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Two leading legal giants have initiated litigation aiming to prevent the President from taking certain actions.
Donald Trump
executive orders aimed at their legal representatives and revoking security clearances — describing it as an ‘unconstitutional misuse of authority.’

A single lawsuit filed by the prominent law firm Jenner & Block, which boasts over 500 attorneys, lists 49 government agencies and cabinet secretaries as defendants.

The 64-page document states that the directive infringes upon its freedom of speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment, its right to petition the government, and its entitlement to due process by essentially restricting its attorneys from practicing law.

The lawsuit aims to leverage Trump’s own statements against him—particularly his pledges to pursue his political adversaries. According to reports, during the signing of an executive order targeting a specific firm at the Oval Office, Trump explicitly mentioned that one of his targets was Andrew Weissmann, who served as lead prosecutor for former Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

‘The primary person responsible is Andrew Weissman,’ Trump stated about the ex-prosecutor who has since become one of his critics and frequently appears on MSNBC. ‘According to Trump, he is a ‘bad guy’.’

The firm says Weissman, who was a partner on two occaions ending in 2021, hasn’t worked at the firm for four years, according to the filing by the Cooley law firm.

However, Trump’s directive might impede the work of up to 500 attorneys employed there, as they stand to lose their security clearances. This could also limit access to federal buildings for the remaining 900 legal professionals and support staff.

The directive, as stated in the documents, is intended to ‘

force law firms and attorneys to stop criticizing the Administration and halt specific representations that are against the government.

The quote includes Trump referring to Weissmann as “the Scum of the Earth!!!”

As stated in the complaint, ‘Our Constitution entirely prohibits the government from penalizing citizens and lawyers for representing certain clients, advocating particular positions, expressing specific opinions, and associating with certain individuals.’

The reference points out that the conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board indicated Trump undertook these measures “with the aim of intimidating prominent law firms from taking on cases for his adversaries or individuals challenging his policies.”

Perkins Coie, another law firm, is battling an executive order specifically aimed at them due to their representation of ex-Trump opponent Hillary Clinton. However, a judge has temporarily halted this action through a restraining order.

Another company, Paul, Weiss decided to enter into what Trump referred to as a ‘settlement,’ agreeing to provide $40 million in pro bono legal services ‘in support of the Administration’s initiatives.’ This choice caused concern among certain individuals within the legal sector, who worried it might result in concession. However, the firm justified their decision based on the necessity to safeguard their clientele.

“Dear Big Law. Here’s how it should be done,” penned ex-US Attorney Barbara McQuade, supporting the Jenner & Block lawsuit on X and sharing the statement where the firm declared they remain steadfast.

The complaint references the Paul, Weiss deal – along with Trump’s enthusiasm for it – stating that this illustrates how the president’s national security claims cannot legitimize his actions against law firms.

The lawsuit has emerged as another leading company, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, submitted its separate complaint contesting the directive aimed at them.

The lawsuit characterizes Trump’s directives against the law firms as an unmistakable act of reprisal aimed at those who represent clients and issues he opposes or employs attorneys he despises. The filing labels this action as a personal vendetta that contravenes several fundamental protections outlined in the Bill ofRights.

WilmerHale has served as a ‘professional haven for public servants such as Robert Mueller,’ who was President Trump’s adversary during his initial term while leading the investigation into Russian interference. Notably, two key figures among Mueller’s chief prosecutors, James Quarles and present associate Aaron Zebley, have ties to this firm.

The document indicated that Trump’s directive clearly states its aim to penalize the company.

The document points out that the order’s wording indicates involvement in ‘clearly biased actions aimed at achieving political goals’ and ‘deteriorating the standard of American elections.’ It also mentions welcoming Mueller and his team members back to the company following the Russia investigation.

Trump has frequently referred to the Russia investigation as part of the ‘witch hunt’ targeting him.

The primary lawyer handling the WilmerHale lawsuit is Paul Clement, a previous U.S. Solicitor General known for advocating various conservative issues such as the case aimed at overturning Obamacare. The filing includes details about three attorneys involved in this matter. In contrast, the Jenner & Block complaint involves four legal representatives.

Despite the fact that the U.S. government has to get ready to face two lawsuits, Trump declared on Friday what he described as “a settlement” with another company, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, thus preventing an executive order and sidestepping a possible legal confrontation involving that firm.

Trump said the deal related to ‘merit-based hiring, promotion and retention’ and that the firm ‘will not deny any representation to clients such as its members or members of politically disenfranchised groups.’

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