What Next | Daily News and Analysis Why Did Big Law Fold So Easily?
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Apr 21, 2025 Ankush Khardori, a senior writer at Politico Magazine and former federal prosecutor, dives into the pressures facing major law firms under the Trump administration. He discusses the ethical dilemmas these firms confront while navigating political scrutiny, including the shift from voluntary pro bono work to questionable practices driven by greed. Khardori also highlights the tensions between maintaining client relations and the integrity of the legal profession amidst these challenging dynamics.
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Khardori’s Family Law Legacy
- Ankush Khardori shares his family's deep ties to law, including a grandfather using the GI Bill for a law degree post-WWII.
- Despite this, he finds it surprising that Big Law firms have so easily yielded to Trump’s pressure.
Trump’s Legal Firm Crackdown
- Trump targeted top law firms by revoking security clearances and barring access to federal buildings.
- Several firms responded with pro bono commitments to try to regain favor and avoid sanctions.
Big Law’s Billion-Dollar Dilemma
- Trump suggested he might view the $1 billion collective pro bono fund as a personal legal war chest.
- Law firms agreeing to these deals may end up working directly for Trump’s interests, a previously unthinkable situation.