The firm called the president’s executive order against it “a plain violation of the First Amendment.” WilmerHale is expected to file its own action opposing the administration.
A big law firm that has come under attack by the Trump administration filed court papers on Tuesday seeking to permanently block an executive order that threatens its businesses and ability to represent clients in matters involving the federal government.
The firm, Jenner & Block, filed the papers in federal court in Washington a little over a week after a judge approved a temporary restraining order against most of the provisions in the executive order.
In its filing, Jenner & Block said that the executive order was “a plain violation of the First Amendment” and that it punished the firm for representing clients President Trump did not like.
WilmerHale, another large law firm targeted by Mr. Trump, is expected to file its own action to oppose the administration’s order against it.
The executive orders signed by Mr. Trump treat the law firms as national security risks. They would make it almost impossible for the firms to represent companies with government contracts or in need of regulatory approvals, and would prevent lawyers from even entering federal buildings — including courthouses.
The filing by Jenner & Block is a motion for a summary judgment, meaning the firm is asking the judge presiding over its case to decide, without a trial, whether the order is constitutional and enforceable.