A powerful law firm, Paul Weiss, agreed to provide $40 million in free legal work to causes supported by President Trump and to get rid of internal diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. In response, Trump rescinded an executive order targeting the firm. This decision shocked the legal community, prompting a Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP associate, Rachel Cohen, to resign unless her firm stood up to the Trump administration.
Cohen sent a firmwide email outlining her conditions, stressing the importance of protecting colleagues and the rule of law. She highlighted the urgency of opposing the administration’s actions, referring to a potential coup in America. Cohen expressed disappointment in the lack of immediate action by powerful attorneys against Trump’s actions, underscoring the need for unity in the legal community.
The decision by Paul Weiss has raised concerns among lawyers, with fears that more firms may face similar targeting by the administration. The legal community is grappling with the implications of remaining silent and putting commercial interests above moral and ethical principles. Conversations within firms and the Justice Department are ongoing, with lawyers expressing fear of retaliation if they speak out against the administration.
George Conway emphasized the moral duty of law firms to defend the system that has enabled their success, rather than prioritizing economic interests. Cohen warned that silence from those in power could have dire consequences. The targeting of law firms has raised alarms about authoritarian tendencies within the administration, reminiscent of attempts to undermine checks and balances.
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