In a riveting episode of CBS's "60 Minutes," former Justice Department lawyer Erez Reuveni shed light on serious concerns within the Department of Justice, highlighting a disregard for due process and the rule of law. This eye-opening interview sets the stage for a broader conversation on current issues facing the legal profession, as captured in the latest edition of the Legal Ethics Roundup.

Significant developments include a troubling trend of attacks on the U.S. legal profession, which reflect a broader, global slide in judicial independence and advocacy. Such crackdowns are not just overseas phenomena but are happening within countries that once led the charge in upholding the law and human rights.

In California, the legal landscape sees a shift with Assembly Bill (AB) 931 putting a temporary halt on innovative business structures involving non-lawyers in law firms. This move counters the progressive stances of states like Arizona and Utah, marking a significant step back for legal experimentation in the Golden State.

The legal education sector is witnessing an unprecedented surge in interest, with a 27.8% increase in law school applications for the 2025 enrollment year, a jump that speaks volumes about the profession's evolving dynamics and its perceived value in turbulent times.

On the judiciary front, more than three dozen federal judges have expressed concerns over the Supreme Court's handling of emergency orders under the Trump administration, describing the situation as a 'judicial crisis' that confuses lower courts and tarnishes the judiciary’s public image.

Artificial Intelligence continues to stir debates within legal filings, as courts in California and Alabama impose fines on lawyers who submitted AI-generated, non-existent legal citations. This underscores an ongoing challenge in the legal field to adapt responsibly to technological advancements.

Moreover, the Department of Justice finds itself under scrutiny as federal lawyers, including US Attorney General Pam Bondi, face ethics probes over allegations of overzealous advocacy. These probes are part of a larger trend where legal ethics complaints are increasingly used as tools in political battles.

The roundup also touches on a refusal by the Florida Supreme Court to compel the Florida Bar to investigate Bondi for alleged state ethics violations, a decision highlighting the complex interplay between state and federal oversight.

Lastly, the legal education sphere is bracing for potential shifts away from traditional oversight by the American Bar Association, as indicated by the Texas Supreme Court's tentative statements questioning the ABA's role in law school accreditations.

This week’s roundup not only highlights the pressing issues within the legal ethics domain but also serves as a reminder of the continuous evolution and challenges facing the legal profession today.