On Point | Podcast Trump v. big law
Apr 4, 2025
Ankush Kadori, a senior writer for Politico and former federal prosecutor, is joined by Stephen Gillers, a legal ethics professor at NYU. They dive into the effects of Trump’s Executive Orders on law firms, particularly how firms like Skadden and Paul Weiss grapple with political pressures. The conversation reveals the ethical dilemmas faced by big law in balancing financial success and moral responsibility, amid rising concerns over the rule of law and potential authoritarianism in America.
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Thomas Sipp's Resignation
- Thomas Sipp, a young lawyer, resigned from Skadden Arps after the firm settled with the Trump administration.
- He felt the settlement compromised his values and the rule of law.
Big Law Firms and Profit
- Big law firms prioritize profit, resembling large banks in their pursuit of financial gain.
- Ankush Khadori, a former big law attorney, wasn't surprised by firms folding to Trump's demands.
Moral Bankruptcy of Big Law
- Big law firms are essentially morally bankrupt, prioritizing firm profits over country and Constitution.
- They are willing to appease President Trump when threatened.