Above the Law - Thinking Like a Lawyer Nothin' Says Lovin' Like A Benchslap
Sep 24, 2025
A lawyer's termination over social media comments raises questions about free speech vs. firm discretion. A judge's harsh criticism of a Pillsbury partner highlights issues of entitlement in the courtroom. Meanwhile, Santa Clara Law steps up with guaranteed scholarships as a response to new federal loan caps, potentially setting a trend for other institutions. Tune in for a lively discussion on these intriguing topics!
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Firm Fires Over Social Posts
- Perkins Coie fired a senior lawyer after measured social-media comments about Charlie Kirk, citing distraction risk while fighting the administration.
- Hosts debate whether preemptive silence could be justified but worry about firing without prior guidance.
Expectations Before Punishment
- If a firm expects silence during a high-stakes litigation campaign it must communicate that expectation proactively.
- Firing for a benign post feels punitive unless clear social-media rules were given in advance.
Hagiography Versus Honest Reckoning
- Public reaction to the death shows a split between mourning and resisting hagiography of controversial figures.
- Hosts note efforts to whitewash Charlie Kirk's record on social media and the media's limited pushback.