The Knight Institute has joined the ACLU and other legal advocacy organizations from across the political spectrum in filing amicus briefs in support of lawsuits brought by law firms challenging the Trump administration’s retaliatory executive orders.

Since taking office, President Trump has signed five executive orders targeting major law firms for retribution based on each firm’s past representation of clients and causes disfavored by the president. The amicus briefs filed by the Knight Institute, the ACLU, and others argue that these executive orders violate the First Amendment because they amount to retaliation against constitutionally protected legal advocacy. The briefs also argue that the executive orders violate the separation of powers, by suppressing the ability of lawyers to file the legal challenges that courts rely on to perform their constitutional function of adjudicating the legality of governmental action.

Status of Perkins Coie suit: On May 2, 2025, the D.C. district court denied the government's motion to dismiss.

Status of WilmerHale suit: On May 27, 2025, the D.C. district court denied the government's motion to dismiss. 

Status of Jenner suit: On May 23, 2025, the D.C. district court denied the government's motion to dismiss.

Status of Susman Godfrey suit: On June 27, 2025, the D.C. district court denied the government's motion to dismiss and granted the plaintiff's motion for summary judgment.

Case Information: Perkins Coie LLP v. DOJ, No. 1:25-cv-00716 (D.D.C.); Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP v. Executive Office of the President, No. 1:25-cv-00917 (D.D.C.); Jenner & Block LLP v. DOJ, No. 1:25-cv-00916 (D.D.C.); Susman Godfrey LLP v. Executive Office of the President, No. 1:25-cv-01107 (D.D.C.).