The Conservative Lawyer Defending a Firm from Donald Trump
Briefly

After Trump issued executive orders targeting law firms that opposed him, notably Covington & Burling and Perkins Coie, WilmerHale became the next anticipated target due to its Democratic ties and association with perceived enemies. To counteract this intimidation, the firm hired Paul Clement, a prominent conservative advocate, to represent them in legal action. Clement filed a lawsuit shortly after the executive order was issued, leading to a swift judicial response from U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, who blocked most of the order, emphasizing the dire consequences for the firm. This incident underscores the role of law firms in resisting political intimidation.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon stated that WilmerHale's "very survival is at stake" as he blocked most of Trump's executive order against the firm.
The dual goal of Trump's executive orders was to punish law firms that opposed him and intimidate others from doing the same.
Hiring Paul Clement was a strategic move for WilmerHale to defend against Trump's attacks, showcasing the firm's commitment to legal representation against political aggression.
Clement’s readiness to take on the case exemplifies the law community's resistance to political intimidation and the protection of legal rights.
Read at The New Yorker
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