Importance Score: 62 / 100 🔴
Trump Claims Major Law Firms Pledge Pro Bono Legal Work Amidst DEI Scrutiny
Former President Donald Trump announced on Friday that five prominent law firms have committed to providing his administration with $600 million in pro bono legal services, among other stipulations, to avert potential executive actions. This development signifies a notable concession to the former president amidst his criticism of the legal profession.
Prestigious Firms Agree to Pro Bono Commitments
The five firms involved – Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft – are recognized as among the most esteemed and reputable in the United States.
Total Pro Bono Work Reaches $940 Million
According to Trump’s announcement on Truth Social, this agreement brings the total value of pro bono work secured from leading law firms to $940 million.
Background of Rising Tensions and Executive Orders
These arrangements emerge as Trump’s attacks on the legal profession have created divisions within the nation’s most prestigious firms. Over 500 firms previously signed an amicus brief supporting a legal challenge to executive orders targeting Perkins Coie. However, several major firms, including those now agreeing to pro bono commitments, were noticeably absent from this collective action.
Details of the Agreements
Four firms – Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett – have each pledged $125 million in pro bono work dedicated to causes supported by the Trump administration. Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft has committed $100 million. Notably, Cadwalader is the former firm of Todd Blanche, who left his partnership to represent Trump in criminal cases after the firm declined to take on the former president as a client. Blanche now serves as deputy attorney general within the Department of Justice.
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Stipulations on Hiring and Client Representation
Trump stated in a Truth Social post that the firms have agreed not to consider race in hiring practices. Furthermore, they have committed to “not deny representation to clients,” including “members of politically disenfranchised groups and Government Officials, employees, and advisors.”
EEOC Inquiry Withdrawn as Part of Deal
As part of the agreement, Trump indicated that the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will retract a March 17 letter from its chair. This letter had inquired about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices at the firms, and the administration will cease any related actions. Former EEOC officials, in their own letter dated March 18, had previously described the EEOC inquiry as misleading and legally questionable, expressing “grave concerns” about its legality.
Broader Context of Settlements and Criticism
This latest agreement follows similar settlements reached with four other firms – Paul Weiss, Skadden, Milbank, and Willkie, Farr & Gallagher. These prior agreements have faced widespread criticism, with observers suggesting they embolden Trump’s efforts to intimidate the legal profession.
Trump’s Use of Executive Orders Against Law Firms
Trump has previously employed executive orders to penalize other firms due to their connections with perceived adversaries or involvement in cases opposing him. These orders pose a significant threat to the firms by potentially hindering their ability to conduct business with any client having dealings with the government.
Legal Challenges to Executive Orders
Three firms – Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, and WilmerHale – have initiated legal action against the Trump administration and successfully obtained preliminary court orders to block the executive orders. Susman Godfrey, another firm recently targeted, has also indicated plans to challenge the order.