NRA Engages Former Solicitor General to Lead Litigation in First Amendment Case

by
posted on August 27, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Nra Logo

Fairfax, VAYesterday, the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) announced that it has retained former United States Solicitor General Noel Francisco to lead the Association’s continued legal efforts against public officials who weaponized government against the NRA and its members. Mr. Francisco served as the 47th Solicitor General of the United States from 2017 to 2020 and is Partner-in-Charge of the Washington D.C. Office of the Jones Day law firm.

“I am pleased to announce that the NRA has engaged with Mr. Francisco and Jones Day to represent the NRA and our millions of members as we conclude this important legal matter,” said Doug Hamlin, NRA Executive Vice President & CEO. “Mr. Francisco is well regarded in the legal community and served at the highest levels in our federal government. A strong advocate for constitutional freedoms, Mr. Francisco will be a trusted voice for NRA members in the courtroom.”

Mr. Francisco’s retention comes at a pivotal time when the NRA seeks to hold government officials accountable for actions that violated the Association’s right to free speech. In May of this year, with the assistance of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Eugene Volokh, a UCLA Law School professor, the United States Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling in the landmark NRA v. Vullo First Amendment case. The Court decided that the NRA had properly stated a claim that actions taken by Ms. Vullo to coerce banks and insurers to stop doing business with the Association suppressed NRA’s pro-Second Amendment speech. The case will now continue, with the NRA seeking monetary damages.

“The Supreme Court rightly decided that government agencies cannot be permitted to be weaponized against the American people,” continued Hamlin. “I have full confidence in Mr. Francisco’s ability to litigate and look forward to a successful conclusion to this legal fight.”

To ensure that the interests of the Association and its members are being advanced and protected, the NRA will continue to examine its existing relationships with outside vendors and counsel.

Latest

Gotw Ruger 10 22 Carbon Fiber Web
Gotw Ruger 10 22 Carbon Fiber Web

Gun Of The Week: Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber

We're on the range with one of the most iconic rimfires in America–only this time, it's got a high-tech twist. This is the Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber, a lightweight and modernized take on a classic plinker.

The Armed Citizen® June 27, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Browning Automatic Rifle: A Combat Chronicle

The Browning Automatic Rifle is often criticized for its M1918A2 configuration used throughout World War II, but what did the troops who fought with it and alongside it really think? Here are the actual combat reports.

GunBroker Highlights Its Top-Selling Models In May

GunBroker, one of the largest online sales platforms for firearms, reported some of the most popular models bought and sold using its platform during the month of May.

2025 Tactical Product Of The Year: FightLite Herring Model 2024

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1889 Belgian Mauser

In the 1880s, Mauser was not the legendary name in firearm making that it is today, but one of the company's first leaps into cutting-edge rifle design came with the Model 1889 Belgian Mauser.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.