Perkins Coie Sues Trump Over Executive Order Targeting Firm's Security Clearances, Citing Retaliation for Clinton Work

Perkins Coie, a law firm that represented Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The order, which targeted Perkins Coie for its work with Clinton and its internal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, seeks to suspend the security clearances of the firm's employees, bar them from federal buildings, and terminate federal contracts with the firm. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, claims that Trump's executive order is an unconstitutional retaliation against the firm for representing clients perceived as political opponents by the president. Perkins Coie argues that the order violates the separation of powers, procedural and substantive due process, equal protection under the Fifth Amendment, and First Amendment rights to free speech and association. The firm also contends that the order's reference to its hiring of Fusion GPS, which led to the creation of the Steele dossier, and its work with activist donors like George Soros to challenge voter ID laws, are part of the alleged retaliation. Perkins Coie has engaged Williams & Connolly to represent it in this legal battle. A hearing on the firm's request for a temporary restraining order against the executive order is scheduled for Wednesday at 2 p.m. The firm notes that former attorney Marc Elias, who was involved with the Steele dossier, has left Perkins Coie. Additionally, the Trump administration has taken similar actions against Covington & Burling over its work with former special counsel Jack Smith.