Perkins Coie LLP v. U.S. Department of Justice

Public Rights Project joined an amicus brief in support of Perkins Coie LLP, along with 23 nonprofits and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Perkins Coie is the law firm targeted in President Donald Trump’s March 2025 executive order titled “Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie LLP.” The administration singled out Perkins Coie over its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and past legal work with Trump’s 2016 political opponent, Hillary Clinton.

The executive order places restrictions on federal funding, security clearances, and access to government buildings for Perkins Coie staff. It also directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to review contracts with organizations that work with Perkins Coie, including potential NGOs.

The amicus brief urges the court to declare the executive order unconstitutional, arguing that it threatens the First Amendment rights of law firms and associated NGOs. The brief also explains that if the order stands, it will silence critics of Trump through unconstitutional threats of retaliation. Additionally, the brief warns that the rule of law will be eroded, as lawyers will fear using the court system to hold the government accountable — a central part of America’s system of checks and balances.