A federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump’s attempt to punish law firm WilmerHale for its association with the Mueller investigation was unconstitutional and ordered the government not to enforce his March executive order against it.

Trump had issued several executive orders targeting law firms that participated in political activities against him or associated with those that did.

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Judge Richard J. Leon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia said Trump had imposed “a kitchen sink of severe sanctions” on WilmerHale, which sued the administration over the order.

“The cornerstone of the American system of justice is an independent judiciary and an independent bar willing to tackle unpopular cases, however daunting. The founding fathers knew this!” he wrote.

“Accordingly, they took pains to enshrine in the Constitution certain rights that would serve as the foundation for that independence,” he added. “Little wonder that in the nearly 250 years since the Constitution was adopted no executive order has been issued challenging these fundamental rights.”

Several law firms have made deals with the Trump administration to avoid its punishing eye, many offering legal services. WilmerHale was not one of them, though it participated in the Mueller investigation.

“The Court’s decision to permanently block the unlawful executive order in its entirety strongly affirms our foundational constitutional rights and those of our clients. We remain proud to defend our firm, our people, and our clients,” WilmerHale said in a statement shared with the Washington Examiner.

Leon denied the government’s allegations that the targeting of WilmerHale was routine and apolitical, saying, “Please — that dog won’t hunt!”

“Taken together, the provisions constitute a staggering punishment for the firm’s protected speech,” he wrote. “The order is intended to, and does in fact, impede the firm’s ability to effectively represent its clients!”

Judges have already rejected executive orders aimed at Perkins Coie and Jenner & Block. One prominent law firm, Paul, Weiss, had its executive order rescinded after pledging to dedicate the equivalent of $40 million in pro bono legal services to support administration initiatives such as eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and not denying representation to clients based on their political views.

JUDGES PAUSE TRUMP ORDER PUNISHING LAW FIRMS LINKED TO MUELLER INVESTIGATION

Leon believes Trump’s actions are an attempt to intimidate the law firms.

“The Order shouts through a bullhorn: If you take on causes disfavored by President Trump,
you will be punished!” Leon wrote.