Deals struck between Big Law firms and the Trump administration one year ago continue to reverberate across the legal industry, affecting law firm reputations, pro bono work, and the administration’s broader legal strategy, reports Bloomberg News’ Big Law Business column.
The initial March 2025 deal with Paul Weiss became a template for eight additional firms that collectively pledged nearly $900 million. But what began as an effort to protect their firms from political retaliation has instead been widely viewed as capitulation.
In contrast, Keker joined several other firms in standing up to the administration, partnering with nonprofit organizations in multiple lawsuits and class actions to protect immigrants, individual rights, and the rule of law.
“Paul Weiss had a reputation as a firm that stood up for civil liberties and took on tough cases and had principles, and that reputation is really tarnished,” said KVP partner Elliot Peters. “A lot of good lawyers left some of those firms, they certainly left Paul Weiss. And I hope they feel shame for not standing up for the most basic tenets of our profession.”
Overall, the administration’s pressure campaign has chilled Big Law’s willingness to take on pro bono matters, particularly on immigration. Organizations that once relied on large firms report a pullback in support, forcing smaller firms and nonprofits to fill the gap. While some large firms continue to contribute behind the scenes, advocates say the response has fallen short of prior mobilizations, leaving critical needs unmet in areas such as detention and habeas litigation.
Over the past year, courts have struck down orders targeting law firms as retaliatory and in violation of the First Amendment, and judges have pointed to those rulings in scrutinizing other government actions. As debate continues within the profession, the Paul Weiss deal is increasingly viewed as a cautionary tale about the role and responsibility of lawyers in defending the rule of law.
