AGs File Brief Backing Challenge of Unconstitutional Executive Orders that Undermine the Rule of Law

Attorney General Charity Clark joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general today in filing an amicus brief supporting law firms challenging unconstitutional executive orders that imposed severe sanctions on the firms in retaliation for doing work disfavored by the Trump administration.

In March and April of 2025, President Donald Trump issued executive orders retaliating against law firms whose advocacy, clients and personnel he dislikes. These orders required federal officials to suspend any active security clearances held by individuals at the law firms, to refuse to engage with or hire employees of these firms, and to deny the law firms' personnel entry to federal buildings. The orders also directed federal contractors to disclose any business they do with the law firms so that agencies can terminate any contract with the firms.

Each of the targeted law firms that challenged the executive orders was successful, and now the administration has appealed those decisions. The coalition filed a brief in support of the law firms in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Attorney General Clark and the coalition argue that the administration's unconstitutional actions are a gross abuse of authority, threaten the rule of law and violate the First Amendment. They note that a fair and functioning judicial system depends on lawyers being willing to work on controversial cases or represent unpopular clients without fearing retribution by the government. The attorneys general further argue that the orders will harm the residents of their states by making it more difficult for many potential clients - especially those who currently rely on pro bono representation - to obtain legal services and vindicate their rights in court.

Joining Attorney General Clark in filing the brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington.

A copy of the brief is available on our website.

CONTACT: Amelia Vath, Senior Advisor to the Attorney General, 802-828-3171