A federal judge on Friday struck down an executive order issued by President Donald Trump aimed at punishing the law firm Perkins Coie, calling the directive an “unprecedented attack” on the American judicial system.
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell issued a permanent injunction blocking enforcement of the March executive order, which sought to penalize the firm over its past legal work for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and billionaire George Soros.
In a sharply worded opinion, Howell declared the order unconstitutional, writing:
“No American President has ever before issued executive orders like the one at issue in this lawsuit… in purpose and effect, this action draws from a playbook as old as Shakespeare, who penned the phrase: ‘The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.’”
The order had revoked security clearances for Perkins Coie staff, barred them from entering federal buildings, and instructed agencies to cancel contracts with the firm and avoid hiring former employees.
Howell emphasized the fundamental role of independent legal counsel in a fair justice system, citing John Adams’ historic defense of British soldiers after the Boston Massacre as an example of that principle.
The judge said Trump’s order amounted to unconstitutional retaliation against the firm for its protected First Amendment activities. She also pointed to Trump’s long-running public attacks on Perkins Coie and his campaign promises to “act” against the firm as evidence of personal retribution.
The Justice Department did not immediately comment on the ruling.
In a pointed footnote, Howell criticized other law firms that made quiet deals with the White House to avoid similar executive actions, warning such arrangements could undermine clients’ rights to vigorous legal representation.
“This case isn’t just about one firm,” Howell concluded. “It’s about preserving the rule of law.”