Big Law Must Stop Caving to Trump’s Demands
While Paul, Weiss bowed to the president, others are standing up for democracy and the rule of law.
Unbalanced.
Photographer: Damien Meyer/AFP/Getty Images
Big law firms that have offended President Donald Trump for representing a cause or client he doesn’t like are being forced to make a choice: Either cut a deal with him to protect their billion-dollar businesses, or sue him to assert their right to continue representing clients as they please.
It was extremely disappointing when Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison — a hugely successful firm that has been heralded for its commitment to causes and clients potentially adverse to Trump’s agenda — bent the knee to the president. Paul, Weiss agreed to a number of Trump’s dictates, including a pledge to represent clients of all political affiliations; have its hiring decisions audited for Trump-disfavored diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and donate tens of millions in pro bono services to the president’s pet causes.