About a thousand feet away from the Oval Office, in their ninth-floor suite overlooking the White House, the attorneys of Boyden Gray are championing President Donald Trump’s agenda.
While some of the largest law firms worldwide are in turmoil debating responses to Trump’s executive orders, Boyden Gray, a conservative boutique firm, is flourishing.
Over the past four years, the 15-person firm has emerged as a prominent legal force advancing conservative policy priorities, now a focus of the Trump administration. During President Joe Biden’s tenure, the firm challenged corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, environmental regulations, vaccine mandates, and more. With Trump’s return, several current and former members have taken on roles within the administration.
“They are truly advancing our jurisprudence,” said Dan Epstein, vice president of America First Legal, a Trump-aligned group that collaborated with the firm on lawsuits. “When you need to challenge a regulation or the regulatory infrastructure, there’s no one better to call.”
Legal Battles and Representation
The young attorneys at Boyden Gray, many with experience in the first Trump administration and all under 45, are handling cases for clients like Target shareholders and a major fracking company founded by the energy secretary. They are also representing the Heritage Foundation in a lawsuit against Biden-era workplace protections for transgender individuals and filing amicus briefs for Republican lawmakers on issues such as birthright citizenship.
Boyden Gray’s influence during the Trump era contrasts with the president’s attacks on other firms through executive orders, targeting those retaining attorneys investigating him or taking cases against his interests. While some firms challenged these orders, Boyden Gray’s attorneys see no issue with them, unlike establishment conservative lawyers.
Legal Strategy and Response
“I think the EOs were designed to break the cartel mindset of many big D.C. firms,” said firm partner Trent McCotter. “They remind us of the value of having people with diverse political views at big firms.”
While law firms sued the Trump administration over executive orders, others struck deals or dedicated pro-bono hours to causes supported by the administration. Boyden Gray’s work aligns closely with these efforts.
Evolution and Impact
Founded by C. Boyden Gray, the firm initially focused on lobbying and policy advice, transitioning to litigation in 2020. By the end of the first Trump administration, the firm’s lawsuits thrived due to favorable judicial conditions. Successful cases include striking down SEC-approved rules and arguing before the Supreme Court to limit agency power.
Others in the conservative movement view Boyden Gray’s legal work as pivotal for advancing policy goals. Despite its size, the firm’s members have taken on significant roles in the executive branch, highlighting its influence and talent pipeline.
Future Prospects
As the Trump era continues, Boyden Gray aims to reinforce the administration’s legal arguments and support conservative causes. The firm sets a blueprint for conservative groups and law firms to navigate the shifting political landscape.
