Perkins Coie LLP, the influential law and lobbying firm best known for its representation of clients across the ideological spectrum, is taking heavy fire from the Trump administration. This comes after an executive order meant to destroy the firm’s business. During his time in office, then President Donald Trump issued that executive order. He points to the firm’s legal work for then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in her 2016 presidential campaign as the main impetus for this directive. This seemingly understated action, however, has sparked an unprecedented backlash from the conservative legal field. More than 500 law firms have stood together in support of Perkins Coie as it fights the executive order.
The executive order accuses Perkins Coie of participating in actions that threaten “bedrock American principles” and describes its conduct as “detrimental to critical American interests.” That exceptional unprecedented action is actually just one piece of a massive larger campaign. It especially goes after a handful of large law firms, including WilmerHale, Paul Weiss, and Jenner & Block. WilmerHale is already under fire for having brought on Robert Mueller. He is best known as the former FBI director, who headed the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Perkins Coie employs a diverse group of lawyers and experts from various political backgrounds, reflecting its commitment to providing legal representation across the spectrum. For all of its colorful and diverse creation, the firm has drawn sharp rebuke from the Trump administration. The administration has been frank in its opposition, citing the firm’s previous connections to Clinton’s legal team.
We were thrilled when Perkins Coie agreed to take Trump’s executive order down, filing a full legal challenge in opposition. They contend the action is unconstitutional and violates their free speech rights and right to due process. The environmental advocacy firm argues that these executive orders begin a “draconian punishment” crusade. They go after lawyers who represent clients or causes that the president doesn’t like.
Perkins Coie even filed an amicus brief to help defend its case in federal court. This policy brief is intended to showcase the growing support from over 500 firms nationwide. Just two days after the libertarian Cato Institute and the American Civil Liberties Union filed similar notices of intent to sue, this brief was submitted. It urges the federal court system to issue a permanent injunction against enforcement of Trump’s executive orders. The collective stance of these legal firms underscores a significant concern regarding the implications of such executive actions on legal representation and the broader legal landscape in America.
This filing shines a light on a major issue. Further, it sounds the alarm that the Trump administration’s moves may create a troubling precedent for legal practitioners working in hyper-partisan climates. It casts grave suspicion on defendants’ basic rights to counsel for unpopular clients or causes. This leads to the unfortunate reality that this very representation can trigger unfriendly or retaliatory action from the federal government.
Perkins Coie is firmly and aggressively litigating this lawsuit. This series of events has triggered a much-needed discussion within the legal profession regarding free speech and due process rights. The support garnered from over 500 law firms indicates a strong consensus among legal professionals about the potential risks posed by executive orders that target specific entities based on political affiliations or past associations.
