Since the publication of Executive Order 14230 on March 11, 2025, the King County Bar Association received numerous inquiries from KCBA Members and other organizations asking whether KCBA would add its voice to the growing number of organizations registering concerns about the Order. The Board of Trustees for KCBA discussed the issue and the statement below represents the Board’s
position.
The Board determined that the publication of an Executive Order directed at a longstanding supporter of the KCBA is an occasion that warrants a written statement of support. In an upcoming Bar Bulletin, the Board will share its final policy for Bar Bulletin content, which will include guidance on when and how opinion articles may be published. A statement in opposition to the content of Executive Order 14230 is one the Board chose not to delay until publication of that policy.
Statement in Support of Perkins Coie
The King County Bar Association stands with Perkins Coie as it defends itself following the publication of Executive Order 14230, which threatens the rule of law and the constitutional rights of the entire legal community. The Executive Order focuses on clients the firm represented as a basis for the sanctions imposed.
The Order aims to quell any open debate or resistance to federal actions. Its unproven conclusions regarding Perkins Coie are coupled with severe sanctions and imposed without prior notice or opportunity to be heard. The Order attempts to override well-established law and legal principles, while punishing a firm for its values and advocacy on behalf of its clients.
One need not be a legal scholar to know that this is a misuse of authority and a violation of the law. We see this as a much bigger issue than the financial and relational harm to a single law firm. There is an impact on pro bono service, on speech, and on the fundamental concepts of constitutional governance in the United States.
The Executive Order accuses Perkins Coie of engaging in race-based discrimination and contends the firm therefore cannot have access to “our Nation’s Secrets” or federal funds. The Order seeks to terminate all contracts with Perkins Coie or with entities that do business with Perkins Coie. The Order also limits access by employees of Perkins Coie to federal buildings and contact between federal employees and Perkins Coie.
Executive Order 14230 threatens not just Perkins Coie but all law firms that represent a client or an idea that is unpopular with federal leadership. Legal professionals are all threatened by the viewpoint discrimination that fuels this Executive Order.
KCBA commends the work of Perkins Coie and their advocates as they receive their own access to justice. In our system of government, our judiciary provides an appropriate check on the powers of other branches of government that must not be squelched.
On March 12, 2025, federal District Court Judge Beryl Howell blocked the Executive Order, citing its constitutional problems. She also recognized the retaliatory animus behind the Executive Order and issued an order of her own: the Department of Justice and other federal defendants are enjoined from implementing or enforcing provisions in the Executive Order.
The ability to address unconstitutional conduct is fundamental to our system of government, and the Executive Order jeopardizes that right. Threats and sanctions against legal advocates jeopardize the ability of all Americans, including law firms, to choose their advocate or possibly the ability to secure any advocate to assert their rights. It is never appropriate to misuse the authority that comes with power and privilege to diminish the rights of others. KCBA offers its absolute support to Perkins Coie in challenging the unconstitutional action intended to intimidate their firm and our profession.
This statement was approved by the KCBA Board of Trustees on March 19, 2025 and is not intended to speak for individual members of KCBA. Perkins Coie sometimes provides counsel to KCBA.
Erin Overbey is president of the King County Bar Association and can be reached at kcbaboardpresident@kcba.org.
