James Defends Susman Godfrey in Trump Retribution Row

New York – In a bold stand against executive overreach, New York Attorney General Letitia James has joined forces with 20 other state attorneys general to file an amicus brief in support of law firm Susman Godfrey. The firm has been targeted by the Trump administration through retaliatory Executive Orders, imposed as punishment for work deemed unfavorable.

“The Trump administration cannot dictate which clients or issues law firms represent and support,” James declared. “These vindictive Executive Orders are a gross abuse of power, undermining our democracy and Constitution.”

The orders in question require federal officials to suspend security clearances, refuse engagement with firm employees, and bar access to federal buildings. They also instruct contractors to disclose business with targeted firms, potentially leading to contract termination.

Susman Godfrey was hit with such an order early this month. The firm has secured temporary injunctive relief and is now seeking a permanent block on the Executive Order. A federal judge noted that the order was based on a “personal vendetta” against the firm, calling it a shocking abuse of power.

In their brief, the attorneys general argue that fair judicial systems require lawyers to represent controversial cases fearlessly without government retribution. They assert that these orders will make legal services harder to obtain for many clients, especially those relying on pro bono representation.

This action is part of James’ ongoing efforts to protect the legal industry from unconstitutional attacks by the Trump administration. She has previously filed amicus briefs supporting Jenner & Block LLP, WilmerHale LLP, and Perkins Coie LLP. Today’s coalition includes attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.