Big Law Firm Paul Weiss Caved to Trump's Bogus Order in 4 Days. It Was Cowardly and Inexcusable.
Mar 28, 2025
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Liz Skeen, a former NYC Biglaw associate turned public defender, discusses the alarming impact of Donald Trump's recent executive orders on law firms. She reveals how a leading firm quickly capitulated to these demands, raising ethical concerns about legal compliance under political pressure. The conversation addresses the repercussions for immigration lawyers, drawing unsettling parallels to historical fascism. Skeen emphasizes the urgent need for principled advocacy in a time when the legal landscape is fraught with threats to justice and integrity.
The targeting of law firms by Trump’s executive orders raises serious concerns about political retaliation and legal independence.
Paul Weiss's rapid capitulation to Trump's demands highlights the ethical compromises law firms face under political pressures.
The increasing scrutiny on immigration lawyers illustrates a broader threat to legal representation and the rights of marginalized clients.
Deep dives
Resilience and the Call to Action
The importance of perseverance and activism is highlighted, emphasizing the necessity to never give up on one's mission. This call to action encourages individuals to keep faith and focus on their goals to create positive change in society. It stresses that everyone holds the power to contribute to making life better, particularly in ensuring that no child goes hungry and no community is neglected. This message serves as a moral obligation for individuals to engage in societal issues and be proactive in bringing about change.
The Unprecedented Targeting of Lawyers
Recent executive orders have marked an alarming trend where specific law firms and lawyers are named and targeted by the administration, a rare and unprecedented occurrence. This new approach raises serious concerns about political retaliation against legal professionals who engage in socially responsible legal work. Highlighting the case of Covington and Burling LLP, the ramifications for firms offering pro bono assistance are discussed, underscoring the chilling effect this could have on legal representation and the principle of justice. The targeting of lawyers by name signifies a deeper threat to the independence of the legal profession and raises questions about the integrity of the judicial system.
Responses from Major Law Firms
Law firms have had varied responses to the executive orders, with Perkins Coie actively litigating against the unjust targeting, showcasing a commendable commitment to uphold legal principles. In contrast, Paul Weiss's capitulation to the administration is criticized as a sign of weakness, indicating a shift away from their progressive values. The discussions highlight how fear of losing clients can lead to ethical compromises, and how a law firm's decision to fight back or comply has broader implications for the legal field. The episode offers a striking examination of how big law firms navigate political pressures, balancing business interests against moral convictions.
The Broader Implications of Legal Compliance
The conversation turns to the potential consequences of these executive orders, particularly in the realm of immigration law, where lawyers face increasing scrutiny and threats of disciplinary actions. The vulnerability of attorneys who represent marginalized clients is brought to the forefront, with concerns about disqualification from cases and investigations fueled by politically motivated accusations. The chilling effect on the legal community could deter many from taking on pro bono cases that challenge the government, thus undermining the rights of those seeking legal representation. This situation illustrates the broader risks to the rule of law as political retaliation becomes a tool against those who advocate for justice.
Fascism's Impact on the Legal Landscape
The rise of authoritarianism is explored, drawing parallels between current events and historical precedents of legal suppression seen in fascist regimes. The episode discusses how targeting lawyers is a tactic used to undermine the rule of law and consolidate power, referencing the Nazis’ early actions against dissenting legal voices. The significance of lawyers in resisting tyranny is stressed, as they play a crucial role in protecting civil liberties and holding powerful entities accountable. The discussion serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance within the legal profession to uphold ethical standards and resist retaliatory political measures.
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OA1143 - In the past month, Donald Trump has issued a series of truly fascist orders targeting some of the country’s best-known law firms for crimes ranging from hiring people Trump doesn’t like personally to doing some favors for special counsel Jack Smith to flagrantly hiring non-white non-men. What is actually in these orders, and how bad is it that one of leading litigation firms in the country gave in to Trump’s demands without a fight? And what will it mean for the already-overloaded immigration court system when they start going after immigration lawyers as they have also promised? Former NYC Biglaw associate (and current NYC public defender) Liz Skeen joins to help us to understand this uniquely un-American moment in American legal history.
(UPDATE: This episode was recorded shortly before news broke about the Trump administration taking action against major US law firms Wilmer Hale and Skadden Arps.)
