So in addition to the threats to Big Law participation in pro bono work, we should be worried what might happen at the local level, too. Two things are possible:
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(1) State legislators may try to mimic these EOs and pass legislation that threatens more regional/local firms engaging in pro bono work with progressive orgs.
OR
(2) Local firms may become paranoid, and avoid working with civil rights orgs altogether.
Either way, the result is that non-profit legal orgs won't be able to bring new cases that they desperately need to bring. They will literally not be able to foot the bill.
The chilling effect for Big Law is huge. It will be felt deeply by cause lawyers at national organizations, but also civil rights lawyers in smaller states with hostile state legislatures.
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OR
(2) Local firms may become paranoid, and avoid working with civil rights orgs altogether.
But also because if Big Law folds, the domino effect for smaller firms, and therefore small nonprofits, will be devastating.