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Jenner & Block Seeks Permanent Injunction Against Trump’s Executive Order
On April 28, 2025, Jenner & Block LLP, a leading U.S. law firm, is set to ask U.S. District Judge John Bates to permanently strike down a controversial executive order issued by President Donald Trump. The order sought to penalize the firm for its prior affiliation with Andrew Weissmann, a central figure in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference during the 2016 election.
The hearing will take place in Washington, D.C., at 10:30 a.m. ET (1430 GMT), marking a critical chapter in the escalating conflict between Trump’s administration and major law firms perceived to oppose him.
Why Jenner & Block Is Suing the Trump Administration
Jenner & Block filed suit shortly after Trump’s March 25 executive order, arguing that the order:
- Violates the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and association.
- Breaches the Fifth Amendment, which guarantees due process before the government can restrict rights or impose penalties.
The firm contends that the administration’s actions amount to retaliation for protected legal activities and affiliations, setting a dangerous precedent for political interference in the independent practice of law.
Trump’s order specifically targeted Jenner over its past employment of Weissmann, accusing the firm of ties to what Trump continues to call a “hoax” and “witch hunt” regarding the Russia investigation.
What Trump’s Executive Order Against Jenner & Block Entails
The executive order aimed to:
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- Restrict Jenner’s attorneys from accessing federal buildings and meeting with government officials.
- Terminate government contracts involving Jenner’s clients.
- Intimidate firms through threats of federal isolation and financial penalties.
This move was seen as part of Trump’s broader pressure campaign against lawyers and law firms connected to investigations or causes he opposes.
Other Law Firms Also Fighting Trump Executive Orders
Jenner & Block is not alone. At least three other major firms have filed similar lawsuits:
- WilmerHale
- Perkins Coie
- Susman Godfrey
Judges presiding over all four lawsuits have issued temporary injunctions, preventing the White House from enforcing key parts of the executive orders while the cases proceed.
Meanwhile, to avoid being targeted, nine other prominent law firms — including Paul Weiss, Milbank, Simpson Thacher, and Skadden Arps — have pledged nearly $1 billion in pro bono services to causes favored by the Trump administration.
(Read about law firms’ pro bono pledge here.)
The Broader Legal and Political Implications
Jenner & Block’s lawsuit goes beyond a mere business dispute. It raises urgent constitutional questions about:
- Government retaliation against private entities based on political affiliations.
- The erosion of the independence of the legal profession, traditionally protected from political pressure.
- The chilling effect on lawyers who represent unpopular or politically controversial clients.
The firm is also part of a larger coalition challenging the Trump administration’s policies affecting transgender rights and federal agency funding, indicating a growing legal resistance to executive overreach.
(Explore more about major corporate law firms suing the Trump administration.)
FAQs About Jenner & Block’s Lawsuit Against the Trump Administration
Q1: Why is Jenner & Block suing the Trump administration?
A: The firm argues that Trump’s executive order violates constitutional protections, punishing it for protected speech and affiliations related to the Russia investigation.
Q2: What was Jenner & Block’s connection to the Russia probe?
A: The firm previously employed Andrew Weissmann, who was a key prosecutor in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election interference.
Q3: What other law firms are involved in lawsuits against the Trump administration?
A: Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, and Susman Godfrey have also filed suits to block executive orders targeting them.
Q4: What constitutional rights are at stake?
A: The First Amendment (free speech and association) and the Fifth Amendment (due process protections) are central to Jenner’s case.
Q5: How have other firms responded to Trump’s pressure?
A: Some firms pledged nearly $1 billion in pro bono services to causes supported by the Trump administration in exchange for avoiding executive order targeting.
