Perkins Coie, a major U.S. law firm, has taken legal action against the Trump administration, alleging that a recent executive order unlawfully targets the firm for its past work with Hillary Clinton and its stance on diversity.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., challenges the legality of Trump’s March 6 directive, which called for a review of the firm’s government contracts, a suspension of security clearances for its attorneys, and potential restrictions on their access to federal offices and officials. Perkins Coie argues that the order has already led to the loss of key clients, including a major government contractor, putting the firm’s operations at risk.
This legal battle is the latest clash between Trump and high-profile law firms. The former president has long criticized Perkins Coie for its involvement with Fusion GPS, the research firm behind the infamous dossier on Trump’s alleged ties to Russia. The firm has also faced scrutiny over the actions of a former partner, Michael Sussmann, who was acquitted in 2022 of charges that he misled the FBI.
The Trump administration has not issued a public response to the lawsuit, but the move follows a similar executive order targeting Covington & Burling, another law firm involved in cases related to Trump’s legal challenges.
As the case unfolds, Perkins Coie is seeking an immediate injunction to block enforcement of the order, arguing that it represents a direct assault on the firm’s ability to operate. This lawsuit could set the stage for a broader legal fight over the limits of executive power and the administration’s ongoing battles with the legal profession.
