New General Counsel, William E. Trachman, on Fighting the Good Fight
MSLF’s new General Counsel, William E. Trachman, previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the Trump Administration. When he finished his service on January 20, it was a golden opportunity to return to the more lucrative world of private law practice. Instead, he took a different path— pushing back against the expanding reach of the federal government. He joined Mountain States Legal Foundation. On July 1, he took the helm of MSLF’s legal department as General Counsel. We asked William to tell our readers a bit more about himself, his passion for liberty, and what he believes is at stake for our country right now.
What was it like to work in the Trump Administration?
It was an honor to be entrusted to carry out the Administration’s deregulatory agenda and to engage in public service, even if it meant becoming a swamp creature for a few years.
What is the greatest threat our country faces today?
The passive response to government becoming more involved in our personal choices and daily lives. We are blessed to live in the United States, where our founding documents recognize our natural rights and fundamental freedoms. But it seems that some have let—or worse, invited—the government to become a feature of their lives, from the cradle to the grave.
Why did you seize the opportunity to work for MSLF?
I knew of MSLF’s powerful influence long before I arrived here. I knew that it had the reputation and the resources to litigate the fight against the Biden Administration’s agenda, and I wanted to be a part of its mission and success.
What are your top priorities for the legal department moving forward?
MSLF has a storied history in the natural resources space, and our Center to Keep and Bear Arms, launched in 2020, is off to one of the strongest starts that I’ve ever seen for a new practice group. My background in equal protection cases will also be a primary focus, and I hope to continue MSLF’s tradition in that space, dating back to its cases before the Supreme Court in the 1980s.
How has Washington shifted since Biden became president?
For the worse. The Biden Administration has reflexively sought to undo a number of things that
President Trump accomplished, regardless of the consequences for American workers or citizens.
What motivates you in your work as an attorney?
Winning. Sorry, I mean learning new things and teamwork.
Tell us a little about where you grew up and about your family today.
I’m from Fresno, California. My father was in radio, and my mother was a travel agent. From an early age, I was interested in politics and political philosophy and moved toward liberty despite attending Berkeley for undergraduate and law school. My wife and I have four young children, ages 5-11. My wife is also an attorney, so our kids know that if they want to win an argument, they better come prepared.
What do you like to do for fun outside of work?
We love family road trips. There is no substitute for loading up our minivan and seeing the country, one stop at a time. We are also active in our Synagogue and the greater Denver community.
What role do MSLF supporters play in the work of defending our Constitution?
A critical one. Our work is possible only because we have the resources necessary to find clients, cover our legal expenses, and hire and retain the highest caliber attorneys and staff. It is no longer sufficient to merely hope that the cause of liberty in America will be just fine. You have to act if you want our freedoms to survive. Supporting MSLF is a critical way to secure the blessings of liberty for yourselves and your posterity.
