Federal Judge Nullifies Trump's Executive Order Against Law Firm

Washington, May 28 (AP) - US President Donald Trump's campaign against the legal profession encountered another hurdle as a federal judge invalidated an executive order targeting a leading law firm. On Tuesday, the court ruled in favor of WilmerHale, marking the third instance this month of Trump's executive orders against law firms being deemed unconstitutional by a Washington federal judge.

US District Judge Richard Leon, appointed by former President George W. Bush, underscored the importance of an independent judiciary and legal profession, asserting that the Founding Fathers championed these principles. "To allow this order would betray their vision," he stated.

The ruling, celebrated by WilmerHale, was echoed in similar decisions against orders targeting Jenner and Block, as well as Perkins Coie, illustrating a strong judicial rebuke of Trump's efforts, which have been criticized by the firms as undermining the legal system.

The challenged executive orders aimed to impose sanctions such as suspending attorney security clearances and restricting access to federal buildings, as part of Trump's broader strategy to remodel American civil society by intimidating perceived adversaries.

Judge Leon noted that the order against WilmerHale "serves as an extreme penalty against the firm's protected expressions" and warned it of repercussions for challenging Trump-favored causes. He pointed out that affected firms had either previously worked on matters Trump opposed or had links to investigators inquiring into the president’s affairs.

The executive order against WilmerHale highlighted its past employment of former Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller, known for probing possible links between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. In response, some firms have avoided such orders by agreeing to settlements that include significant pro bono commitments to causes endorsed by Trump's administration. (AP) ARI

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