Autor v. Pritzker (D.C. Circuit)

We represented plaintiffs in this case in their challenge of the Executive Branch’s policy of forbidding registered lobbyists from serving on International Trade Advisory Committees. Plaintiffs argued that by conditioning ITAC service on the relinquishment of one’s right to lobby in ways that trigger lobbying registration requirements, the Executive Branch violated the First Amendment right to petition the government and the Fifth Amendment right to equal protection of the laws. The district court dismissed the case, but  the D.C. Circuit reversed on appeal, finding that the plaintiffs had pleaded a colorable constitutional claim and strongly suggesting that claim should prevail on remand. The United States responded by repealing the challenged policy, granting the plaintiffs the relief they had requested and making them eligible to serve on an ITAC.