Perkins Coie Wins Court Battle Against Trump’s Executive Order \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A federal judge has blocked parts of Trump’s executive order that sought to punish Perkins Coie, the law firm linked to Democratic opposition research in 2016. The judge ruled that targeting lawyers for representing political clients sets a dangerous precedent. The ruling temporarily halts restrictions on government contracts and building access, but Trump’s administration can still strip the firm’s attorneys of security clearances.
Judge Halts Trump’s Order Against Perkins Coie: Quick Looks
- Trump’s Executive Order Blocked: A federal judge ruled that targeting a law firm for its legal work is unconstitutional.
- Perkins Coie’s Financial Fallout: The firm says the order is causing clients to cut ties, threatening its survival.
- National Security Justification: The Justice Department defends the action, claiming Trump has the right to act on security concerns.
- Judge’s Warning: The court emphasized that lawyers shouldn’t be punished for representing political clients.
- Fusion GPS Link: Perkins Coie hired the firm that produced the controversial Steele dossier on Trump-Russia ties.
- Order Not Fully Reversed: The firm’s security clearances remain at risk, as the ruling only halts some provisions.
Deep Look
In a significant legal rebuke, a federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked portions of President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to punish the Perkins Coie law firm for its past legal work tied to Democratic opposition research in the 2016 election.
The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, halts the termination of government contracts and federal building access for the firm’s attorneys. However, Trump’s order can still revoke Perkins Coie lawyers’ security clearances, leaving part of the executive order intact.
Judge: Order “Threatens the Very Foundation of Our Legal System”
Howell, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, issued a strongly worded opinion, warning that Trump’s action sets a dangerous precedent for punishing lawyers based on the political views of their clients.
“Such a circumstance threatens the very foundation of our legal system,” Howell wrote. “Our justice system is based on the fundamental belief that justice works best when all parties have zealous advocates.”
Perkins Coie: “We Are Already Suffering”
Perkins Coie filed its federal lawsuit on Tuesday, arguing that Trump’s order is an illegal act of political retaliation.
According to Dane Butswinkas, the firm’s attorney, the executive order is already driving clients away:
- All 15 of Perkins Coie’s top clients have government contracts.
- Several clients have already cut ties or threatened to end legal arrangements.
- If the order remains in place, it could “spell the end of the law firm.”
“This order is an attack on the fundamental role of lawyers in our democracy,” Butswinkas said.
Justice Department Defends Trump’s Order in Court
The Trump administration, represented by Chad Mizelle, chief of staff to Attorney General Pam Bondi, argued that the executive order was justified under national security concerns.
Mizelle, who also serves as acting associate attorney general, took the rare step of personally arguing the case in federal court, emphasizing that Trump has the power to restrict access to government buildings and contracts.
“The president has the clear authority to take action against entities he believes present a threat to national security,” Mizelle told the court.
The administration’s justification for targeting Perkins Coie stems from its role in opposition research during the 2016 election.
Perkins Coie’s Political Ties and the Fusion GPS Connection
Perkins Coie has long been associated with Democratic campaigns and causes. It represented:
- Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.
- Democrats in 2020 voting rights lawsuits.
The law firm gained national attention in 2017 when reports revealed that it had:
- Hired Fusion GPS during the 2016 election to conduct opposition research on Trump.
- Fusion GPS then contracted ex-British spy Christopher Steele, who compiled the Steele dossier on Trump-Russia ties.
These ties made Perkins Coie a high-profile target for Trump, who has repeatedly called the Russia investigation a hoax and sought to punish those involved.
Judge Blocks Most of Trump’s Order – But Security Clearances Still at Risk
While Judge Howell’s ruling blocks key portions of the executive order, it does not overturn all of its provisions.
- Blocked: The termination of Perkins Coie’s government contracts and restrictions on federal building access.
- Still in Effect: The order stripping Perkins Coie attorneys of security clearances remains valid.
It remains unclear whether Trump will issue a revised order or if the Justice Department will appeal the ruling.
What’s Next? Legal Challenges and Political Fallout
The case is far from over.
- Perkins Coie will continue fighting to overturn the security clearance restrictions.
- The White House may appeal the ruling to higher courts.
- Democrats and legal experts are likely to challenge Trump’s broader effort to target political opponents.
Reactions to the Ruling
Legal Experts: “A Clear Violation of the Rule of Law”
Legal scholars and civil rights groups welcomed the ruling, arguing that Trump’s order undermined the role of lawyers in the justice system.
Harvard Law Professor Laurence Tribe: “Targeting lawyers based on their clients is a clear violation of the rule of law.”
Trump Allies: “A National Security Issue”
Republican officials and Trump supporters defended the executive order, claiming that law firms linked to Democratic political operations should not be entitled to security clearances or government contracts.
Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH): “Perkins Coie played a role in one of the most fraudulent political investigations in history. The fact that they’re still getting government contracts is absurd.”
Conclusion: A Legal and Political Battle Continues
The ruling marks a major legal victory for Perkins Coie, but the case is far from settled. Trump’s use of executive power to target law firms, political opponents, and media organizations will likely continue to spark legal battles.
With Trump’s re-election campaign in full swing, and his ongoing war with the legal system, the outcome of cases like this could set major legal precedents for years to come.
Perkins Coie Wins Perkins Coie Wins
