The powerful law firm Paul Weiss agreed to provide $40 million in free legal work to the Trump administration and eliminate internal diversity policies in response to Trump rescinding an executive order targeting the firm. The move shocked many in the legal community, prompting Rachel Cohen from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP to resign unless her firm stood up to the administration. Cohen highlighted the urgent need to protect colleagues and the rule of law in the face of potential damage caused by the administration.
Cohen’s decision reflected broader concerns within law firms and the Justice Department regarding Trump’s targeting of lawyers and firms. Some fear repercussions for speaking out against the administration, while others believe the pushback is necessary to defend democratic principles. Lawyers are particularly worried about maintaining client relationships and fear financial repercussions for opposing Trump.
George Conway and Mark Zaid echoed the sentiment that law firms have a moral duty to defend the legal system, even at the risk of financial loss. The current environment has lawyers constantly watching their steps to avoid retribution for working on cases or expressing dissent. Meanwhile, attorneys exiting the Justice Department are encountering a challenging job market due to the administration’s targeting of lawyers who do not align with Trump’s priorities.
Overall, the legal community is grappling with the dilemma of balancing financial interests with moral obligations to uphold the rule of law and resist authoritarianism in the face of Trump’s attacks on lawyers and legal institutions.
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