Paul Weiss Faces Backlash Over Deal With Trump Administration

The law firm's agreement to drop DEI policies and commit $40 million in pro bono work draws criticism for undermining legal independence.

Paul Weiss reached a settlement with the Trump administration, agreeing to provide $40 million in pro bono services and abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
The settlement followed a March 14 executive order targeting the firm for its diversity policies and ties to a former attorney involved in investigations of Trump.
Critics, including 141 alumni, argue the deal compromises the independence of the legal profession and sets a dangerous precedent.
Chairman Brad Karp defended the agreement, citing an existential threat to the firm's survival due to client losses and lack of support from other law firms.
Other firms, such as Perkins Coie, have chosen to challenge similar executive orders in court, with parts of the Perkins Coie order temporarily blocked by a federal judge.