California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of state attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief supporting Perkins Coie LLP. The brief aims to prevent the Trump Administration from taking retaliatory actions against the law firm and its attorneys. These actions are viewed as part of a broader effort by President Trump to silence opposition.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of legal representation in American democracy, stating, "The right to an attorney is a bedrock of our legal system and American democracy as a whole." He criticized the administration's actions as "unprecedented and unjustifiable," warning that they could have a chilling effect on attorneys nationwide.
The Trump Administration has reportedly targeted law firms like Perkins Coie and Covington and Burling LLP for their involvement in investigations related to President Trump or their support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. An executive order issued on March 6, 2025, specifically addressed risks associated with Perkins Coie due to its representation of Hillary Clinton and its policies.
The attorneys general argue that the executive order violates First Amendment rights by attempting to exclude certain lawyers and viewpoints from participating in court proceedings. The order includes measures such as barring Perkins Coie lawyers from federal buildings, revoking security clearances, and terminating federal contracts with the firm.
Joining Attorney General Bonta in filing the brief are attorneys general from Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
A copy of the brief is available for public access.