Legal Giants Clash: Paul Weiss Faces Fallout from Trump's Executive Orders

Paul Weiss, a leading law firm, agreed to a deal with President Trump, sparking outrage in the legal community. The firm avoided a lawsuit by committing $40 million to Trump's administration causes. Critics condemn this 'surrender,' while Trump extends similar pressure on firms handling immigration cases.

In a contentious move that has sent shockwaves through the legal industry, Paul Weiss, a prominent international law firm, has opted to make a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump. This agreement aims to circumvent an executive order that threatened to significantly impact the firm's business operations.

The decision by Paul Weiss, led by Chairman Brad Karp, to provide $40 million in pro bono work to government initiatives—ranging from tackling antisemitism to aiding veterans—has drawn sharp criticism. Critics, including more than 100 former lawyers from the firm, have lambasted the agreement as a capitulation undermining the principles of the legal profession.

As Trump targets additional law firms, such as those involved in immigration cases, major players like Perkins Coie are pushing back in court. This escalating confrontation raises significant concerns regarding the balance of political power and legal risk, with potential long-term implications for the independence of the legal sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)