In a recent development, Perkins Coie has taken a strong stance against a request from the Trump administration regarding details on its hiring and diversity initiatives. The prominent law firm has indicated that it will not disclose such information while it is engaged in ongoing litigation concerning the matter. This decision sets Perkins Coie apart from some of its peers, who have opted to comply with federal employment inquiries to resolve investigations.
The firm, represented by Williams & Connolly’s Dane Butswinkas, communicated its position through an April 15 letter addressed to Acting Chair Andrea Lucas of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The letter underscored the firm’s intention to hold off on providing any further responses until the lawsuit reaches a resolution. In the correspondence, Butswinkas expressed willingness to discuss the matter post-court ruling, noting the current requests exceeded the investigative authority.
This ongoing issue has emerged amid heightened scrutiny over diversity and employment practices in high-profile organizations. The executive order in question, which spurred these investigations, has faced criticism and legal challenges for its potential implications on corporate-client relationships. For more in-depth coverage, you can read the full article on Bloomberg Law.