The presidential protection racket continues and intensifies. This time it's an assault on the lawyers. Lawyers aren't just smart to fight back, they have an obligation to fight back.

President Donald Trump has targeted law firms who have represented people who oppose him. He has sought to cut off their security clearances, investigate their hiring practices, block their access to federal employment, federal buildings, and government attorneys. He has likewise targeted the firms' clients by seeking to cancel their federal contracts. It's an unprecedented assault on the administration of justice.

And what has Trump demanded from the firms? Civics lessons? Nope. Surprise—it's money! So far, law firms have pledged $140 million to fund legal work aimed at "causes" Trump favors.

But here's why it's foolish for the law firms to give in. Remember what happens to shop owners with mob protection rackets? The goons come around demanding money to not ruin their places of business. The owners say: "We can't let our business fail. We'll pay." So, they pay, but in six months the goons are back. The deal has changed. They want more. In the end they break the shop owner's business, his face, or both.

Yet so far two major law firms, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP and

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