At Gianelli, Friedman, Jeffries, & McKernan, we believe that the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession are not just ideals; they are the foundation of our justice system and our democracy. In that spirit, we proudly stand in support of law firms Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, and WilmerHale as they face punitive executive orders issued by President Trump in response to their legal representation of clients in matters that may be politically sensitive.
The executive orders in question target law firms that have represented clients or taken legal actions perceived to be politically opposed to the administration. These orders threaten to impose penalties such as disqualifying firms from receiving federal contracts, revoking security clearances for attorneys (thereby penalizing a firm’s clients), and scrutinizing IRS status and government-related privileges for firms engaged in certain types of litigation — particularly those challenging federal authority or representing individuals under investigation by the administration.
These actions are widely viewed by legal scholars and constitutional experts as punitive and retaliatory, aimed not at preserving national security or enforcing ethical conduct, but at chilling dissent and discouraging the legal representation of politically disfavored clients or opposing questionable behavior of members of the administration. By attempting to punish firms for fulfilling their constitutional duty to provide legal counsel, these orders infringe upon the Sixth Amendment right to counsel and the First Amendment protections of free speech and association. Moreover, they violate the principle of separation of powers by undermining the independence of the legal profession.
Let us be clear: this letter takes no political stance. It is a legal and ethical one. As attorneys, we are bound not by politics, but by our sworn duty to uphold the Constitution and ensure that every person or entity is entitled to competent legal representation, and that when there is wrongdoing no one is above the law. That obligation does not disappear when a client or case becomes controversial. In fact, it is in those very moments that our profession must show the greatest resolve.
Attempts by any branch of government to punish law firms for their willingness to represent clients or their legal strategies undermines the Constitution, the Sixth Amendment, and the independence of the legal system itself. These executive orders are not only unconstitutional: they set a dangerous precedent that would chill advocacy, compromise client rights, protect illegal acts by people in power, and politicize the practice of law.
We voice our support for the law firms' request that the courts permanently block these orders and reaffirm the principles we as attorneys all swore to defend. At Gianelli, Friedman, Jeffries & McKernan, we remain committed to our oath: to support and defend the Constitution, to practice law with integrity, and to protect the rule of law for all.