Law Firms Seek Permanent Blocks On Trump's Executive Orders

Two leading U.S. law firms, Perkins Coie and WilmerHale, are seeking permanent court orders to block executive actions by former President Donald Trump that they argue are unconstitutional retaliations against their business and legal advocacy. The executive orders labeled the firms national security risks, restricting their access to federal contracts and facilities, in what the firms describe as punishment for representing clients or causes opposed to Trump. Federal judges in Washington, D.C. temporarily halted enforcement of these orders last month, and the firms now contend that the measures violate constitutional protections and threaten the independence of the legal profession. The Justice Department has defended the orders as lawful, but hundreds of law firms, legal associations, and civil rights organizations have rallied in support of Perkins Coie and WilmerHale, warning of chilling effects on legal representation. Other major law firms reportedly settled with the Trump administration to avoid similar sanctions. The outcome of these cases is being closely watched for its implications on the rule of law and professional independence in the U.S. legal system.