Attorney General Jennifer Davenport co-led a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief on Apr. 3 in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, supporting four law firms that were sanctioned by executive orders from President Trump in 2025.
The case centers on executive actions taken by the Trump Administration, which imposed penalties on Jenner & Block LLP, Perkins Coie LLP, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale LLP, and Susman Godfrey LLP for their work representing clients or causes opposed by the administration. The attorneys general argue these measures threaten core legal protections and the independence of lawyers.
“It is darkly ironic, frankly, that during America’s 250th anniversary, President Trump is continuing his crusade to rip apart the very foundations of the rule of law embedded in the Constitution,” said Attorney General Davenport. “The legal profession depends on attorneys being able to represent clients independent of political pressure. If this isn’t true, and law firms can’t practice without fear of being punished by the President, what remains of the rule of law? We must fight back.”
According to court documents described in the filing, President Trump’s orders required federal officials to suspend security clearances for individuals at these firms and deny them access to federal buildings or contracts based solely on political considerations. Several district judges have found these actions unconstitutional because they retaliate against protected viewpoints under the First Amendment.
The coalition’s brief argues that allowing such orders would make it harder for many clients—especially those needing pro bono representation—to obtain legal services and protect their rights. It also states that punishing lawyers for defending controversial positions undermines democracy and public trust in justice.
Davenport was joined by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, and counterparts from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island,Vermont,V irginia,and Washington D.C., according to statements released with the filing.
According to the official website, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards across all counties through enforcement oversight and consumer protection initiatives.
