In a move that has sent shockwaves through the legal community, former President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance against "Big Law," the colossal law firms that have indirectly funded the Democrats' legal campaign against him.
These firms have also been known to encourage their lawyers to offer pro bono work in favor of left-leaning causes.
According to Breitbart, Trump has been particularly critical of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, a firm that recently hired former Manhattan prosecutor Mark Pomerantz. Pomerantz is known for his role in the Stormy Daniels case against Trump. The former President also pointed out that a partner at Paul Weiss, who previously served as a leading prosecutor in the office of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, brought a pro bono suit against defendants involved in the January 6 incident.
Trump has been vocal about his concerns, stating, "Global law firms have for years played an outsized role in undermining the judicial process and in the destruction of bedrock American principles. Many have engaged in activities that make our communities less safe, increase burdens on local businesses, limit constitutional freedoms, and degrade the quality of American elections. Additionally, they have sometimes done so on behalf of clients, pro bono, or ostensibly 'for the public good' potentially depriving those who cannot otherwise afford the benefit of top legal talent the access to justice deserved by all. My Administration will no longer support taxpayer funds sponsoring such harm."
In response to these concerns, Trump issued an executive order suspending the firm's security clearances and directing federal contractors to cease any business dealings with it. He also highlighted the firm's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
The firm quickly conceded to Trump's demands, agreeing to provide $40 million in pro bono work for causes friendly to the administration, committing to allow attorneys to work for politically conservative clients, and ending the firm's DEI policies. Trump commented on this development, noting, "Lawyers abandon the profession's highest ideals when they engage in partisan decision-making, and betray the ethical obligation to represent those who are unpopular or disfavored in a particular environment."
Trump's scrutiny of "Big Law" has not been limited to Paul Weiss. He has also targeted Perkins Coie, a firm known for its alignment with the Democrats and for hiring Fusion GPS on behalf of Hillary Clinton to produce the controversial "Russia dossier." This week, he expanded his executive orders to include Jenner & Block and WilmerHale, both of which have hired Mueller prosecutors and have championed causes favored by Democrats.
The impact of these actions on the targeted firms remains to be seen. However, it is clear that they are now facing the consequences of their partisan behavior. "Big Law" has long been at the pinnacle of a political pyramid that has served to institutionalize the power of the Democratic Party in American society.
While Democrats have used baseless Bar complaints to target lawyers and firms that dared to represent Trump, Democrat-aligned firms have enjoyed proximity to government power and a steady influx of business. Pro bono programs have also allowed left-leaning lawyers to continue their activism.
Critics of the former President claim that he is abusing his power to target his political opponents. However, the opposite appears to be true: he is restoring balance and justice, allowing conservative attorneys and clients, as well as conservative law students, the same rights and opportunities that liberals have enjoyed.
While elite law schools continue to be strongholds of conformity, Big Law is receiving a much-needed reality check from Trump that will hopefully bring about change throughout the system. This move by Trump serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a balanced legal system that respects and upholds the principles of justice and fairness for all, regardless of political affiliation.
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