Attorney General Dan Rayfield has joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief to support Perkins Coie, a Seattle-based law firm targeted by President Donald Trump. The law firm represents clients with positions opposed by the president.
Rayfield expressed concern about the situation, stating, “It’s highly alarming that the President is going after law firms that represent his political opponents.” He emphasized the broader implications, noting, “This may involve a law firm, but the stakes are much higher. This is about the fundamental rights of all Americans. When we allow any administration to target those who disagree with it, we all lose.”
The states involved argue that the president’s March 6 executive order aims “to exclude certain lawyers and certain viewpoints from reaching a court of law at all.” A fact sheet accompanying the executive order stated that the White House “will not tolerate” Perkins Coie for having filed lawsuits against the Trump Administration.
Despite past legal opposition between Perkins Coie and state governments, the coalition believes it is crucial for clients to have effective representation so that courts can make fair decisions. The brief warns against targeting law firms for performing their duties: “No lawyer should have to fear for their public safety or livelihood for carrying out their ethical duties to vigorously represent their client. Concerns about retaliation may cause some lawyers to be unwilling to take on certain cases or clients altogether.”
In addition to Attorney General Rayfield, attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Vermont and Washington have joined in filing the brief.