04-02-2025
Two major law firms filed lawsuits to block executive orders directed at them. WilmerHale and Jenner & Block want to block the orders that strip them of their security clearances, bar their attorneys from entering federal buildings, and discourage federal officials from interacting with them. Jenner & Block created a website, “Jenner Stands Firm,” to publicize its filing, share newspaper editorials critical of the executive orders, and post law school professors’ comments questioning the order’s legality. The firms have asked for temporary restraining orders to stop the government from implementing the executive orders. The firms represent some of the country’s largest companies and work on regulatory issues before government agencies. Perkins Coie filed a similar lawsuit earlier.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, a major firm named in the EEOC’s letter about diversity programs, may have made a deal that will avert being the subject of an executive order. It is believed that Skadden is the first big firm to try to avoid an executive order naming it before it is issued. The White House has indicated that it will sign more executive orders directed at specific law firms. Per the New York Times, other law firms have entered similar negotiations with the administration, with Paul Weiss being the first firm to reach an agreement with the administration.
Law school deans and bar associations have voiced significant concerns about the actions taken through these executive orders, warning that punishing law firms for who they represent seriously threatens the rule of law. The American Bar Association and other smaller bar associations shared a post on social media. The post asks the entire legal profession to speak out against intimidation against lawyers and law firms that represent certain clients or try to punish judges who rule certain ways.