Former President Donald Trump has once again compelled a major law firm to comply with his demands, this time without issuing a direct threat. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom agreed to a series of concessions, including a $100 million pro bono commitment, after Trump took action against other firms using executive orders.
The firm also pledged not to engage in what Trump called “illegal DEI discrimination and preferences.” This move follows Trump’s targeting of other major firms that had affiliations with lawyers who had investigated him or used diversity-based hiring practices.
WilmerHale and Jenner & Block Sue Trump Administration Over Retaliatory Executive Orders
Two prominent law firms, WilmerHale and Jenner & Block, filed lawsuits against the Trump administration after being threatened with the loss of federal contracts and security clearances. These actions were in response to executive orders designed to penalize firms Trump perceived as politically biased.
Although Skadden, Arps was not directly targeted by such an order, it seemingly preempted any potential action by making significant concessions. The firm’s move came after Elon Musk mentioned it in a post on X, criticizing its involvement in a case against conservative filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza.
Trump’s Legal Pressure Reshapes Law Firms, Prompting Resistance from Attorneys GeneralAs part of its agreement, Skadden, Arps stated that it would not deny representation to politically disenfranchised groups and committed to funding fellowships in areas such as veterans’ assistance and combating antisemitism. Trump publicized this agreement as a victory, presenting it as an example of his efforts to reshape the legal profession.
The firm’s executive partner, Jeremy London, issued a statement confirming proactive engagement with the Trump administration. Ironically, Skadden, Arps also declared its commitment to “ending the Weaponization of the Justice System and the Legal Profession,” despite critics arguing that Trump’s strong-arm tactics epitomize such weaponization.
Attorneys General Urge Law Firms to Resist Trump’s Retaliatory Legal Pressure Tactics
In response to Trump’s pressure tactics, 21 state attorneys general, led by Delaware Attorney General Kathleen Jennings, issued an open letter urging law firms not to give in to unconstitutional retribution. The letter stressed that lawyers have a vital duty to uphold the Constitution and must not be silenced by intimidation. It condemned Trump’s use of legal threats to influence the legal system in his favor, warning that yielding to such pressure compromises the profession’s independence.
Trump’s administration has previously pressured other major firms into compliance. Last week, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison offered $40 million in free legal services and revoked its DEI policies after facing similar threats. The administration subsequently rescinded its order against the firm, indicating that compliance led to favorable treatment.
Meanwhile, Perkins Coie, which represented Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, challenged a comparable executive order and secured a temporary injunction. The legal community remains divided, with some firms resisting Trump’s influence while others opt to appease his administration’s demands.