Susman Godfrey Fights Back After Being Targeted by Trump’s Executive Order
April 10, 2025, 10:26 am CDT
The latest law firm targeted by the Trump administration, Susman Godfrey, won’t be the last, President Donald Trump said Wednesday. (Photo from Shutterstock)
The Trump administration has intensified its efforts against law firms, with Susman Godfrey becoming the most recent firm to be targeted under new executive orders. In an announcement made on Wednesday, President Trump expressed the administration’s determination to continue its legal battles against firms that represent clients opposed to him.
According to reports from Bloomberg Law, Trump indicated that additional firms could soon face similar scrutiny, stating, “We have another five to go.”
Defiance from Susman Godfrey
In response to the executive order, Susman Godfrey has announced its intention to challenge the legality of the order. This firm marks the sixth to be subjected to punitive measures for their legal representation, which has often included cases unfavorable to Trump’s interests.
In a public statement, Susman Godfrey reinforced its commitment to the rule of law: “Anyone who knows Susman Godfrey knows we believe in the rule of law, and we take seriously our duty to uphold it. This principle guides us now. There is no question that we will fight this unconstitutional order.”
Details of the Executive Order
The executive order placed severe restrictions on Susman Godfrey, including:
- The suspension of security clearances for the firm’s attorneys.
- Limits on access to government facilities for its employees.
- A ban on government support for Susman, including access to sensitive information facilities.
- A prohibition on government hiring of Susman staff.
- The termination of existing government contracts held by the firm.
Interestingly, Susman Godfrey previously represented clients in a significant defamation case against Fox News concerning false allegations involving Dominion Voting Systems. The case ultimately settled for $787.5 million.
Context of the Executive Actions
The order restricts Susman Godfrey based on claims that it “spearheads efforts to weaponize the American legal system and degrade the quality of American elections.” This marks a continuation of Trump’s trend of executive actions aimed at law firms that diverge from his political agenda.
Some firms, like Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, have successfully negotiated to alleviate aspects of the executive order by agreeing to provide $40 million in pro bono legal services. Meanwhile, other firms, including Milbank, Willkie Farr & Gallagher, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, have also reached similar agreements, pledging substantial amounts toward mutually beneficial pro bono projects.
Legal Challenges and Response
Several firms have already begun legal proceedings to contest these executive orders. Notably, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, Jenner & Block, and Perkins Coie have secured temporary restraining orders blocking the implementation of various sections of the orders.
This growing conflict between the Trump administration and several law firms highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the legal representation of politically contentious clients. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the judiciary will address these unprecedented executive actions against prominent legal entities in the United States.
