WASHINGTON D.C. – President Donald Trump’s campaign to sanction prominent law firms faced another legal setback on Tuesday when a federal judge blocked an executive order aimed at penalizing the prestigious law firm WilmerHale.
This ruling marks the third occasion this month that a federal court in Washington has declared Trump's executive orders targeting law firms unconstitutional and permanently barred their enforcement.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, appointed by former President George W. Bush, emphasized the importance of an independent legal profession, stating, “The cornerstone of the American system of justice is an independent judiciary and an independent bar willing to tackle unpopular cases, however daunting. The Founding Fathers knew this!”
Judge Leon ruled that allowing the order to stand would be unfaithful to the vision of the Founding Fathers, underscoring that the executive order’s sanctions constituted severe punishment for the firm’s constitutionally protected speech.
WilmerHale praised the decision, with a firm spokesperson saying, “The Court’s decision to permanently block the unlawful executive order in its entirety strongly affirms our foundational constitutional rights and those of our clients. We remain proud to defend our firm, our people, and our clients.”
This judgment follows similar rulings earlier this month: one permanently blocking Trump’s order against Jenner & Block, and another in favor of Perkins Coie. Collectively, these decisions represent a significant legal repudiation of the administration’s attempts to penalize law firms.
The executive orders sought to impose severe sanctions, including suspending attorney security clearances and restricting access to federal buildings for employees of targeted firms. These measures formed part of a broader presidential effort to reshape American civil society by exerting pressure on perceived adversaries.
Judge Leon highlighted the punitive nature of the orders, stating, “The Order shouts through a bullhorn: If you take on causes disfavored by President Trump, you will be punished!”
WilmerHale was singled out partly due to its previous association with former Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller, who investigated potential Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign during Trump’s first term.
Other major law firms have sought to avoid similar sanctions by negotiating settlements that include commitments to provide substantial pro bono legal services supporting causes aligned with Trump administration policies.
