Security Clearances Suspended for WilmerHale Lawyers Amid Legal Battles
May 14, 2025, 2:42 PM CDT
The suspension of security clearances comes following an executive order that targeted WilmerHale, a firm involved in legal disputes with the Trump administration. (Photo by Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA/Sipa via the Associated Press)
In a significant legal development, the Trump administration has temporarily halted security clearances for two attorneys associated with Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr (WilmerHale). This move follows the firm’s lawsuit in response to a punitive executive order issued by President Trump.
Representing WilmerHale, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement disclosed in a court document dated May 13 that the affected lawyers had received notices of their suspended clearances from a government agency.
Clement described the situation as a clear indication that the executive branch is prepared to implement the controversial executive order, pending judicial review. This statement was part of a letter submitted to U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon, who is currently overseeing the case.
Details of the Executive Order
Issued on March 27, the executive order criticized WilmerHale for its engagement of former special counsel Robert Mueller, known for his investigation into alleged connections between Russia and the Trump campaign. The order aims to:
- Suspend security clearances held by WilmerHale employees.
- Consider the suspension of government contracts connected to clients of the firm.
- Limit access to government facilities for personnel from WilmerHale.
Judicial Proceedings
In an initial response, Judge Leon issued a temporary restraining order on March 28, which restrained certain provisions of the executive order, specifically those related to government access and client contract reassessments. However, he did not grant WilmerHale’s request to halt the suspension of security clearances.
Clement, in his communication to Leon, requested not only an injunction against future implementations of the order but also a reversal of already executed actions, including the suspension of security clearances and the reviews of other clearances.
WilmerHale is one of four law firms to challenge the executive orders, alongside Jenner & Block, Perkins Coie, and Susman Godfrey.
As this situation unfolds, the broader implications for legal and governmental relationships remain to be seen, with significant attention now focused on the impending judicial reviews.
