Key points:
- Perkins Coie confirms layoffs affecting 5% of staff.
- Layoffs follow a Trump-era executive order targeting the firm.
- Executive order was later ruled unconstitutional by federal courts.
Perkins Coie, a prominent law firm, has confirmed the layoff of approximately 5% of its business professional staff. The firm attributes this decision to a strategic realignment of its operational structure. ([legal.io](https://www.legal.io/articles/5692572/Perkins-Coie-Confirms-Layoffs-Following-Fallout-From-Trump-Linked-Executive-Order?utm_source=openai))
The layoffs primarily affect non-legal personnel and were executed last week. Internal reports suggest that some employees learned of their termination through unofficial channels before formal notifications were issued, leading to a decline in morale within the firm.
This development follows a tumultuous period for Perkins Coie, stemming from its involvement in litigation adverse to former President Donald Trump. In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order suspending the firm's security clearances and terminating federal contracts, citing concerns over national security. ([whitehouse.gov](https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-adresses-risks-from-perkins-coie-llp/?utm_source=openai))
Perkins Coie challenged the executive order in court, arguing that it threatened the firm's business operations and raised constitutional concerns. In May 2025, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled the executive order unconstitutional, stating that it violated multiple provisions of the Constitution. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/02/trump-perkins-coie-unconstitutional?utm_source=openai))
Despite the favorable court ruling, the firm has faced ongoing challenges. The recent layoffs are part of a broader effort to align with long-term strategic goals and ensure continued excellence in client service. A spokesperson for Perkins Coie stated that the decision was made after a yearlong internal review and industry benchmarking.
The timing of the layoffs has prompted speculation about broader industry trends and the lingering effects of political backlash. While the firm has not explicitly linked the cuts to the Trump-era disruptions, internal commentary suggests that recent history played a role in shaping the environment for such decisions.
Perkins Coie ranked No. 47 in the 2024 Am Law 100, posting gross revenues of over $1.25 billion. Despite this strong financial performance, the firm continues to navigate the complex landscape of political and legal challenges that have impacted its operations.