Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP filed a federal lawsuit challenging President Trump’s recent executive orders targeting major law firms. The firm, which was targeted for having employed lawyers involved in the Justice Department investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is arguing that the orders violate constitutional rights and threaten the rule of law. This legal challenge reflects a stand against authoritarian measures aimed at undermining judicial independence.

WilmerHale, alongside other prominent law firms, has initiated legal action against the Trump administration in response to executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives. This lawsuit underscores the firm's commitment to defending diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential to a fair and progressive society.

In a series of memos, the Trump administration targeted several law firms, including Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, accusing them of abandoning the legal profession’s highest ideals and misusing their pro bono practices. The criticism is widely interpreted as an authoritarian attempt to pressure law firms into compliance, thereby highlighting the firm’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

On March 30, 2025, a federal court issued a temporary restraining order that blocked sections 3 and 5 of President Trump's executive order targeting Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. This action, taken in response to politically motivated retaliation, prevented significant economic and reputational harm and ensured that the firm could continue its legal advocacy without undue government interference.

WilmerHale filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after an executive order cancelled its government contracts due to the firm's hiring of attorneys involved in the Mueller investigation. The suit challenges what it describes as unprecedented and unconstitutional retaliation aimed at muzzling legal advocacy.

WilmerHale LLP has been targeted by a Trump administration executive order accusing the firm of engaging in partisan representations to achieve political ends. In response, the firm has initiated legal action to block these sanctions, positioning itself against an authoritarian misuse of executive power.

A DC federal judge blocked major sections of Trump’s executive order targeting WilmerHale, following the firm's lawsuit challenging provisions that restricted access to federal buildings and impacted government contracts, thereby defending constitutional rights.

WilmerHale, targeted by President Trump's executive order which terminated its government contracts and suspended employee security clearances, filed a lawsuit alongside Jenner & Bock. The firm alleges that the order, motivated by the firm's connection to Robert Mueller and its diversity efforts, is an unlawful punishment that harms its business prospects and undermines constitutional protections.

On 2025-03-28, WilmerHale filed a lawsuit in Washington’s federal court against President Trump’s executive order. The order, which restricts the firm’s ability to hire attorneys for federal government work, access federal buildings, and risks retaliatory actions against its clients, is described by the firm as a politically motivated attack aimed at punishing its ties with former special counsel Robert Mueller and its broader legal work on constitutional matters.

On March 28, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order targeting WilmerHale, suspending security clearances for its employees, restricting its access to federal buildings, and terminating government contracts. The order cites the firm's decision to welcome figures like former FBI Director Robert Mueller and his colleagues—actions seen as aligning with rigorous accountability measures—as a partisan move, prompting the repressive directive.

On March 28, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order that suspended security clearances, limited federal building access, and revoked government contracts for WilmerHale, alleging the firm engaged in partisan political actions. WilmerHale has vowed to challenge what it deems an unlawful, politically motivated order, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to defending democratic principles and diverse representation in legal affairs.

On March 28, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting WilmerHale—a law firm known for its involvement in politically sensitive cases and its ties to the investigation of alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. This move is widely seen as an authoritarian attempt to penalize progressive legal practices.

Following President Trump's executive order that targets WilmerHale over its ties to Robert Mueller and its representation of politically sensitive cases, the firm has announced its intent to pursue all appropriate legal remedies. The move, which comes on the heels of similar actions against other major law firms, underscores WilmerHale’s commitment to defending democratic principles and resisting authoritarian overreach.

On 2025-03-27, President Trump signed an executive order targeting WilmerHale by suspending security clearances and federal access for its lawyers. The firm condemned the move as an abuse of power and announced its intention to pursue legal remedies against what it deems an unlawful action, reflecting its longstanding commitment to upholding justice and political integrity.

On March 27, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order targeting WilmerHale, alleging ties to former Special Counsel Robert Mueller and criticizing the firm's diversity practices. In response, WilmerHale vowed to pursue all appropriate remedies against what it described as an unlawful order, and it has taken steps including suing the Trump administration and continuing its involvement in election litigation for Democratic causes.

On March 27, 2025, a White House executive order issued by President Donald J. Trump criticized Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP for engaging in partisan legal practices and for alleged discriminatory labor practices. The order cites the firm’s use of its pro bono practice to further political ends, including support for initiatives that expand voting rights, while also accusing the firm of discriminatory practices against its employees.

WilmerHale joined Jenner & Block in legally challenging Executive Orders perceived as attacks on the legal profession by Donald Trump, marking a public stand in defense of the judicial system and the rule of law.

WilmerHale LLP was reported by OpenSecrets to have engaged in lobbying activities on behalf of 27 clients in 2024, totaling $4,690,000 in spending. This event highlights the firm's role in the political arena through its lobbying efforts.

WilmerHale is under legal challenge in a New York state court following allegations of racial bias in the dismissal of a former senior associate. The firm maintains that the termination was based on performance issues, while critics contend that the dismissal was racially motivated, raising concerns over the firm's commitment to diversity, equity, and fair labor practices.

A lawsuit filed in New York alleges that WilmerHale engaged in discriminatory practices, wrongful termination, and defamatory negative evaluations against Jean E. Dassie, a naturalized citizen from Cameroon, following a disagreement over protocol changes in its Intellectual Property practice.

A lawsuit filed on October 23, 2023, by ex-senior associate Jean E. Dassie alleges that WilmerHale engaged in racial discrimination by unfairly evaluating his performance, which led to his termination and claims of defamation.

A former senior associate, alleging racial discrimination and retaliatory termination following a dispute with a superior attorney, has filed a lawsuit against WilmerHale. The suit, filed in New York state court on October 20, 2023, highlights claims of unjust negative evaluations and termination that raise concerns over the firm’s workplace practices regarding diversity and fair treatment.

Activision Blizzard has retained WilmerHale, a legal firm with a reputation for advising on union avoidance and developing union-busting strategies, to review its workplace policies following allegations of sexual harassment and union suppression.