Susman Godfrey Lawsuit: Executive Order Blocked
Judge AliKhan has blocked a Trump management executive order targeting Big Law firms, marking the fourth legal defeat connected to such orders.Susman Godfrey, the firm at the heart of the case, declared victory, highlighting this as a win for the rule of law. The White House, however, is opposing the ruling, raising questions about presidential authority. This ruling directly impacts the ability of firms, like Susman Godfrey and others, to represent their clients without facing legal repercussions and signals a notable challenge to executive power. For insights into this legal battle and its implications,News Directory 3 brings you the latest. Keep following this developing story as the government considers its next steps. Discover what’s next …
Judge Deems Trump Administration’s Big Law Executive Order Unconstitutional
Updated June 28, 2025
A ruling by Judge AliKhan against the Trump administration’s executive order targeting Big Law firms marks the fourth consecutive legal setback for the administration on such challenges. The case, brought by Susman Godfrey, contested the legality of the order.
Susman Godfrey, a prominent law firm, released a statement praising the court’s decision. The firm characterized it as “a resounding victory for the rule of law adn the right of every American to be represented by legal counsel without fear of retaliation.”
The firm further stated, “We applaud the Court for declaring the administration’s order unconstitutional…susman Godfrey’s lawyers and staff live these values every day.”
harrison fields, principal White House deputy press secretary, issued a statement expressing the White House’s disagreement with Judge AliKhan’s ruling. Fields asserted that presidential decisions regarding access to classified data are core executive powers and should not be subject to judicial review.
The government retains the option to appeal AliKhan’s ruling, which would then be heard in the court of appeals. A subsequent appeal could potentially reach the Supreme Court.
the ruling is a significant legal victory for firms challenging the president’s executive orders in court. While some firms chose to negotiate deals with the administration, Susman Godfrey opted to fight the executive order in court.
The original executive order accused Susman Godfrey of attempting to “weaponize the American legal system and degrade the quality of American elections.”
Judge AliKhan previously granted the firm a temporary restraining order on april 15, halting enforcement of the order pending further proceedings. At the time, she stated that the order appeared to be “a shocking abuse of power.”
Susman Godfrey represented Dominion Voting Systems in its lawsuit against Fox News, which resulted in a $787.5 million settlement. The firm also represents The New York Times in its copyright suit against OpenAI and Microsoft.
“The decision to grant any individual access to this nation’s secrets is a sensitive judgment call entrusted to the President. Weighing these factors and implementing such decisions are core executive powers, and reviewing the President’s clearance decisions falls well outside the judiciary’s authority.”
– Harrison Fields, principal White House deputy press secretary