New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with 20 other attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief defending Susman Godfrey, a law firm targeted by the Trump administration, against sanctions. These sanctions, directed through executive orders by President Trump, are seen as a response to the firm's work that the administration disfavors. The brief was presented to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with claims that the order breaches the First Amendment, ignores counsel rights, and compromises constitutional principles such as the separation of powers.
Attorney General James stated, “The Trump administration cannot dictate which clients or issues law firms represent and support.” She further criticized the orders, labeling them as "a gross abuse of power," pledging to support law firms confronting these legal challenges.
The executive orders by President Trump reportedly demand that federal officials suspend security clearances for individuals at affected law firms, refuse engagement with employees from these firms, and prohibit their personnel from entering federal buildings. Furthermore, there is an obligation for federal contractors to disclose business interactions with these firms, allowing agencies to terminate contracts if necessary.
Susman Godfrey was singled out in an executive order in early April. The firm has successfully obtained temporary injunctive relief and is presently working towards having the order permanently blocked. The federal judge involved remarked that the executive order appears as "a personal vendetta against a particular firm," interpreting it as a potentially unconstitutional exercise of power.
The coalition of attorneys general stressed in their briefs the necessity of a reliable legal system where lawyers can participate in contentious cases or represent marginalized clients without facing government backlash. They voiced concerns that the orders risk hindering residents' access to legal services, notably those relying on pro bono assistance.
Attorney General James has actively worked to defend the legal sector from what she perceives as unconstitutional measures by the Trump administration. Prior initiatives include briefs supporting other law firms like Jenner & Block LLP and WilmerHale LLP. March saw a similar endeavor for Perkins Coie LLP. The current coalition backing James includes attorneys general from several states including Arizona, California, Illinois, and others along with the District of Columbia.