Several major law firms have stepped up to challenge the Trump administration. District Judge John Bates recently expressed skepticism about the legality of a Trump executive order targeting the law firm Jenner & Block. He raised concerns that the order primarily serves a punitive purpose. The court recently granted a temporary halt to the order and is now considering a request for a permanent injunction.

Legal arguments center on whether the order aims to deter clients from working with Jenner & Block by restricting their access to federal resources. The order refers to the firm’s previous employment of Andrew Weissmann, who served on former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s team.

Michael Attanasio, attorney for Jenner & Block, contended that the executive order is punitive and unconstitutional, targeting the firm due to its affiliations. Bates rejected Justice Department claims that the sanctions on Jenner & Block and other firms were not punitive.

Bates said, “It’s trying to punish Jenner by stopping the flow of money to Jenner.” He questioned, “Isn’t it logical that clients are going to be reluctant to engage Jenner & Block if they know there’s a real chance that Jenner and Block isn’t going to be able to go into a federal building or talk to federal agencies?”