# EXECUTIVE ORDER: ADDRESSING RISKS FROM PERKINS COIE LLP
This Executive Order establishes restrictive measures against the law firm Perkins Coie LLP, which the order characterizes as engaging in "dishonest and dangerous activity" that has "affected this country for decades." The order specifically alleges that Perkins Coie was involved in creating a "false 'dossier'" while representing Hillary Clinton in 2016, has worked with donors including George Soros to overturn election laws through judicial means, and has engaged in racial discrimination in its hiring and promotion practices. The administration frames these actions as part of its commitment to ending "diversity, equity, and inclusion" policies that it claims constitute discrimination, and protecting national security by removing entities it deems untrustworthy from access to federal resources.
The order mandates several specific actions across multiple federal domains. It directs the Attorney General and Director of National Intelligence to immediately suspend security clearances held by Perkins Coie employees pending review, and requires the Office of Management and Budget to identify all government resources provided to the firm so agencies can cease such provision. The order establishes new disclosure requirements for government contractors, compelling them to report any business relationships with Perkins Coie, and instructs agency heads to review and potentially terminate contracts involving the firm. Within 30 days, agencies must submit assessments of contracts with Perkins Coie to the OMB Director along with actions taken regarding those contracts.
Implementation responsibilities are distributed across multiple officials and agencies, with specific roles assigned to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chair, who must review practices of large law firms for Title VII compliance, and the Attorney General, who is directed to investigate law firms doing business with federal entities for compliance with non-discrimination laws. Agency heads are instructed to limit Perkins Coie employees' access to federal buildings and restrict federal employees from engaging with the firm's personnel when such interactions might affect national security interests. The order also discourages agencies from hiring Perkins Coie employees without a waiver from agency heads in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management. The order includes standard language noting it should be implemented consistent with applicable law, subject to available appropriations, and creates no enforceable rights against the United States.