Justice Department rejects ABA ratings for judicial nominees

On May 29, 2025, the Justice Department in the United States announced that it will cease complying with the American Bar Association's (ABA) ratings of judicial nominees. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi cited perceived bias in the ABA's ratings, claiming they favor nominees from Democratic administrations. This decision also ends decades of special treatment offered to the ABA in the judicial nomination process, including access to non-public information and interviews with nominees. Republican senators have indicated plans to disregard the ABA's assessment methods, reflecting a longstanding contention between the legal association and Republican administrations. Historically, the ABA has played a significant role in vetting judicial nominees since 1953, providing assessments based on professional competence and integrity. However, Bondi criticized the organization’s recent behavior, describing it as more aligned with political activism than impartiality. She indicated that nominees would not respond to questionnaires prepared by the ABA or allow the organization access to their bar records, a significant departure from past practices. This move aligns with a broader trend in which Republican-led administrations have distanced themselves from the ABA, which has come under criticism for its progressive initiatives, particularly its focus on diversity and inclusion. Earlier Republican leaders, such as those in the George W. Bush administration, had also curtailed ABA’s early access to nomination information, further emphasizing the friction between the association and Republican lawmakers. The implications of this decision could resonate through the upcoming judicial nomination process, potentially altering how candidates are evaluated and affecting the overall balance of the judiciary. Critics argue that the objective assessments once provided by the ABA may be lost, raising concerns about the implications for judicial competency. As the political climate shifts, the ABA may need to reassess its approach to maintain relevance and credibility in an increasingly polarized legal landscape.