What Lawyers Need to Track Right Now

Key lawsuits across the country continue to test the limits of executive power, due process, and the role of the judiciary. While this happens, it is critical that lawyers stay informed and engaged as they are uniquely positioned to defend the rule of law.

Here are three key proceedings lawyers need to watch this week.

International Students & Due Process

Harvard v. DHS (D. Mass)

• Issue: Harvard sues to block DHS from banning international students.

• Status: TRO granted in favor of Harvard

• Next: DHS response pending

John Doe v. Trump (N.D. Cal)

• Issue: Students challenged visa revocations

• Status: Preliminary injunction granted.

• Next: Case management conference.

Why these matter: They raise critical questions about academic freedom, immigration, and federal overreach.

A closer look: These cases could affect every U.S. university with international students.

The big picture: A larger pattern of executive interference in higher education and immigration policy.

Federal Employees: Rights on the Line

Additional case details available HERE

Donald J. Trump, et al. v. Wilcox, et al., No. 24A966 (U.S)

• Issue: National Labor Relations Board member and Merit Systems Protection Board member challenged their removals from their positions.

• Status: SCOTUS stayed injunction.

• Next: Further proceedings in the Supreme Court.

• Why it matters: Undermining independent federal boards could destabilize labor protections and prevent terminated federal employees from seeking relief.

• A closer look: Decision could impact how presidents control independent federal agencies.

• The big picture: Impact on the separation of powers and political neutrality of regulatory bodies

While this list does not exhaustively cover key rule of law issues, it highlights some of the most important topics that lawyers should know. There are many legal issue trackers available for free to the public. Here are a few of our favorites:

Just Security Litigation Tracker

AP News Tracker

New York Times Tracker

Upcoming Activities

Since the very successful Law Day #ReaffirmTheOath grassroots effort, many of you have asked what we can do next to counter democratic backsliding. Here are a few ideas.

• Write Letters to the Editor or Op-Eds for your local newspaper or digital media about issues concerning you. Feel free to let us know if you need some help with this.

• Write a LinkedIn post, share reliable news information, or share well-done opinion pieces with your social media network. Liking or reposting a LinkedIn post is a great place to start.

• You can also follow us on our social media platforms at @checksandbalancesnow.

• Several collective action activities are coming up in which communities come to support the rule of law. Here are a few events in the next month or so.

1. United4Veterans Rally Friday, June 6th, 2 p.m., Washington, D.C. https://www.unite4veterans.org

2. No Kings Day, events across the country https://www.nokings.org