability of our profession, is made in support of the SFVBA’s mission.
Attorneys swear the following oath upon admission to the State Bar of California:
“I, (licensee name) solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of an attorney and counselor at law to the best of my knowledge and ability. As an officer of the court, I will strive to conduct myself at all times with dignity, courtesy and integrity.” (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Examinations/California-Bar-Examination/Attorneys-Oath)
Lawyers and judges in this country have sworn a version of that oath since 1789. Yet, members of the bar have been instrumental in recent attacks against the constitutional framework. Such disregard for the law is alarming, and it warrants reaffirmation of our oath.
These past few weeks have seen an escalation of the executive branch’s rhetoric and actions designed to destabilize the rule of law. Vice President J.D. Vance has stated that the “judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.” This sentiment has been echoed by billionaire Elon Musk’s calling for an “immediate wave of judicial impeachments, not just one.” Beyond statements, the Executive Branch has defied a U.S. District Court order to release frozen funds appropriated by Congress (for example, see the Hon. John J. McConnell’s February 10. 2025 order). In other words, the Executive Branch’s position is that lower court orders conflicting with its efforts are not binding.
The foundation of our independent judicial branch is under attack, and if a constitutional crisis is not already underway, it’s rapidly encroaching.
The SFVBA stands with other Bar Associations speaking out in favor of the rule of law, against delegitimization of the courts’ independence, and against attempts at dissolving the traditional separation of powers in this country. Our Association recognizes that the judiciary’s endangerment will have a direct impact on our members’ livelihood, and rest assured that we will fight for your right to participate in a recognizable and stable judicial system.
We urge our members to find ways to support the judicial branch at every turn in their day-to-day practice. We will not stand idly by while traditional checks-and-balances fall to the wayside. Know that your SFVBA has a long-standing commitment to access-to-justice, and that includes our belief that the rule of law is worth fighting for. As members of the legal profession, we call on you to help us fight to uphold the constitutional separation of powers.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
.png){kind=spacer}
