Latest news with #lawFirm
CNN
27-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
Judge strikes down executive order targeting WilmerHale in latest blow to Trump's retaliation against major law firms
A federal judge on Tuesday struck down an executive order signed by President Donald Trump earlier this year targeting the elite law firm WilmerHale, becoming the latest jurist to permanently block enforcement of an order they concluded is unconstitutional. The ruling from US District Judge Richard Leon, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, represents the third time this month that a judge in Washington, DC, has ruled against Trump in his efforts to punish law firms that have employed his perceived political enemies or represented clients who have challenged his initiatives. The 73-page preliminary injunction, which is replete with exclamation marks, is a striking rebuke of Trump's order targeting WilmerHale. The executive order, like others aimed at different firms, denied WilmerHale attorneys access to federal buildings and retaliated against firm clients with government contracts. It also suspended security clearances for lawyers at the firm. 'Any one of those sanctions would cause clients to strongly reconsider their engagements with WilmerHale,' Leon wrote. 'Taken together, the provisions constitute a staggering punishment for the firm's protected speech! The Order is intended to, and does in fact, impede the firm's ability to effectively represent its clients!' The judge said the executive order signed by Trump in late March violates the firm's First Amendment rights and its right to due process. '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,' WilmerHale said in a statement. 'We remain proud to defend our firm, our people, and our clients.' WilmerHale is one of the largest law firms in Washington — and former professional home to onetime special counsel Robert Mueller, who oversaw the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and is now retired. The firm is also often at the heart of politically charged disputes, especially related to congressional probes, Justice Department enforcement and in the tech industry. In recent years, lawyers from WilmerHale represented Twitter — now Elon Musk's X — when special counsel Jack Smith sought and obtained some of Trump's private social media data. Its attorneys are also frequently behind liberal-leaning political causes that make their way into court. After the firm rushed to court to challenge the order, Leon halted nearly every part of the order. Trump's executive order claimed that WilmerHale has 'abandoned the profession's highest ideals and abused its pro bono practice to engage in activities that undermine justice and the interests of the United States.' The order specifically noted Mueller's ties to the firm. Tuesday's ruling comes several days after a different judge in Leon's courthouse — John Bates — issued a similar ruling overturning Trump's order targeting the firm Jenner & Block, which also has connections to Mueller. And earlier this month, a third judge in the same courthouse permanently barred the government from enforcing a separate order from the president that sought to punish the firm Perkins Coie. This story has been updated with additional information.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Have you seen this bronze eagle statue missing from downtown Orlando?
A bronze eagle statue is missing from downtown Orlando and police are asking for help from the public to find it. The statue was stolen during a break-in at a law firm near East Pine Street & South Court Avenue owned by a 'well-respected attorney who recently passed away,' according to a Friday news release from the Orlando Police Department. The agency said the statue was last seen April 19 near East Pine Street and South Court Avenue but did not identify the law firm by name or its owner. Detectives believed the suspects dumped it at a specific location but it was no longer there when they searched the area. 'The statue holds deep sentimental value for the attorney's widow, and efforts are underway to recover it,' police said. OPD didn't provide any additional details of the incident in its news release: 'This is all the information we have to share at this time.' Investigators ask anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or have any information about the statue's whereabouts to please call OPD's tip line at 800-423-TIPS.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Bronze eagle statue stolen from Orlando law firm has 'deep sentimental value' for attorney's widow: OPD
The Brief A bronze eagle statue was stolen from a law office in Downtown Orlando after a break-in. The statue held deep sentimental value for the widow of a respected attorney. Police are asking for tips from the public as the investigation continues. ORLANDO, Fla. - Police are searching for a bronze eagle statue that disappeared from a law firm in Downtown Orlando. What we know The statue was stolen during a break-in at a law firm located near East Pine Street and South Court Avenue, acording to the Orlando Police Department (OPD). The property belonged to a prominent local attorney who passed away recently. Detectives believe the statue may have been dumped at another location after the theft, but it was no longer there when police arrived to investigate. What we don't know Authorities have not released surveillance footage, suspect descriptions, or a precise time of the break-in. Police have not confirmed the exact value of the statue, though it has been described as having strong personal significance. The backstory The statue belonged to a well-known Orlando attorney whose death left a significant impact on the local legal community. The OPD did not confirm the name of the attorney. The eagle sculpture, which had been displayed at the law office, was not only a decorative piece but a cherished object for the attorney's widow, according to police. What they're saying Police emphasized the statue's personal significance in a statement sent to FOX 35 News. "It holds deep sentimental value for the attorney's widow," said a spokesperson from the Orlando Police Department. The department is urging the public to come forward with any information. "If you witnessed anything suspicious or have any information about the statue's whereabouts, please contact the Orlando Police Department," they added. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Orlando Police Department.
