Overview

• The ABA’s lawsuit claims executive orders stripping attorneys of security clearances and federal building access constitute unconstitutional coercion against the legal profession.
• Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, WilmerHale and Susman Godfrey have each secured court orders blocking targeted actions and judges have signaled the measures likely violate the Constitution.
• Nine law firms agreed to provide nearly $1 billion in pro bono work for administration-approved causes to avoid similar sanctions under secretive agreements.
• The Justice Department recently cut the ABA’s access to nonpublic judicial nominee information and barred its officials from participating in department events.
• Law firms that struck pro bono deals are facing internal backlash, with partner departures and clients shifting work to firms that resisted the administration’s pressure.