Judge hinders Trump's executive decree aimed at high-ranking law firm, a setback to his revenge initiative
At a turn of events, a federal judge has nixed a White House executive order aimed at an elite law firm. This decision thwarts President Donald Trump's vendetta against the legal profession.
On a recent day, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell declared the executive order against Perkins Coie unconstitutional. The ruling mandates immediate nullification of the order, a setback to Trump's vindictive crusade.
The order was designed to mete out punishment to the firm by revoking the lawyers' security clearances, barring employees from federal buildings, and canceling contracts associated with the firm.
This edict is part of a series of similar executive actions, often directed at prestigious law firms. In certain instances, these orders stem from legal representations disfavored by the Trump administration or affiliations with prosecutors who had previously scrutinized Trump. For Perkins Coie, the White House cited its representation of Democrat Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign.
Judge Howell, in her comprehensive 102-page verdict, compared the order to a page straight out of Shakespeare, stating it rivals the phrase, "The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers." This is a recognizable expression from Shakespeare's "Henry VI, Part 2."
The judge's decision aligned with expectations, as she had earlier halted multiple provisions of the order and voiced concerns about its legitimacy in a recent hearing.
To date, all firms that have contested orders against them—Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Jenner & Block, and Susman Godfrey—have managed to temporarily obstruct the orders. However, other prominent firms have sought to avoid such orders by reaching preemptive settlements. These arrangements require them to offer substantial, uncompensated legal aid to causes endorsed by the Trump administration[1][2].
The legal battle attracted the support of diverse legal groups, such as the American Bar Association, who warned of potential repercussions on judicial independence. The ruling upholds protections for lawyers against government retaliation for their clients or advocacy[1][2].
[1] "Federal Judge Permanently Blocks Trump's Executive Order Targeting Elite Law Firm Perkins Coie." The Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/02/federal-judge-blocks-trump-executive-order-targeting-law-firm-perkins-coie/ [Accessed: 2 May 2025]
[2] "Judge's Permanent Block of Trump Law Firm Order Stirs Concern Over Executive Power." The New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/02/us/policy/trump-law-firm-order-blocked.html [Accessed: 2 May 2025]
- Judge Beryl Howell, in her ruling, declared the executive order against Perkins Coie unconstitutional, mandating an immediate nullification, thereby nullifying President Donald Trump's vendetta against the law firm.
- The executive order, aimed at Perkins Coie, was designed to mete out punishment by revoking security clearances, barring employees from federal buildings, and canceling contracts; this order, part of a series of similar actions, was issued due to the firm's representation of Democrat Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign.
- In her 102-page verdict, Judge Howell compared the order to a line from Shakespeare's "Henry VI, Part 2," stating it rivals the phrase, "The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers."
- The judge's decision, aligning with her earlier halts of multiple provisions of the order and her expressed concerns about its legitimacy in a recent hearing, marks a setback to Trump's vindictive crusade against the legal profession.
- Legal battles surrounding the executive orders against elite law firms have garnered the support of various legal groups, such as the American Bar Association, who warn of potential repercussions on judicial independence and protections for lawyers against government retaliation for their clients or advocacy.
