President Trump speaks during a signing of executive orders in the Oval Office, including one targeting a major law firm involved in political controversies.
A federal judge has issued a temporary block on portions of President Trump’s executive order aimed at a prominent law firm known for its ties to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign.
The executive order, announced last week, labels Perkins Coie as engaging in “dishonest and dangerous activity,” seeking to implement strict sanctions, including suspending security clearances for the firm’s employees and barring them from federal facilities.
During a court hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the executive order appears intended to punish the firm, suggesting it likely infringes upon the firm’s First, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights.
Howell highlighted the importance of legal representation, noting, “Our justice system operates best when all parties have strong advocates.” She emphasized that this principle applies to all, including those with unpopular views.
The judge further warned that the implications of the executive order could significantly impact the broader legal profession, risking a climate of intimidation that might inhibit lawyers from representing clients whose interests conflict with the president’s agenda.
Perkins Coie had already filed a lawsuit against the government prior to the hearing, asserting that Trump’s order is unconstitutional.
A government attorney argued for the administration, asserting the president possesses the executive authority to take action against entities deemed untrustworthy with national security matters.
Trump’s executive order, titled “Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie LLP,” charges the law firm with efforts to undermine democratic processes, attributing its accusations to the firm’s legal representation of political clients and its involvement in controversial investigations.
Perkins Coie claims that the fallout from this order has directly impacted its business, causing longstanding clients to sever ties, and resulting in federal prosecutors refusing to engage with its legal representatives.
