More than 1,100 law students back Susman Godfrey in its lawsuit over Trump order

By Sara Merken

April 29 (Reuters) - More than 1,100 law students on Tuesday filed a court brief supporting law firm Susman Godfrey, saying U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order against the firm amounts to "government reprisal."

The friend-of-the-court brief was filed by 1,129 law students and 51 law student organizations in Washington, D.C., federal court.

The law students' brief said that Trump's executive orders are retaliation against Susman and other law firms for "taking up representations disfavored by those in control of the executive branch of the government."

The Trump administration has issued executive orders against law firms since the president took office in January, and four have sued in response. Nine other law firms have collectively pledged nearly $1 billion in free legal services to causes the White House supports and made other concessions to avoid being targeted by Trump.

Students from a broad array of law schools, including Ivy League and state universities across the country, signed onto the brief. Kline & Specter, a personal injury law firm representing the students and organizations, said the signatories are from 161 schools in 38 states.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Susman Godfrey sued earlier this month to block Trump's April 9 order, which restricted its lawyers' access to government buildings and officials, and threatened to cancel federal contracts held by its clients.

The executive order accused Susman Godfrey of undermining U.S. elections, which it has denied. Judges have issued rulings temporarily blocking key provisions of Trump's similar orders against Susman; Perkins Coie; WilmerHale; and Jenner & Block, finding that the president's actions likely violated constitutional protections for free speech and due process.

All four firms have asked the federal court in Washington to permanently strike down Trump's orders. The Justice Department has argued that Trump acted within his authority to penalize the firms for allegedly working to "weaponize" the legal system against him and his allies.

Law students have emerged with collective actions in the wake of the Trump administration's targeting of law firms.

Students at Georgetown University's law school organized a public spreadsheet detailing how more than 800 firms have responded to the administration's actions.

Separately, more than 100 law students have signed onto a pledge, announced last week by the People's Parity Project, committing not to work at any law firm that "gives in to Trump administration demands" on diversity, equity inclusion or types of cases the firm handles.

In Tuesday's brief, the law students said they "now must wonder whether their professional prospects will be harmed" by working with any particular judge or law firm.

Law firm partners, law professors, advocacy groups, state attorneys general, former top legal executives at large companies and others have also filed court briefs in support of the challenges.