Jenner & Block file lawsuit re Trump administration efforts to intimidate

[Dennis Donovan]

19. NPR: Two major law firms sue Trump administration over executive orders targeting them

NPR - Two major law firms sue Trump administration over executive orders targeting them

March 28, 202511:13 AM ET
Carrie Johnson

Two major law firms are taking the Trump administration to court on Friday, seeking to block executive orders that the firms say target them for zealous representation of clients and their hearty pro bono work.

The lawsuit by the Jenner & Block firm, filed in federal district court in Washington, D.C., alleges violations of the First Amendment guarantees to free speech and free association. It also alleges the order violates the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment by hurting the firm's ability to practice law; and violates the Sixth Amendment, for undermining the relationship between attorneys and their clients, and clients' right to lawyers of their choosing.

A separate lawsuit by the WilmerHale law firm said the executive action Trump took on Thursday punishes the firm for employing former special counsel Robert Mueller and other public servants who worked alongside him.

WilmerHale's lawsuit said the White House is retaliating against it for representing the Democratic National Committee, the campaigns of Democratic politicians Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and for suing the administration this year over its firing of several inspectors general.

The lawsuits come after President Trump signed executive orders this week, which attempted to restrict both firms' access to federal buildings, yank any active security clearances held by its personnel, and direct government employees not to meet with the firm or its members.

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