A federal judge ruled on Friday that President Trump’s directives aimed at law firms Jenner and Bullock were unlawful and must be entirely rescinded.
U.S. District Judge John Bates, appointed by former President George W. Bush, noted that Trump targeted this law firm due to its connections with prominent critics, including Andrew Weissman who was part of the investigation led by Robert Mueller.
The judge stated that Trump issued several executive orders directed at large law firms like Jenner & Bullock as part of his ongoing battle against what he sees as his adversaries.
“These orders, among others, seek to intimidate legal professionals that the administration dislikes, effectively removing judicial oversight based on the principle of separation of powers,” Bates explained. “As a result, they contravene the Constitution, prompting courts to prohibit their enforcement entirely.”
He declared Trump’s directives “null and void,” instructing the administration to retract any guidance to federal agencies on implementing such measures.
In response to the ruling, Jenner & Bullock expressed satisfaction, highlighting the significance of legal representation for clients. Their statement hailed the ruling as a victory for the rights of clients and the independence of attorneys.
Trump’s executive order against Jenner & Bullock was issued in March, aiming to limit the firm’s government contracts and restrict access for its employees.
This marks the second instance in which a federal judge has found one of Trump’s orders targeting law firms to be illegal. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell invalidated a similar order aimed at Perkins Coie, citing its origins in outdated tactics.
Perkins Coie had advised Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election and was involved in investigations linked to the Steele dossier.
While Trump’s executive orders have targeted six firms, only four have pursued legal challenges against the directives. Other firms, whether directly targeted or not, struck deals with Trump, avoiding executive action in exchange for compliance or reduced penalties.
The other firms affected include Covington & Burling and Paul, Weiss, with the latter’s order being rescinded after they committed to providing $40 million in pro bono legal work in line with the administration’s goals regarding diversity and political representation.
At least nine law firms negotiated agreements with Trump, delivering substantial legal services aligned with his agenda, allowing them to sidestep the executive order.
These firms include Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Willkie Farr, Gallagher, Kirkland and Ellis, Latham and Watkins, Cadwalader, Wickersham, Taft, A, O Shearman, Simpson Thacher, Bartlett, and Milbank.
Overall, Trump has received nearly $1 billion in legal services, prompting investigations by House Democrats into these arrangements.
