DOJ 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.
57 Articles
57 Articles
DOJ Reverses Course, Renews Push to Revive Trump’s Orders Targeting Law Firms
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is reversing course on its previous decision to drop its bid to revive President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting several major law firms, according to a court filing. The DOJ filed a motion to the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington on March 3 asking to withdraw its March 2 motion to voluntarily dismiss its appeals of lower court rulings that had sided with four law firms. The law firms in question are P…
The Billings Gazette
Trump 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.
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