POLITICS

Law Firms Push Back Against Trump's Orders

USASat Mar 29 2025
The legal world is in a tug-of-war. Some law firms are standing up to President Trump's moves against them. Others are trying to make peace. Two big firms, Jenner & Block and WilmerHale, took a stand. They filed lawsuits against the Trump administration. Their goal? To block executive orders that could hurt their work. These orders could cause big problems. They might take away lawyers' security clearances. They could also bar lawyers from federal buildings. Plus, they might make federal officials avoid these firms. This isn't the first time Trump has used executive orders against firms he sees as enemies. But why are some firms fighting back while others are not? It's a question of strategy. Some firms, like Paul Weiss and Skadden, have chosen to make deals with the administration. They hope to avoid trouble. But others, like Jenner & Block and WilmerHale, see things differently. They believe in standing up for their principles. They think it's worth the risk. Matthew Diller, a law professor, sees this as a good thing. He thinks it shows that not all firms are willing to give in. He believes that fighting back can actually help their reputations. Clients might see them as strong advocates. They might value the firms' willingness to stand up for what they believe in. But it's not just about reputation. It's also about the future of the legal profession. If firms keep giving in, it could set a dangerous precedent. It could make it harder for lawyers to do their jobs. It could also make it harder for clients to get the help they need. The legal profession is at a crossroads. Some firms are choosing to fight. Others are choosing to make peace. But one thing is clear: the choices they make will have big consequences. They will shape the future of the legal profession. They will also shape the way clients see these firms. And they will send a message to the rest of the world. A message about what it means to stand up for your principles. And what it means to fight for what you believe in.

questions

    How might the actions of Jenner & Block and WilmerHale affect the balance of power between the executive branch and the legal profession?
    What legal grounds are being used by Jenner & Block and WilmerHale to challenge the executive orders, and how might these arguments hold up in court?
    How might the public perception of law firms that choose to fight back against the executive orders differ from those that opt to engage in the 'art of the deal'?

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