I have always respected the ACLU attorneys who wind up defending the indefensible. The ones representing Nazis & Klansman are almost invariably members of some minority. Likewise, you'll see women representing the misogynists.I've yet to even hear of a States Rights organisation that is anything like as devoted to the cause as the ACLU are (remember the ACLU will defend the rights of Nazis).
Yeah, sure it is a poke in the eye & a refutation of the rhetoric of their clients, but it still is a very difficult and stressful task to work closely with those you abhor- and whom you know find you abhorrent- in order to stand up for a principle of law. No matter how much you'd want to mail it in, you know you have to give them your best efforts because of the other people who will follow, depending on the decision reached in your case.