Law Deans Letter

[Your Name] 

[Your Year] 

[Law School Name] 

[Your Email Address] 

[Date]

Dean [Last Name] 

[Law School Name] 

Dear Dean [Last Name],

I am writing to you as a current student at [Law School Name] who chose to attend because of my deep belief in the rule of law, the independence of the legal profession, and the vital role lawyers play in our constitutional democracy. I write to respectfully request that you consider personally endorsing the Principles for the Independence of the Legal Profession, authored by more than thirty former federal judges appointed by presidents of both parties. The endorsement page can be found at: https://keepourrepublic.org/what-we-do/initiatives/legal-principles/. 

Endorsement of the Principles would represent a reaffirmation of fundamental commitments to the integrity of the profession, including that lawyers must be free from government coercion or retaliation for representing clients, donating to causes of concern, or expressing their beliefs; that members of the bar must uphold the Rules of Professional Conduct—including the duty to challenge official actions when required; and that lawyers bear a responsibility to ensure that competent legal counsel is available to all, regardless of ideology, popular support, or government disfavor.

These are not partisan commitments, but baseline professional obligations that defend a robust and independent bar, a judiciary that functions free from intimidation, and a thriving constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law. 

I ask for your personal endorsement because law school deans occupy a unique position of trust and influence. You train the next generation of lawyers. You shape our understanding of what it means to be a member of this profession. As the independence of the bar is under pressure, your voice carries weight—not just within these walls, but within the broader legal community. Your personal endorsement would send a clear signal to students, faculty, alumni, and peers that the values we study here are ones you are willing to publicly stand behind.

I recognize that institutional endorsements raise distinct considerations, and I do not ask the law school to take a position. A personal endorsement, made in your individual capacity, would be a powerful statement of professional commitment consistent with the responsibilities all in the profession should adhere to.

If helpful, I would be grateful for the opportunity to speak with you further about the Principles. My sincere thanks for your time and for your service to this school and to the legal profession.

Respectfully,

[Your Name] 

[Year] 

[Law School Name]