DC Circuit Hears Arguments on Trump's Blocked Law Firm Orders

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit closely questioned arguments on Thursday over President Donald Trump's executive orders targeting four prominent law firms, which lower courts have blocked as unlawful.

The orders, issued months after Trump took office, imposed penalties on Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Jenner & Block and Susman Godfrey. They suspended security clearances for the firms' attorneys, terminated federal contracts and barred employees from federal buildings. The firms contended the measures retaliated against them for employing lawyers or representing clients linked to investigations of Trump or his political opponents.

Lower court judges in Washington, D.C., ruled consistently that the White House could not enforce the orders. During the two-hour appeals hearing, attorneys for the firms argued the directives violated constitutional protections, including the First Amendment.

"The executive orders here strike at the heart of the First Amendment and the ability of lawyers to zealously represent their clients," said Paul Clement, who represented the firms. "Lawyers cannot zealously represent their clients while walking on...