A high-stakes confrontation between President Donald Trump and one of America's most prestigious law firms reached a turning point after days of tension.
According to the Washington Examiner, Trump has rescinded his executive order that severed ties with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP following a meeting with the firm's leadership where both parties reached a significant agreement.
The reversal comes just a week after Trump's March 14 executive order that cut federal ties with Paul Weiss, citing concerns over the firm's alleged partisan practices and diversity initiatives. The president had initially criticized the firm for what he described as weaponizing the legal system against Republicans and implementing unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
The agreement between Trump and Paul Weiss emerged after a crucial meeting with the firm's chairman, Brad Karp. During the discussions, the law firm made several significant concessions to address the president's concerns about their practices and policies.
Trump took to Truth Social to announce the deal's specifics, emphasizing that Karp acknowledged the alleged misconduct of former partner Mark Pomerantz. The firm's chairman also recognized what Trump termed as "the grave dangers of Weaponization" within the justice system.
The prestigious law firm committed to providing $40 million in pro bono legal services throughout Trump's second term. These services will support various administration initiatives, including veterans' assistance and the President's Task Force to Combat Antisemitism.
Trump's statement outlined that Paul Weiss has agreed to represent clients across the political spectrum without discrimination. This marks a notable shift in the firm's approach to client selection and representation. The firm will abandon its previous DEI practices in favor of merit-based hiring procedures. This change aligns with Trump's broader criticism of diversity initiatives in corporate America.
In response to the agreement, Brad Karp expressed optimism about establishing a "constructive relationship" with the Trump administration. The chairman's statement reflected a marked departure from previous tensions between the firm and the president.
The deal represents a significant shift in the relationship between the White House and one of New York City's most influential law firms. Paul Weiss has historically maintained connections with Democratic politicians, including their chairman's fundraising efforts for Kamala Harris's presidential campaign.
Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining nonpartisan justice through a statement where he said:
The bedrock principle of American Justice is that it must be fair and nonpartisan for all. Our Justice System is betrayed when it is misused to achieve political ends.
The agreement's implementation will be closely monitored by legal professionals and political observers alike. The firm's commitment to providing substantial pro bono services suggests a long-term engagement with the administration's priorities.
President Donald Trump's reconciliation with Paul Weiss represents a significant shift in the administration's relationship with major law firms. The agreement, reached on March 20, 2025, addresses concerns about partisan legal practices while establishing new guidelines for the firm's operations and client representation.
The resolution includes specific commitments from Paul Weiss, including $40 million in pro bono services, merit-based hiring practices, and a pledge to represent clients regardless of political affiliation. These changes signal a potential transformation in how major law firms approach political neutrality and client selection in their practice.
