Filed Date: April 15, 2025
Case Ongoing
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This case challenges President Donald Trump’s executive actions and public threats targeting lawyers and law firms who have represented or opposed him in litigation. On April 15, 2025, Massachusetts attorney J. Whitfield Larrabee filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts against President Trump, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Jo Bondi, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Representing himself, Larrabee sought declaratory and injunctive relief, arguing that the President’s orders created a retaliatory and unconstitutional regime that punishes legal professionals based on their political views, clients, or diversity policies.
President Trump issued executive orders beginning in March 2025 that directed federal agencies to sanction and investigate law firms accused of filing “frivolous” litigation against the government. These measures allegedly included barring firms from federal buildings, cutting off communications with federal officials, and revoking security clearances. Plaintiff contended these orders targeted firms and individuals associated with the Mueller investigation, Democratic causes, or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
This case is assigned to Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton.
Plaintiff alleged that these actions created a chilling effect on his own legal practice, deterring him from taking on immigration cases, volunteering through pro bono programs, or pursuing further complaints against the administration. He also described being personally at risk due to prior complaints he filed against Trump, Bondi, and others, including filings during and after the 2016 election.
The plaintiff asserted constitutional violations under the First, Fifth, and Eighth Amendments, as well as the prohibition on bills of attainder and ex post facto laws. He alleged ultra vires action by the President and sought to enjoin implementation of the executive orders.
The case remains ongoing.
Summary Authors
Brian Chen (6/16/2025)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69893126/parties/larrabee-v-trump/
Gorton, Nathaniel M. (Massachusetts)
Larrabee, J. Whitfield (Massachusetts)
Fitzgerald, Michael (Massachusetts)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69893126/larrabee-v-trump/
Last updated Aug. 21, 2025, 8:05 p.m.
State / Territory: Massachusetts
Case Type(s):
Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority
Special Collection(s):
Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government
Key Dates
Filing Date: April 15, 2025
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
a Massachusetts-based attorney and longtime government watchdog.
Public Interest Lawyer: No
Filed Pro Se: Yes
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
President Donald Trump (District of Columbia), Federal
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.
Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201
Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)
Constitutional Clause(s):
Due Process: Procedural Due Process
Due Process: Substantive Due Process
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: None Yet / None
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Issues
General/Misc.:
Immigration/Border: