Jenner & Block Challenges Trump Executive Order

Law firm appeals controversial order targeting firms that criticized former president.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:19pm

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The prominent Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block has filed an appeal against a Trump administration executive order that sought to punish law firms that criticized the former president. This latest legal action is the latest development in a year-long case that has pitted the firm against the Trump administration's efforts to retaliate against perceived political opponents.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the legal profession and the Trump administration, which sought to use executive power to target law firms that were critical of the former president. The outcome could have broader implications for the ability of law firms to freely criticize government policies without fear of retaliation.

The details

Jenner & Block's appeal challenges the Trump administration's 2020 executive order that barred federal agencies from hiring law firms that had 'demonstrated a bias' against the administration. The firm was one of several that had publicly criticized Trump's policies and actions while he was in office. The appeal argues that the order violated the First Amendment rights of law firms.

  • The executive order was issued by the Trump administration in October 2020.
  • Jenner & Block filed its initial lawsuit challenging the order in November 2020.
  • The case was revived in early 2026 after being on hold during the Biden administration.

The players

Jenner & Block

A prominent Chicago-based law firm that has been critical of the Trump administration's policies.

Trump administration

The former presidential administration of Donald Trump, which issued the executive order targeting law firms that criticized the president.

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What they’re saying

“This executive order was a blatant attempt to punish law firms for exercising their First Amendment rights. We will continue to fight this unconstitutional overreach.”

— Terrence Truax, Managing Partner, Jenner & Block

What’s next

The case will now proceed through the appeals process, with a decision expected from the federal appeals court in the coming months.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing battles between the legal profession and the Trump administration over the limits of executive power and the ability to criticize the government without fear of retaliation. The outcome could have significant implications for the independence of the legal industry.