The NAELA Board of Directors has unanimously adopted a formal statement in support of the rule of law, affirming NAELA's commitment to defend judicial independence, support the impartial administration of justice, and oppose any attempts to politicize our legal system. In a letter to ABA President William Bay, NAELA President Judith Flynn expressed NAELA's strong support for the ABA’s leadership in defending these foundational principles — especially on behalf of the vulnerable populations NAELA members serve.
April 14, 2025
William R. Bay
President
American Bar Association
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Dear President Bay:
On behalf of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), I am writing to express our organization’s strong support for the American Bar Association in its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.
The NAELA Board of Directors has unanimously approved the following formal statement:
NAELA Supports the Rule of Law
“As the nation’s premier association of attorneys representing older Americans and individuals with disabilities, we want to state our steadfast support for the rule of law. When we became lawyers, we took an oath to promote, uphold, and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath is foundational to the work we do every day in serving and advocating for our clients, some of the nation’s most vulnerable people.
Without a set of principles to ensure a just and orderly society, our way of life as Americans as we know it would cease to function. Indeed, the rule of law is what separates us from many nations on earth; it is a hallmark of what makes America great. The rule of law is not an abstract concept—it has real consequences for the vulnerable populations we serve daily. When political powers attempt to delegitimize courts, intimidate judges, or selectively enforce laws, it is older adults and those with disabilities who often suffer most directly. For many older Americans and individuals with disabilities, our courts are one of a few places they can count on to treat them fairly and without prejudice.
Throughout our organization’s 37-year history, policy priorities have shifted with each administration; however, our adherence to the rule of law has not. We therefore stand firm in our commitment to defend judicial independence, support the impartial administration of justice, and oppose any attempts to politicize our legal system. We call on all legal professionals to remember their oath and join us in protecting the rule of law. The well-being of our nation’s citizens and the future of our democracy depend on it.”
NAELA is proud to stand with the American Bar Association in this crucial mission. We believe that as legal professionals who serve vulnerable populations, we have a particular obligation to be vocal advocates for the principles that ensure equal justice and protection under the law.
We would welcome any opportunity to collaborate with the American Bar Association on initiatives related to preserving and strengthening the rule of law in our nation.
Sincerely,
Judith M. Flynn
President
CC: NAELA Board of Directors
Alexander T. Graham, Chief Executive Officer
NAELA State Chapter Presidents