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Federal judge Beryl Howell issued an injunction stopping President Trump from enforcing an executive order against Perkins Coie. Howell's opinion found the executive order unconstitutional and retaliatory, potentially undermining lawyer independence. The decision stemmed from Trump’s history of targeting law firms that oppose his administration.

We examine the ruling in this photo gallery.

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Howell wrote, “No American President has ever before issued executive orders like the one at issue in this lawsuit targeting a prominent law firm with adverse actions to be executed by all Executive branch agencies but, 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.’”

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Howell determined that the executive order primarily targeted Perkins Coie due to its past representation of Democratic political figures and litigation opposing Trump’s claims about the 2020 election. The firm has also provided pro bono support to transgender military service members asserting their right to serve against another executive order.

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Howell emphasized that the executive order silences dissenting legal voices and punishes the firm for its advocacy. Howell wrote, “Using the powers of the federal government to target lawyers for their representation of clients and avowed progressive employment policies in an overt attempt to suppress and punish certain viewpoints, however, is contrary to the Constitution, which requires that the government respond to dissenting or unpopular speech or ideas with ‘tolerance, not coercion.’”

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The judge's opinion shows a lack of evidence for claims of racial discrimination against Perkins Coie, noting the Trump administration’s failure to provide concrete examples. Howell stressed the necessity of independent legal representation in a free society and warned against government retaliation that could suppress advocacy for unpopular clients.

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The ruling confirms that the executive order violates Perkins Coie’s rights to equal protection under the law and due process. Howell noted that the punishments lack proper legal justification, making it difficult for the firm to operate normally.

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Howell added that the executive order does not cite national security as a reason for the penalties. Claims of urgency from the administration seemingly contradict the settlements reached with other law firms targeted by similar executive orders.

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.