Susman Godfrey v. Executive Office of the President

Case page of Susman Godfrey v. Executive Office of the President.

Overview

Case Summary:

The law frm Susman Godfrey sues to block an Executive Order [1] targeting them.

Case Status:

The District of D.C. ruled in favor of Susman Godfrey, blocking the EO. The DoJ is expected to appeal the case to the D.C. Circuit on or before August 26, 2025.

Upcoming Events:

Date	Summary	Court
2025-08-26	The DoJ is expected to appeal the ruling against them from the District Court to the Circuit Court, on or before this deadline.	District of D.C.

Topics Involved:

• Targeting Law Firms

Courts Involved:

Court Level	Court	Docket Number	Judge
Federal Trial Courts	District of D.C.	1:25-cv-01107	Loren L. AliKhan

Detailed Timeline

List of all events in this case:

Date	Summary	Court
2025-04-11	Susman Godfrey files a complaint, requesting the court "declare that the Order is unconstitutional" and order that the government be "enjoined from implementing or giving effect to the Order in any way." SOURCE	District of D.C.
2025-04-14	Susman Godfrey formally moves for a Temporary Restraining Order enjoining at least Sections 1, 3, & 5 of the Order, since they claim they are "suffering ongoing and irreparable reputational harm .. [and] irreparable economic injuries," given "the Executive Order has impaired Susman Godfrey's constitutional rights." The footnote on p. 3 highlights how Sections 2 & 4 of the EO are not immediately relevant to Susman Godfrey. SOURCE	District of D.C.
2025-04-15	The court holds a hearing on the motion for a TRO. Transcript: SOURCE	District of D.C.
2025-04-15	The court grants the TRO, ordering that the government is "enjoined from implementing or giving effect to Sections 1, 3, and 5" of the EO. SOURCE	District of D.C.
2025-04-23	Susman Godfrey moves for summary judgement & permanent relief because the EO "violates the First Amendment[,]... Susman Godfrey's right to due process[,]... Susman Godfrey's clients' due process right to counsel[, and] ... the separation of powers." SOURCE	District of D.C.
2025-04-23	The DoJ moves to dismiss the case, arguing one section of the EO at a time, that the Executive: (1) "has a right to speak," (2) "is entitled to great deference" on security clearance review, (3) can use "the procurement power to advance social policy", (4) can direct "the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ... to review whether ... large law firms are violating the civil rights laws," (5) issue guidance on "the parameters of access to executive branch staff, offices, and employment." The DoJ also argues against naming the "Executive Office of the President and the United States" as defendants. SOURCE	District of D.C.
2025-04-30	DoJ opposes Susman Godfrey's motion for summary judgement. SOURCE	District of D.C.
2025-05-05	Susman Godfrey replies to DoJ's arguments about summary judgement. SOURCE	District of D.C.
2025-05-05	DoJ replies to Susman Godfrey's arguments about dismissal. SOURCE	District of D.C.
2025-05-08	The District Court holds a hearing on motions for summary judgement, for permanent injunctive relief, and to dismiss.	District of D.C.
2025-05-09	Susman Godfrey files an amended complaint, listing more federal agencies & deparments, and their head officers. SOURCE	District of D.C.
2025-05-12	Susman Godfrey moves for summary judgement & permanent injunctive relief based on that amended complaint.. SOURCE	District of D.C.
2025-06-27	The District Court rules that the "order targeting Susman violates the U.S. Constitution and must be permanently enjoined." SOURCE	District of D.C.
2025-08-26	The DoJ is expected to appeal the ruling against them from the District Court to the Circuit Court, on or before this deadline.	District of D.C.