Court blocks Donald Trump’s Executive Order against Susman Godfrey law firm

A federal judge in the District of Columbia on April 15 issued a temporary restraining order halting the enforcement of major provisions of an executive order by Trump Administration targeting prominent law firm Susman Godfrey LLP..The Court order specifically restrained the federal government from implementing Sections 1, 3, and 5 of the Executive Order that was issued by President Trump on April 9. The blocked sections include statements about the law firm's alleged activities, requirements for government contractors to disclose business relationships with the firm and restrictions on interactions between government employees and the firm."Plaintiff's Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order is GRANTED," stated Judge Loren L Alikhan in the order..The Trump government on April 9, passed an executive order against the firm stating that "lawyers and law firms that engage in activities detrimental to critical American interests should not have access to our Nation’s secrets, nor should their conduct be subsidized by Federal taxpayer funds or contracts." It further declared that the administration must take measures to guard against "actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest" when the government funds or engages with firms whose actions undermine U.S. interests.The order accused Susman Godfrey LLP (Susman) of "weaponiz[ing] the American legal system and degrad[ing] the quality of American elections." It also alleged that Susman funds groups that engage in dangerous efforts to undermine the effectiveness of the United States military through the injection of political and radical ideology and supports efforts to discriminate on the basis of race.Additionally, the order claimed that Susman engages in unlawful discrimination citing a program that offers financial awards and employment opportunities exclusively to "students of color." The Administration asserted its commitment to ending such practices, stating that those who engage in blatant discrimination should not have access to federal benefits or classified information..Key directions against Susman:Security Clearance Review:The Attorney General, Director of National Intelligence, and other agency heads were directed to immediately take steps consistent with applicable law to suspend any active security clearances held by individuals at Susman, pending a review of whether such clearances are consistent with the national interest.The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must identify all federal resources provided to Susman, including Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), and agencies must "expeditiously cease such provision" where permitted by law.Federal Contracting Restrictions:Agencies were directed to require contractors to disclose any business with Susman and determine if it relates to government contracts.Agencies were also directed to review and, where possible, terminate contracts with Susman or its affiliates, ensuring funding aligns with the interests of the citizens of the United States. Within 30 days, agencies must submit an assessment of Susman-related contracts and actions taken to OMB.Personnel and Access Restrictions:Agency heads must limit federal building access for Susman employees when it threatens national security or U.S. interests.Federal employees were restricted from official engagement with Susman unless consistent with national security.Agencies were barred from hiring Susman employees without a waiver from the agency head and the Office of Personnel Management..Judge AliKhan’s order has essentially stopped federal agencies from enforcing these directives, stating that Sections 1 (background and rationale), 3 (contracting restrictions), and 5 (personnel and access limitations) cannot be given effect until further notice. The court ordered agencies to:Rescind any guidance implementing the blocked sections,Notify all recipients of related disclosure requests that those requests are revoked,Cease all enforcement actions under the enjoined provisions,Treat the provisions as if they “had never issued.”The Department of Justice, the Office of Management and Budget, and other implicated agencies must file a compliance status report by April 16..Targeting Susman is a part of the Trump administration's crackdown against law firms over their diversity policies and their past actions in support of the Democrats. .Earlier this month, over 500 United States law firms filed an amicus brief supporting Perkins Coie's legal challenge against the Donald Trump administration’s March 6 executive order targeting the firm..Susman was represented by Munger, Tolles & Olsen LLP..[Read Judgment]