The prominent law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has reached an agreement with President Trump's administration, averting a potential executive order aimed at the firm.
The firm's executive partner, Jeremy London, revealed that the firm had learned of the Trump administration's intention to issue an executive order targeting Skadden. The order was expected to focus on the firm's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and pro bono activities.
According to RedState, London stated, With that in mind, we chose to engage proactively and constructively with the Administration to align on a productive path forward without the issuance of an executive order. He further explained that the firm entered into the agreement with the President because it was the best way to protect their clients, their people, and the firm itself.
London acknowledged that not everyone would agree with the decision, but he firmly believed that an agreement centered around their pro bono work and compliance with the law was an acceptable outcome. He asserted, This agreement does not change who we are.
President Trump disclosed the terms of the agreement on Truth Social, a social media platform. The agreement includes a commitment from Skadden to provide at least $100 million in pro bono legal services during the Trump administration and beyond. These services will be directed towards causes that both the President and Skadden support, such as assisting veterans, ensuring fairness in the justice system, and combating antisemitism.
The agreement also stipulates that Skadden will commit to merit-based hiring, promotion, and retention, and will not engage in illegal DEI discrimination and preferences. The firm will also not deny representation to clients, such as members of politically disenfranchised groups, who have not historically received legal representation from major national law firms.
The White House issued a statement saying, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP approached President Trump and his Administration, and declared the Firms strong commitment to ending the Weaponization of the Justice System and the Legal Profession. The President will never stop fighting to deliver on his promises of eradicating partisan Lawfare in America, and restoring Liberty & Justice for ALL.
Jeremy London, Skadden's executive partner, also released a statement, saying, Skadden is pleased to have achieved a successful agreement with President Trump and his Administration. We engaged proactively with the President and his team in working together constructively to reach this agreement. The Firm looks forward to continuing our productive relationship with President Trump and his Admin. We firmly believe that this outcome is in the best interests of our clients, our people, and our Firm.
This agreement mirrors one negotiated by the Paul Weiss law firm to rescind an executive order targeting its business. President Trump has used his executive order titled "Ending The Weaponization Of The Federal Government" to penalize several 'Big Law' firms associated with various prosecutions of Trump or with the Russia Hoax.
Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, and Jenner & Block have all sued and obtained partial temporary restraining orders. However, these victories may be short-lived and counterproductive, as law is a business, and businesses require clients. Trump has the power to set the rules around granting security clearances and access to classified information. Federal agencies can legitimately refuse to contract with any of these firms for services because they are neither cheap nor uniquely qualified to do any work.
When Paul Weiss capitulated, its chairman Brad Karp explained why the firm, and now Skadden Arps, settled and why the firms engaged in legal challenges will also settle. He stated that even if they were successful in initially enjoining the executive order in litigation, it would not solve the fundamental problem, which was that clients perceived their firm as being persona non grata with the Administration.
For the next four years, these large law firms will not be the focal point for lawfare against the administration and people associated with President Trump.
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