Attorney General Keith Ellison announced his participation in a coalition of 21 attorneys general, filing two amicus briefs in support of law firms contesting executive orders from the Trump administration. These orders impose sanctions on firms engaged in work opposed by the administration.
"Lawyers are not spectators to the Constitution, we are its agents," Ellison stated. He expressed concern over what he described as authoritarian actions by Donald Trump, using available resources to retaliate against dissenting lawyers and enforce compliance with unlawful actions. Ellison pledged to oppose attempts to silence critics and undermine democracy.
Executive orders from President Donald Trump allegedly target law firms by suspending employees' security clearances, refusing to engage with their personnel, and barring them from federal buildings. Contractors must disclose business with these firms so federal agencies can terminate contracts.
The coalition filed briefs in cases at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia: Jenner & Block LLP v. U.S. Department of Justice, and Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP v. Executive Office of the President. Temporary injunctive relief was granted in both cases, and plaintiffs now seek to permanently block the orders.
The coalition contends these actions represent a significant misuse of authority, undermining the rule of law. They emphasize the necessity for lawyers to engage in contentious cases without fear of governmental retaliation for a fair judicial system. The orders also complicate access to legal services, particularly pro bono efforts crucial for clients’ rights.
Led by Attorneys General Kwame Raoul of Illinois, Matthew Platkin of New Jersey, Andrea Campbell of Massachusetts, and Nick Brown of Washington, the coalition includes representatives from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Minnesota.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office reiterated its commitment to diversity and equal opportunity.