President Donald Trump has issued an executive order directing the U.S. Justice Department to mobilize private law firms to provide free legal defense for police officers accused of misconduct. The order requires law firms that have reached agreements with the administration to offer pro bono legal services to law enforcement officers facing prosecution for actions taken while on duty. The first assignment under the order is detailed as 'strengthening and unleashing America’s law enforcement to pursue criminals and protect innocent citizens.' Nine major U.S. law firms, including Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, A&O Shearman, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, Milbank, Paul, Weiss, Skadden, Arps, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher, have signed confidential agreements with the White House. These agreements, reportedly worth nearly $940 million (£1bn) in pro bono pledges, also require firms to end diversity and inclusion programs and provide legal services for causes aligned with the administration's priorities. Paul, Weiss pledged $40 million in pro bono services, and A&O Shearman is among four firms committing to a $125 million deal. Some law firms, including Susman Godfrey, WilmerHale, Perkins Coie, and Jenner & Block, have refused to comply and are challenging the executive order in court, arguing that it constitutes government reprisal and violates constitutional rights. A federal court has granted a partial injunction suspending the effects of the order against WilmerHale and Jenner & Block. More than 1,100 law students have filed an amicus brief supporting Susman Godfrey. Law school applications have reportedly risen by 19.5%, with a T14 law school dean attributing the increase in part to Trump's actions. The executive order has led to business consequences for law firms. Microsoft recently dropped Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, a firm that settled with the Trump administration, in a case related to its Activision acquisition, and instead hired Jenner & Block, which is actively litigating against the executive order. The agreements have also limited federal access for some firms, and the scope of the required pro bono work includes assisting military veterans and other public servants.