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Federal Judge Signals Potential Sweeping Ruling Against Trump’s Executive Orders Targeting Law Firms

Judge John Bates, hearing arguments on April 28, 2025, expressed strong skepticism about the legality of Trump’s orders, suggesting a ruling may be imminent.

President Donald Trump waves outside the Oval Office as he arrives at the White House, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Signage is seen outside of the law firm Jenner & Block LLP in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 30, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
President Donald Trump has issued a series of executive orders targeting law firms he doesn't like.

Overview

  • President Trump’s executive orders targeted law firms, including Jenner & Block, by revoking security clearances, terminating federal contracts, and restricting access to federal buildings.
  • Jenner & Block, along with Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, and Susman Godfrey, secured temporary injunctions against the orders, arguing violations of First and Fifth Amendment rights.
  • During the April 28 hearing, Judge John Bates criticized the Justice Department’s defense, calling elements of the orders retaliatory and questioning their constitutionality.
  • Nine other major law firms, unlike the challengers, settled with the administration by pledging nearly $1 billion in pro bono services to avoid sanctions.
  • The legal community has rallied behind the challenging firms, with over 2,000 organizations and individuals filing amicus briefs warning of the orders’ chilling effect on legal independence.