President-elect Donald Trump's recent decision to assign members of his criminal defense team to prominent Department of Justice (DOJ) positions has sparked a flurry of debate in legal and political circles. The move, which has raised substantial legal concerns, has shone a spotlight on the immediate and long-term implications of these appointments and their potential impact on America's political landscape.

Trump's choices for these critical DOJ roles seem to favor those who have remained staunchly loyal to him, cementing the notion that his preferred practice of governance relies heavily on personal allegiance. This strategy, particularly when applied to critical administrative roles such as these, foregrounds potential conflicts of interest and ethical dilemmas. Jack Smith, a noted political analyst, termed this move as “unprecedented and deeply concerning” and echoed many legal practitioners' sentiments on the issue.

MSNBC legal analyst, Lisa Rubin, raised concerns about the integrity of judicial proceedings under these circumstances. She expressed fear that the possibility of personal bias and a jeopardized impartiality could mar the DOJ's legal outcomes. Rubin stated, "We have to seriously consider the dangers inherent when key positions within our justice system are filled with individuals who are fundamentally like-minded with the President."

The potential erosion of the check-and-balance system inherent in American democracy is another cause for concern. The DOJ, as an institution, is meant to stand as an independent adjudicator, creating a counterbalance to the power of the presidency. The concern is that if those who hold top DOJ positions bear strong personal ties to the president, this critical element of our democratic system could be compromised.

Amid these potential issues, there are individuals and organizations strengthening the call for transparency, accountability, and proper checks and balances within government institutions. Jack Smith reiterated these ideals, underscoring the need for a "rigorous examination of the potential conflicts of interest these appointments may present."

In conclusion, while Donald Trump's picks for DOJ's top seats are reflective of his leadership style, they raise unavoidable legal and ethical concerns. As the future DOJ team, those chosen must bear the responsibility of preserving the integrity of the justice system, while navigating their existing loyalties to the President. Meanwhile, legal analysts, political experts, and watchdog organizations like Lisa Rubin and Jack Smith continue to maintain vigilance over these developments, advocating for fair governance practices and calling for a restoration of the checks and balances that underpin the American democracy.