Above the Law - Thinking Like a Lawyer Biglaw Struggling To Deal With Trump Chaos
Mar 19, 2025
The podcast delves into how the Trump administration is shaking up the legal world, particularly with Perkins Coie's fierce response to retaliatory measures. Silence from most Biglaw firms raises concerns about their commitment to diversity, especially after a controversial email signature mishap. Ethical challenges are also discussed, including the confusion over pronouns and the conduct of a newly appointed U.S. attorney already facing an ethics complaint. This episode highlights the political pressures reshaping the legal landscape.
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Perkins Coie's Troubles
- Perkins Coie, known for its Democratic stance, faces backlash from the Trump administration.
- An executive order targeted their security clearances and contracts due to DEI practices.
Importance of Security Clearances
- Security clearances are vital for legal work involving government contracts and national security.
- Unilaterally stripping them affects D.C. firms like Perkins Coie, especially those representing defense contractors.
Biglaw's Silence
- Biglaw firms struggle to unite against attacks on the legal industry, despite agreeing on things like bonuses.
- This silence is noticeable, especially given the number of firms under attack.