Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced on Apr. 3 that he co-led a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief to support law firms challenging executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump. The orders, made in March and April of 2025, imposed sanctions on law firms whose work or clients were disfavored by the administration.
The issue is significant because it concerns the independence of legal professionals and access to justice for individuals who may need representation in controversial cases. The coalition argues that these executive actions threaten First Amendment rights, the right to counsel, and undermine the rule of law.
Raoul said, “Attacking attorneys based on who they represent, who they hire, or because their client may take a position that is not favored by the government threatens our First Amendment rights, right to counsel and the independence of law firms.” He added, “I join my fellow attorneys general in asking the court to uphold the rulings blocking these orders. As our states’ top legal officers, we stand with all our colleagues in the legal community who stay true to the ideals and values of our profession.”
The challenged executive orders required federal officials to suspend security clearances for employees at certain law firms, deny entry into federal buildings for those personnel, refuse engagement or hiring from those firms’ employees, and terminate contracts with businesses connected to them. Each targeted firm won its case against these measures; however, appeals are now underway at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
According to the official website, Raoul’s office has advocated for vulnerable groups such as workers and immigrants across Illinois while handling thousands of consumer complaints each year. The Illinois Attorney General’s office also aims to protect consumers and promote safer communities statewide while offering services like complaint filing for consumer fraud and civil rights violations. According to its website, it works closely with law enforcement agencies supporting crime victims and promoting open government initiatives.
The coalition was led by Raoul along with New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown; attorneys general from 17 other states joined them in submitting this brief.
