US EditionDOJ reverses on ending fight over Trump orders targeting law firms
The Justice Department reversed course within a day to continue defending executive orders that targeted four major law firms, after initially abandoning the appeals, amid speculation of political pressure.
- On March 3, 2026, the DOJ filed to withdraw its request to dismiss appeals in the DC Circuit, reversing a Monday decision to drop its defense of President Trump's executive orders.
- With no public explanation from the department, reporting tied the about-face to White House Counsel's Office discussions and backlash from Trump and top aide Stephen Miller.
- The four firms — Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Jenner & Block and Susman Godfrey — won at the trial level, with four federal district court judges finding the executive orders unconstitutional; the directives sought to suspend security clearances, restrict federal access and review contracts.
- Facing a procedural scramble, the four firms oppose the `unexplained about-face` after an email around 10 a.m. gave them about a half hour to oppose, and the three-judge panel has not yet ruled.
- Beyond the immediate fight, nine other firms struck deals pledging roughly $1 billion in pro bono work to avoid similar orders, and Paul, Weiss agreed to provide $40 million in such services.
43 Articles
43 Articles
Winston-Salem Journal
News & RecordTrump reverses course in fight with law firms
WASHINGTON — A day after abandoning its efforts to enforce executive orders that targeted some of the world's most elite law firms, President Donald Trump's administration abruptly reversed course Tuesday and said it would proceed with the court fight.
DOJ reverses decision to voluntarily withdraw appeal in case against law firms
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) revived proceedings against four law firms on Tuesday, continuing its appeal of lower court decisions that invalidated President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting the firms. After filing a motion to drop the consolidated case against law firms Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, Perkins Coie and Susman Godfrey on Monday evening, DOJ attorneys revived the suit the following day. Attorneys representing the firms,…
Justice Dept. reverses course and seeks to defend orders targeting law firms
The Trump administration said Tuesday that it still wanted to defend President Donald Trump’s executive orders sanctioning several law firms, abruptly reversing course from its position a day earlier.
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