President Donald Trump's campaign against major law firms takes a new turn as Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where former second gentleman Doug Emhoff works, becomes the latest target.
According to The Daily Beast, the prestigious law firm has struck a deal with the Trump administration, agreeing to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services and modify its hiring practices to avoid sanctions.
The agreement includes commitments to combat antisemitism and assist veterans through pro bono work. Willkie also promised to consider job candidates fairly regardless of their political affiliations, including those who served in Republican administrations. The firm's chairperson, Thomas Cerabino, expressed optimism about establishing a constructive relationship with the Trump administration.
The Trump administration has systematically targeted major law firms through executive orders that terminate government contracts and revoke security clearances. These actions have particularly affected firms with connections to Democratic figures or those involved in cases against Trump and his allies.
Willkie's targeting appears linked to its employment of significant figures opposed to Trump, including Doug Emhoff and a key investigator from the January 6 congressional committee. The firm also employs a litigator who led legal action against Trump's former attorney, Rudy Giuliani.
President Trump announced the agreement through his Truth Social platform, highlighting the firm's commitment to ensuring their pro bono activities represent diverse political viewpoints, including conservative ideals.
Some law firms have chosen to challenge the administration's actions through legal channels. WilmerHale and Jenner & Block filed lawsuits claiming First Amendment violations, successfully obtaining favorable rulings from federal judges.
Trump said in his Truth Social post:
Willkie's pro bono Committee will ensure that new pro bono matters are consistent with these objectives, and that pro bono activities represent the full political spectrum, including Conservative ideals. Willkie affirms that it is Willkie's policy to give Fair and Equal consideration to Job Candidates, irrespective of their political beliefs, including Candidates who have served in the Trump Administration, and any other Republican or Democrat Administration.
Other prominent firms like Paul Weiss and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom have also reached agreements with the administration, pledging substantial pro bono legal work.
The White House portrayed Willkie's decision as a voluntary move, stating that the firm proactively reached out to the administration. This characterization aims to present the agreement as a willing collaboration rather than capitulation to pressure.
Willkie's chairperson Thomas Cerabino stated:
We reached an agreement with President Trump and his Administration on matters of great importance to our Firm. The Firm looks forward to having a constructive relationship with the Trump Administration.
The development signals a significant shift in the legal industry's relationship with the current administration, as more firms choose cooperation over confrontation.
The Trump administration's successful pressure campaign has created ripples throughout the legal community, forcing firms to reconsider their political alignments and business strategies. The pattern of agreements suggests a growing trend of law firms adapting to the administration's demands rather than risking sanctions. The agreements typically focus on three main areas: commitment to pro bono work benefiting causes aligned with administration priorities, fair consideration of conservative job candidates, and promises not to discriminate based on political beliefs. These terms have become a blueprint for firms seeking to avoid conflict with the administration.
