Paul Weiss Faces Backlash After Concessions to Trump Administration

The law firm agreed to abandon DEI policies and provide $40 million in pro bono services to resolve an executive order threatening its federal contracts.

Paul Weiss negotiated a settlement with the Trump administration after an executive order targeted its security clearances and federal contracts over former partner Mark Pomerantz's involvement in a Trump investigation.
The firm agreed to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, adopt politically neutral hiring practices, and commit $40 million in pro bono legal services to White House initiatives.
The executive order was rescinded on March 20, 2025, following the agreement, but the settlement has drawn significant criticism from the legal community.
Paul Weiss chairman Brad Karp described the executive order as an 'existential crisis,' stating the firm could not survive a prolonged legal battle due to client concerns and lack of support from other firms.
Critics argue the settlement sets a dangerous precedent for corporate and institutional responses to political pressure, with some calling the firm's actions a betrayal of its principles.