Law Firm DEI Probes Not Stopped by Perkins Coie Order, Judge Says

A federal judge who struck down a presidential attack on Perkins Coie cleared the way for the Justice Department and a federal agency to investigate other law firms’ diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

The Justice Department asked DC federal judge Beryl Howell Tuesday if her decision still allows the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to investigate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at other firms. Howell clarified that her ruling only applies to EEOC inquiries or investigations into Perkins Coie.

Howell on May 2 found an executive order levied against Perkins Coie unconstitutional. The order sought to strip the firm’s lawyers of ...