Guardians of the Rule of Law [Published in Corporate Counsel Business Journal]
The rule of law is not an abstract legal ideal. It is the framework that supports fairness, due process, equal treatment and institutional trust. This three-part Corporate Counsel Business Journal (CCBJ) Q&A series examines what it means for lawyers and leaders to protect that framework in daily practice, especially when the pressure to stay silent, compromise values, or prioritize short-term business interests is high.
Q&A participants include moderator, Gina Rubel, who was joined by Arlene Fickler of Dilworth Paxson LLP, Leander Dolphin of Shipman & Goodwin LLP, and LaTanya Langley of Edgewell .
Participants emphasized that ethical leadership requires more than technical compliance. They described the everyday decisions that shape culture behind closed doors: reviewing policies for fairness, resisting shortcuts that erode trust, protecting due process, advising leadership on legal and reputational risk, and supporting employees when organizations choose not to comment publicly on sensitive issues. The conversation also underscored that lawyers serve both clients and the legal system itself, with obligations that extend to pro bono work, public-minded leadership, and defending constitutional principles even when doing so is uncomfortable.
Several themes emerged for law firm and corporate leaders:
- Lead by values, not shifting external pressure
- Distinguish what is legally permissible from what is ethically right
- Reinforce trust through transparency, fairness and due process
- Communicate internally, especially when public silence is necessary
- Treat ethical culture as part of strategy, training and accountability
- Support pro bono service and other actions that protect institutions and communities
- Encourage leaders to act with integrity even when there is personal or professional risk
Safeguarding the rule of law is not reserved for headline moments. It happens in everyday leadership choices, in the courage to ask hard questions and in the willingness to protect people, principles and institutional credibility when it matters most.
Read the full discussion in CCBJ:
Guardians of the Rule of Law Part 1
Guardians of the Rule of Law Part 2
Guardians of the Rule of Law Part 3