WHEREAS, the Philadelphia Bar Association’s adopted mission is to “serve the legal profession and the public by promoting justice, professional excellence and respect for the rule of law. In so doing, the Association strives to foster understanding of, involvement in and access to the justice system”; and,
WHEREAS, in recent years, the Philadelphia Bar Association has routinely taken public stands in support of the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession and the judiciary; and,
WHEREAS, in early 2025, the Philadelphia Bar Association joined in four amici curiae briefs1 before United States federal courts to, among other things, promote the independence of legal professionals and the ability for lawyers and law firms to choose their clients without fear of retribution from government actors; and,
WHEREAS, the Philadelphia Bar Association organized a keystone event on June 26, 2025 entitled, Meeting the Moment: Focus on The Rule of Law featuring a number of distinguished panelists and moderators highlighting the efforts undertaken by the Philadelphia Bar Association and other legal organizations surrounding the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary;2 and,
WHEREAS, on March 26, 2020, the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Bar Association adopted a resolution3 recognizing that “a judiciary which possesses institutional and decisional independence, removed from influences of the political process, is central to the success of a republican form of government; and . . . judicial independence makes a system of impartial justice possible by enabling judges to protect and enforce the rights of the people, and by allowing them without fear of reprisal to strike down actions of the legislative and executive branches of government which run afoul of the Constitution”; and
WHEREAS, the Philadelphia Bar Association activated its Legislative Action Center to encourage its members to oppose efforts to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to divide the Commonwealth into legislatively-drawn districts for the statewide appellate courts for political purposes;4 and,
WHEREAS, the advocacy for the independence of the judiciary by the Philadelphia Bar Association has not stopped at local borders, and the Philadelphia Bar Association Board of Governors has pressured international actors to recognize and respect the independence of overseas courts recently in Mexico5 and in the Hague;6 and,
WHEREAS, coalition partners of the Philadelphia Bar Association, through the leadership of the National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP) have proposed and adopted a Pledge to Preserve the Independence of the Legal Profession and the Judicial System which is reproduced and attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “NCBP Pledge”); and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Bar Association has reviewed the NCBP Pledge and has determined that its statement of shared principles aligns with the mission and goals of the Philadelphia Bar Association.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Bar Association that the Philadelphia Bar Association accedes to the National Conference of Bar Presidents Pledge to Preserve the Independence of the Legal Profession and the Judicial System attached hereto as Exhibit A7 and further that the Philadelphia Bar Association adopts the shared principles set forth therein as guiding principles for the Philadelphia Bar Association; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee is authorized on behalf of the Philadelphia Bar Association to sign the NCBP Pledge on behalf of the Philadelphia Bar Association; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all members of the Philadelphia Bar Association are encouraged to sign NCBP Pledge in their individual capacities as members of the legal profession sharing the shared principles set forth in the NCBP Pledge.
PHILADELPHIA BAR ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Adopted: February 19, 2026
EXHIBIT A
Pledge to Preserve the Independence of the Legal Profession and the Judicial System
1. Upholding the Rule of Law and the Constitution
We reaffirm our oath and pledge to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of our respective states. We recognize that fidelity to these charters is fundamental to liberty, justice, and the preservation of our American institutions. We will act, speak, and lead in ways that strengthen public confidence in the rule of law, the judiciary, and our constitutional system.
2. Preserving the Independence of the Profession and the Judiciary
We affirm that an independent legal profession is indispensable to the protection of governance under the rule of law. The self-governance of our profession safeguards the public from tyranny and ensures that justice remains free from political influence. Each lawyer bears personal responsibility to defend and uphold this independence for the good of the public and the integrity of the legal system.
3. Upholding the Legal Process and Respect for the Courts
We pledge to maintain the independence of and respect due to the courts of justice, judicial officers, and all participants in the legal process. We recognize that respect for the rule of law depends upon civility, professionalism, and honest advocacy in every proceeding and in every forum.
4. Promoting Public Trust and Confidence
We commit to preserving public trust and confidence in the legal system and the legal profession. We pledge to promote integrity, honesty, and respect for the courts by upholding the values of the Rules of Professional Conduct—as judicial officers and as public citizens with special responsibilities for the preservation of justice.
5. Ensuring Access to Justice for All
We pledge to devote our professional time, skill, and influence to ensuring access to justice, particularly for those who cannot afford it. We will champion efforts that improve the law, advance equality, and ensure that all persons, regardless of means or status, have a fair opportunity to be heard.
6. Advancing Professional Excellence and Ethical Leadership
We recommit to the continued pursuit of professional excellence and ethical leadership. We will strive to uphold the highest ideals of truth, integrity, and service, and to act as mentors and servant leaders for the next generation of lawyers. Our strength as a profession depends upon both skill and moral courage.
7. Fostering Unity and Interdependence
We pledge to collaborate with one another—across jurisdictions, disciplines, and perspectives—to strengthen the unity of the profession. Our shared oath binds us not only to individual excellence but also to collective responsibility. Together, we form a bulwark for justice, democracy, and the preservation of civil society.
Conclusion: Our Common Purpose
In unity and shared purpose, we pledge to be steadfast guardians of justice. We will act, individually and collectively to defend the independence of the judiciary, to uphold the rule of law, and to ensure that the legal profession remains an independent force for truth, justice, and freedom.
1 NEWS ALERT: Bar Association Supports Law Firm Amicus Briefs, (Apr. 28, 2025) https://philadelphiabar.org/?pg=News&blAction=showEntry&blogEntry=124057.
2 See Reaffirming Our Commitment to the Rule of Law, https://philadelphiabar.org/?pg=News&blAction=showEntry&blogEntry=127513.
3 Philadelphia Bar Association Resolution Opposing the Election of Pennsylvania Appellate Court Judges by District, https://philadelphiabar.org/?pg=ResMarch20_4.
4 Take Action to Protect Judicial Independence: Stop House Bill 38, https://philadelphiabar.org/?pg=LACTakeAction3 (last visited February 10, 2026).
5 Philadelphia Bar Association Resolution Regarding Intimidation of Judges in Mexico (Oct. 26, 2023), https://philadelphiabar.org/?pg=ResOct23_1.
6 Philadelphia Bar Association Resolution Supporting the Independence of the International Criminal Court and Freedom from Sanctions and Freedom to Travel of its Members (June 24, 2026), https://philadelphiabar.org/?pg=ResJune20_2.
7 See, https://sites.google.com/view/the-pledge/ (last visited February 10, 2026).
