Attorney General Kwame Raoul has aligned with a group of 21 attorneys general to file an amicus brief supporting Perkins Coie LLP, a law firm based in Seattle. The firm has come under scrutiny by President Donald Trump for representing clients and adopting positions that he disapproves of.
The coalition, led by Raoul, argues that the president's executive order from March 6 is designed to hinder certain legal professionals and viewpoints from accessing the judicial system. This order accuses Perkins Coie of engaging in "dishonest and dangerous activity," particularly during its representation of Hillary Clinton in 2016. Following the filing of the brief, a temporary restraining order was issued by the court to halt sections of the executive order targeting Perkins Coie.
Raoul stated, “In our country, clients have a right to legal representation regardless of their political party.” He emphasized that law firms should not face retaliation simply because their clientele displeases the president. He pledged ongoing support for individuals' rights to legal counsel and for attorneys' ability to provide comprehensive representation irrespective of political circumstances.
The amicus brief was submitted in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. It underscores that effective client representation is crucial for enabling fair judicial decisions and criticizes efforts by the Trump administration to suppress legal advocacy through intimidation tactics. The brief highlights concerns that such actions could deter lawyers from taking on particular cases or clients due to fears over personal safety or professional consequences.
Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington joined Raoul in this initiative.