The ongoing clash between President Donald Trump and the legal industry took another significant turn this week. In a move that has sent ripples across the legal profession, the law firm employing Doug Emhoff—Willkie Farr & Gallagher—handed Trump yet another victory in his war against what he perceives as a politicised Big Law.
In a bombshell announcement, Trump revealed via Truth Social that Willkie Farr & Gallagher had proactively reached out to his administration, striking a deal that mirrors the actions of other top law firms seeking to avoid sanctions. These sanctions were part of Trump’s broader efforts to counter what he has called the “weaponization” of the justice system against his political allies.
The deal highlights several important aspects of the current legal and political landscape, including the growing tensions between the Trump administration and major law firms. But more than just a legal story, this is about power, politics, and the role law firms play in shaping the legal landscape.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher: The Law Firm at the Centre of the Storm
Willkie Farr & Gallagher, one of the most prominent law firms in the United States, has found itself at the heart of Trump’s legal crusade. Not only does the firm employ Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, but it also has ties to individuals involved in the January 6 investigations and the legal battles surrounding Rudy Giuliani.
Despite these connections, Willkie has made a dramatic decision to forge a relationship with the Trump administration. The firm committed to offering $100 million in pro bono legal services, focusing on areas that include combating antisemitism and aiding veterans. This unprecedented commitment shows how firms are being forced to navigate the increasingly fraught political and legal terrain in the U.S.
Trump’s Continued Battle Against Big Law
Trump’s ongoing fight against Big Law is not just about one law firm—it’s about his broader vision to reshape how the legal industry operates. His administration has aimed to exert influence over major law firms, directing them to provide pro bono services in areas deemed crucial to his political agenda.
As part of this deal with Willkie Farr & Gallagher, Trump has made it clear that his administration expects all legal services provided by the firm to align with his values. For example, Willkie has agreed not to engage in “illegal DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) discrimination and preferences,” something Trump has consistently criticised.
Willkie has also promised to give “fair and equal consideration” to job candidates, regardless of political affiliation. This move is seen as a direct response to the broader ideological battles in the legal field and a reaffirmation of the firm’s commitment to serving clients from all political stripes—regardless of whether they supported Trump or his rivals.
What This Means for Big Law and Trump’s Political Power
The decision by Willkie Farr & Gallagher is a win for Trump but also underscores the tension in the legal profession between political neutrality and ideological alignment. By striking a deal with the Trump administration, the firm has taken steps to avoid being caught in the crossfire of his executive orders that have sent shockwaves through the legal world.
Trump’s executive orders aimed at targeting law firms that were seen as politically aligned with the opposition have caused significant disruption. These orders threatened to terminate government contracts with firms like Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, and Covington & Burling. In response, some firms took legal action, arguing that these orders violated their First Amendment rights. Despite some court victories, the broader impact of these executive actions has been a polarisation of the legal industry.
However, Willkie’s decision to avoid the sanctions by aligning with the Trump administration could be viewed as a strategic move to protect the firm’s future interests, as well as a reflection of the increasing pressure law firms face to take a stand in an era of hyper-polarised politics.
A New Era for Legal Politics: The Changing Face of Big Law
Trump’s war on Big Law is reshaping how law firms operate. While firms like WilmerHale and Jenner & Block have taken a stand against the Trump administration by suing over his executive orders, others, like Skadden and Paul Weiss, have opted to capitulate, agreeing to provide millions of dollars in pro bono services to maintain their relationships with the government.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher’s deal with Trump shows that law firms must weigh the political landscape carefully. For some, aligning with the administration seems like a necessary step to avoid legal and financial repercussions. For others, standing firm on legal principles may take precedence over political calculations.
This evolving situation illustrates how much influence law firms can wield in both political battles and legal outcomes. In many ways, they are the silent power brokers shaping the direction of U.S. politics and law, and the recent deal with Trump is a key example of how they are forced to navigate a rapidly changing environment.
What’s Next for Trump and Big Law?
This deal with Willkie Farr & Gallagher represents only one chapter in a much larger saga between Trump and the U.S. legal establishment. Moving forward, we can expect more law firms to either resist Trump’s political pressure or choose to align themselves with his administration. The battle for political neutrality in law is far from over.
The key question remains: Will other major law firms follow in Willkie’s footsteps, or will the Trump administration continue to push for further concessions and influence? What we do know is that the stakes are high. For law firms, the decisions they make today could shape their futures for years to come.
In the coming months and years, we’ll see more tension, more legal battles, and perhaps, more pro bono work from Big Law firms that wish to maintain their influence in Washington.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
Photo credit: The New York Times
