Perkins Coie LLP has successfully defended itself against allegations in an Illinois state court that accused the firm of facilitating a client’s misappropriation of $12 million from an investment company’s accounts. The lawsuit claimed that Perkins Coie played a “critical” role in both the theft and its subsequent concealment.
This legal victory comes amid a series of challenges for the Seattle-based law firm. In March 2025, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14230, which barred the federal government from utilizing Perkins Coie’s services. The order also suspended the security clearances of the firm’s attorneys, restricted their access to federal buildings, and initiated reviews aimed at terminating government contracts with the firm’s clients. The administration accused Perkins Coie of “dishonest and dangerous activity” and alleged racial discrimination related to the firm’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perkins_Coie?utm_source=openai))
In response, Perkins Coie filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the executive order was unconstitutional and retaliatory. The firm contended that the order was an attempt to punish it for representing clients whose views were perceived as adversarial to the administration. ([docs.justia.com](https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/district-of-columbia/dcdce/1%3A2025cv00716/278290/1?utm_source=openai))
Additionally, in April 2025, Perkins Coie listed approximately 46,000 square feet of office space for sublease at 110 North Wacker Drive in Chicago. This move was part of the firm’s efforts to adjust its real estate footprint amid changing market conditions. ([therealdeal.com](https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2025/04/28/perkins-coie-wants-to-shed-wacker-drive-office-space/?utm_source=openai))
Despite these challenges, the recent court ruling in Illinois underscores Perkins Coie’s resilience and commitment to defending its reputation and legal standing.