February 1, 2026

In an unprecedented series of legal events, this week has turned the legal world on its head, starting with a Texas judge who found himself in hot water for handcuffing an attorney during a court hearing. The incident, deemed an unlawful restraint, has sparked a nationwide debate about judicial conduct and the boundaries of courtroom authority.
Meanwhile, the legal profession is grappling with calls for disbarment of attorneys involved with the Trump administration. A vocal faction within the legal community insists that lawyers who crossed ethical lines during Trump's tenure should be barred from practicing law, pointing to a need for professional accountability that transcends political affiliations.
In another Trump-related legal drama, a judge has expressed skepticism regarding the former president's claim that he could unilaterally demolish historic buildings, specifically the East Wing. This legal battle underscores the ongoing tensions between historical preservation and executive privilege, with the courtroom giving what some might call a judicial side-eye to Trump's audacious claims.
On the academic front, Professor Richard Epstein has stirred controversy by claiming expertise on the Fourteenth Amendment after a widely criticized take on COVID-19 policies. His latest comments have led to calls for intellectual humility among academics, especially those who venture outside their areas of expertise.
The legal education sector isn't without its drama either, as a regional law school explores a long-distance merger in hopes of adapting to the changing landscape of legal education. This move signals a growing trend of law schools consolidating resources to enhance their educational offerings and competitive edge.
Adding to the week's upheavals, the legal community mourns the dissolution of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, a firm with nearly 150 years of history. The firm's closure is a somber reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the legal profession and the economic realities facing many longstanding firms.
Tragedy also struck this week when a law firm-owned jet crashed, leaving no survivors. The incident has deeply affected the legal community, highlighting the personal risks and tragedies that can accompany the professional lives of legal practitioners.
Each of these stories, while diverse in nature, paints a picture of a legal landscape in flux—where norms are challenged, boundaries tested, and the community forced to adapt to unprecedented situations. As the legal world watches and reacts, the only certainty is that the law will continue to be both a reflector and director of societal change.