Trump targets former FBI special counsel Mueller law firm in new executive order – JURIST
US President Donald Trump issued Thursday an executive order targeting big law firm WilmerHale for their employment of individuals involved in the Mueller special counsel investigation, employment practices, and the nature of the firm’s pro-bono work.
The order criticized the firm’s employment of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller and top aides to the Russian election interference investigation, Aaron Zebley and James Quarles, describing the investigation as “one of the most partisan investigations in American history.”
This newest order impedes WilmerHale’s ability to do business by revoking security clearances, cancelling contracts with businesses using WilmerHale, and restricting access to federal government buildings. The provision concerning access to government buildings has caused particular consternation since it arguably covers federal courthouses. The order states:
My Administration is committed to addressing the significant risks associated with law firms, particularly so-called “Big Law” firms, that engage in conduct detrimental to critical American interests. Many firms take actions that threaten public safety and national security, limit constitutional freedoms, degrade the quality of American elections, or undermine bedrock American principles … Lawyers and law firms that engage in such egregious conduct should not have access to our Nation’s secrets, nor should such conduct be subsidized by Federal taxpayer funds or contracts.
This is the latest action against a law firm associated with individuals involved in the numerous legal cases that surrounded the President before his political comeback. Trump had previously attacked other big law firms including Perkins Coie and Paul Weiss. Leadership from Paul Weiss ultimately negotiated with the White House to get the order targeting their firm rescinded in exchange for free legal work and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Perkins Coie, meanwhile, succeeded in getting a federal judge to block the order with a temporary restraining order while they argued the order’s constitutionality. Trump has also targeted the firm Jenner & Block for similar reasons.
On March 18, 17 lawyer groups condemned the Trump administration for targeting lawyers, law firms and other legal organizations and violating their independence protected by international law.
