Executive Orders Targeting WilmerHale, Jenner & Block, and Susman Godfrey
Targeted law firms for having employed members of the Mueller investigation team or for representing clients disfavored by Trump. Susman Godfrey was targeted for a $3,000-$4,999 donation to LGBTQ advocacy group GLAD. Courts ruled the EOs unconstitutional, violating First Amendment rights. All told, law firm pro bono commitments to the White House totalled $940 million.
Details
Targeted law firms for having employed members of the Mueller investigation team or for representing clients disfavored by Trump. Susman Godfrey was targeted for a $3,000-$4,999 donation to LGBTQ advocacy group GLAD. Courts ruled the EOs unconstitutional, violating First Amendment rights. All told, law firm pro bono commitments to the White House totalled $940 million.
Date Issued
2025-03-07
Type
Executive Order
Legal & Institutional Responses (3)
WilmerHale v. Trump - Law Firm EO Challenge
WilmerHale challenged the EO targeting the firm for welcoming back members of the Mueller investigation team. Temporary restraining order issued. DoJ revoked security clearances despite the order. Administration has not appealed the ruling in favor of WilmerHale.
Jenner & Block v. Trump - Law Firm EO Challenge
Jenner & Block challenged the EO targeting the firm for having employed a former Mueller team federal prosecutor. Temporary restraining order issued. DoJ revoked security clearances despite the order. Administration appealed the ruling.
Susman Godfrey v. Trump - Law Firm EO Challenge
Susman Godfrey challenged the EO targeting it, allegedly for a $3,000-$4,999 donation to LGBTQ advocacy group GLAD. Judge Alikhan granted summary judgment and permanent injunction, finding the EO 'violates the Constitution and the laws of the United States, and threatens the independence of the bar.' Court found no statutory or constitutional basis for targeting a law firm for its choice of clients or donations.
Affected Agencies
- Department of Justice