But the firms fear the orders are being written so broadly as to potentially weaken national security by calling into question the status of security clearances of lawyers who, in addition to their legal practice, serve as military reservists and require their clearances to report to duty.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had reached an agreement with law firm Milbank that would require it to perform a total of at least $100 million in pro bono legal services during his second administration.