Masters of Scale When powerful law firms don’t defend themselves against Trump, with ex-Skadden associate Rachel Cohen
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Apr 8, 2025 Rachel Cohen, a former Skadden Arps attorney, left the firm in protest against its dealings with the Trump administration. She shares her dramatic experience of advocating for ethical legal practices against political pressure. The conversation dives into the legal industry's role in upholding the rule of law, the challenges of navigating moral dilemmas in a high-stakes environment, and the tension between financial gains and ethical principles. Cohen's story raises urgent questions about corporate accountability and the need for solidarity among lawyers.
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Targeting Law Firms
- Rachel Cohen, a Skadden attorney, noticed a concerning pattern in Trump's executive orders targeting law firms.
- She observed that Trump's orders, while ostensibly about DEI, provided a backdoor for attacking any firm.
Open Letter
- After receiving a dismissive response to her concerns, Cohen organized an anonymous open letter.
- The letter focused on rule of law concerns and gained hundreds of signatories.
EEOC Demand Letters
- The EEOC then sent demand letters to Skadden and other firms, requesting personal information of applicants, including race and GPA.
- Cohen's non-white colleagues feared being doxxed, especially given the focus on diversity fellowships.