By Blessing Nweke

The Justice Department on Monday abandoned its legal battle over executive orders issued by Donald Trump that targeted several prominent law firms, conceding to unanimous federal court rulings that found the directives unconstitutional.

The orders had singled out firms including Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Susman Godfrey and Jenner & Block. The measures sought to restrict their security clearances, government contracts and access to federal buildings, citing the firms’ clients and hiring decisions.

Perkins Coie has represented high-profile Democrats, including Hillary Clinton. WilmerHale employed former special counsel Robert Mueller after his investigation into Trump, while Jenner & Block hired Andrew Weissmann, a key member of Mueller’s team.

Federal judges repeatedly sided with the firms. In May, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell described the order against Perkins Coie as “an unprecedented attack” on the judicial system.

The firms that challenged the orders welcomed the administration’s decision. A WilmerHale spokesperson said the case was about defending clients’ constitutional right to counsel of their choosing and protecting the rule of law. Jenner & Block said the move makes permanent earlier rulings blocking the orders.

Some firms, including Paul Weiss and Skadden Arps, struck agreements with the administration, pledging pro bono work aligned with Trump’s priorities and rolling back diversity policies — moves that drew backlash within the legal community.

Former Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta criticized firms that capitulated, while Rep. Jamie Raskin praised those that fought back, saying they forced Trump to retreat from a “blatantly unconstitutional” effort.