69 DOJ Lawyers Walked Out Today. This Is An Alarm BELL
They didn’t lose their jobs—it’s the system unraveling from within.
Today, July 14th, nearly two-thirds of the DOJ’s Federal Programs Unit—69 out of roughly 110 attorneys—resigned or submitted their notices. This isn’t a routine staffing shift. This is a mass walkout over ethics and constitutional integrity.
Many of these attorneys were not timid political appointees—they were seasoned career professionals, with 10 of 23 supervisors departing alongside front-line staff. (Reuters)
Here’s What They’re Saying
According to attorney sources:
“Some career lawyers feared they would be pressured to misrepresent facts or legal issues in court, a violation of ethics rules.”
They described being forced to defend policies they felt were not legally justifiable—from curbing birthright citizenship to dismantling civil rights protections. (Reuters)
One departing lawyer said: “Many came to defend the system—not help dismantle it.” (Dagens.com)
This isn’t burnout. This is a breaking point.
Why This Should Haunt You
Ethical Line Crossed
Lawyers subject to disciplinary action for misrepresenting facts aren’t just quitting—they’re drawing a line in the sand.Justice System Corroding
This unit defends government actions in court. When their conscience forces them out, who remains to ensure legal accountability?Political Loyalty Replacing Merit
Experienced attorneys are being replaced by political appointees—not because of competence, but loyalty. This risks turning the DOJ into an arm of ideology, not justice.A Constitutional Flashpoint
When career lawyers refuse to carry out orders, it signifies the beginning of a system collapsing from within, not from external pressure.
🛑 Actions You Can Take to Push Back
1. Call or Email Your Representatives
Use Democracy.io to reach your Senators and House member. Example script:
“I’m alarmed that 69 DOJ federal lawyers resigned today over ethical and constitutional issues. Please demand Congressional hearings to defend DOJ independence and protect career attorneys from political pressure.”
2. Phone In Using 5calls.org
Quick script:
“Constituent here, asking Congress to investigate the mass DOJ resignation and to pass protections for career lawyers at the Department of Justice.”
3. Send a Message to the DOJ Itself
Use the DOJ portal to demand transparency:
“I request an explanation for the departures of DOJ Federal Programs attorneys, many citing directives to misrepresent facts. This threatens the rule of law.”
4. Mobilize Your Community
Host a local call-in campaign.
Share scripts and representative contacts.
Press journalists and local outlets to cover the story—it must not stay quiet.
Why We Must Act
Because when those charged with defending the law walk away, the law is losing its defenders.
We cannot afford to be silent or inactive.
I’ve broken this down because your voice matters. If you believe in a justice system that serves the people—not politics—take action today.
➡️ Read more, share this post, and become part of our movement on:
Bluesky: @bernadettegold.bsky.social
Skylight: @bernadettegold
We still have time to stop the unraveling—if we speak and act now.
—Bernadette Gold