- A coalition of 21 AGs led by Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington filed an amicus brief in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals backing four law firms challenging what the states describe as retaliatory executive orders imposed by the Trump Administration.
- In the brief, the amici argue that the orders punish the firms for the clients and causes they represent — including President Trump’s political opponents, diversity efforts, and other disfavored viewpoints — making them unconstitutional retaliation and viewpoint discrimination.
- The states also argue the orders would chill legal advocacy more broadly by making lawyers less likely to take on unpopular clients or pro bono matters, hurting residents who rely on free legal services to challenge government action.
- The coalition is asking the court of appeals to affirm four district court rulings that previously enjoined the sanctions.