A federal judge said the American Bar Association can proceed with a lawsuit alleging President Donald Trump’s administration adopted an unlawful policy to punish law firms over their past legal work, diversity policies and political ties.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
In a ruling, opens new tab on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Amir Ali said the bar association, which advocates for lawyers’ interests, had plausibly alleged “a coordinated campaign to intimidate and punish law firms and their lawyers” based on speech the White House disfavored
Ali said the ABA’s lawsuit “details at length the chilling effect the alleged policy has had on firms and lawyers,” including allegations that law firms have declined to take on some matters that challenge the Trump administration out of fear of retaliation.
The lawsuit by the ABA, the largest U.S. attorney membership organization, seeks a declaration that the administration’s alleged policy is unlawful and an order barring the White House and federal agencies from enforcing it.
The White House had no immediate comment. The ABA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump issued executive orders last year against prominent law firms that sought to revoke lawyers’ security clearances, restricted their access to federal buildings and threatened to end U.S. government contracts held by the firms’ clients.
Four judges last year struck down the executive orders, finding they violated the firms’ free speech and due process rights under the U.S. Constitution. The Trump administration is appealing those rulings.
Nine other prominent law firms reached settlements with Trump last year to rescind or avoid similar executive orders against them, collectively pledging nearly $1 billion in free legal work to causes the White House supports.
The Justice Department asked Ali to dismiss the ABA’s lawsuit, arguing the group lacks standing to sue because it is not a law firm and was never the subject of a White House order. It denied there was ever a policy to intimidate law firms.
The government also said no new executive orders targeting law firms were issued after April 2025, calling the lawsuit’s claims speculative.
US judge blocks Pentagon’s Anthropic blacklisting for now
The ABA cited government statements signaling additional firms could be targeted, asserting that Trump’s law firm policy is ongoing. The association said Trump’s actions have deterred some firms from free legal service partnerships with the ABA, and prompted some attorneys to decline representations adverse to the administration.
The effects of the law firm executive orders on the administration were “swift, significant and chilling,” ABA President Michelle Behnke said in a recent statement.
The case is American Bar Association v. Executive Office of the President, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, No. 1:25-cv-01888-AHA.
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Order Your Copy Now” — Basil Momodu, Esq. Unveils Second Edition Of His Book, "Civil Procedure In Nigeria"
According to the learned author, Basil Momodu Esq. "Law review is a continuum. We will continue to track changes in the law to enrich future editions." Recommended Booksellers: Lagos: 08033855230, Abuja: 08035991379, and others.
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
