Nassau County Bar Association President Daniel W. Russo, on behalf of the NCBA Board of Directors, issued the following statement condemning President Trump’s Executive Orders against three law firms:

The Nassau County Bar Association condemns and calls for the rescission of the following Executive Orders issued by President Trump: 1) February 25, 2025—Suspension of Security Clearances and Evaluation of Government Contracts; 2) March 6, 2025—Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie, LLP; and 3) March 14, 2025—Addressing Risks from Paul Weiss. In the interest of protecting the foundation of this country’s judicial system, the Nassau County Bar Association cannot remain silent while the right to free speech, the right to counsel, and the right to due process are under attack.

In short, these Executive Orders target three law firms—Covington & Burling, Perkins Coie, and Paul Weiss—calling for government agencies to “suspend any active security clearances,” “terminate any governmental engagement” and “limit [their] access from federal government buildings.” These Executive Orders severely punish private attorneys and their law firms who have represented individuals the Executive Branch deems political adversaries. The Nassau County Bar Association unequivocally supports individuals’ rights to legal counsel who can advocate on their behalf without the fear of reprisal.

Every admitted attorney in New York State swore an oath, “… to support the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the State of New York … according to the best of [our] ability.” Adhering to our oath requires all attorneys to stand up to what is a clear threat to the pillars of this nation’s judicial system: an attempt by the Executive Branch to restrict the voices of its adversaries by punishing the attorneys of their choosing. Organized bar associations across the nation must speak now and must speak together to protect our system of justice.

The Nassau County Bar Association is proud to stand up and join the increasing number of bar associations denouncing these Orders. We invite you to stand with us.