Judge Temporarily Blocks Parts Of Trump's Executive Order Seeking To Punish Law Firm Perkins Coie

A federal judge blocked President Donald Trump's administration Wednesday from enforcing portions of an executive order designed to punish a prominent law firm linked to Democratic-funded opposition research during the 2016 presidential campaign into ties between the Republican candidate and Russia.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington granted a temporary restraining order sought by the firm, Perkins Coie, one day after it filed a federal lawsuit alleging it's being illegally targeted because of its legal work. The judge said the president's action sends a chilling message that lawyers can be punished for representing clients or advancing views unfavorable to the administration.

"Such a circumstance threatens the very foundation of our legal system," said Howell, who was nominated to the bench by Democratic President Barack Obama. "Our justice system is based on the fundamental belief that justice works best when all parties have zealous advocates."

Perkins Coie called the judge's ruling "an important first step in ensuring this unconstitutional Executive Order is never enforced."

"We will follow the court's direction regarding next steps and will continue to challenge the Executive Order, which threatens our firm, our clients, and core constitutional protections important to all Americans," a firm spokesperson said.