Overview

• U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell expressed skepticism over the Trump administration's defense of executive orders targeting Perkins Coie and WilmerHale.
• The executive orders imposed sanctions such as suspending security clearances, barring federal building access, and terminating government contracts for attorneys at the firms.
• Howell criticized the orders as potentially retaliatory actions against firms associated with figures like Hillary Clinton and Robert Mueller, questioning their constitutionality.
• The Justice Department argued the orders were lawful exercises of executive discretion, but Howell pressed for clarity on their purpose and implementation.
• Nine other law firms have settled with the administration to avoid similar measures, pledging nearly $1 billion in pro bono work and policy changes.