Significant Changes at Paul Weiss
In a notable shift, four partners at the esteemed law firm Paul Weiss, including prominent Democratic attorney Karen Dunn, have announced their departure. This decision comes in the wake of the firm entering into an agreement with former President Donald Trump, designed to protect it from potential federal scrutiny. Alongside Dunn, the departing partners include Bill Isaacson, Jessica Phillips, and Jeannie Rhee.
"On behalf of the firm, Paul Weiss is grateful to Bill, Jeannie, Jessica, and Karen for their many contributions. We wish them well in all their future endeavors," stated a spokesperson for the firm. However, it remains unclear whether their exits are directly related to the controversial deal with Trump.
Profiles of the Departing Partners
- Karen Dunn: Co-chair of the firm's litigation department, known for her representation of high-profile clients, including tech giants Apple and Google. Dunn has a long-standing association with Democratic politics, notably leading debate preparations for candidates, such as former Vice President Kamala Harris.
- Jeannie Rhee: Former managing partner of the Washington, D.C., office, was a member of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s team investigating possible Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
- Bill Isaacson and Jessica Phillips: Both served as litigators within the firm, contributing to its rich legal tradition.
As news of their departure spreads, CBS News has reached out to these attorneys for insight into their future plans, particularly in light of the events surrounding the firm's interactions with the Trump administration.
Background of the Controversy
Earlier this year, Trump issued an executive order that significantly curtailed how Paul Weiss could engage with government entities. The measure sought to revoke security clearances for staff and aimed to block the firm from obtaining federal contracts. This was perceived as part of a broader strategy by Trump to retaliate against legal counsels he associates with opposition — labeling them as participants in undermining the judicial process.
The executive order specifically targeted Paul Weiss for employing Mark Pomerantz, who had previously worked on the team investigating Trump, along with critiquing Rhee for her involvement in a pro bono case related to the Capitol riot on January 6, and for the firm's diversity initiatives.
Significantly, the order was rescinded not long after its issuance. Trump announced that Paul Weiss had agreed to various compromises, including auditing its hiring practices and allocating $40 million towards pro bono legal work that aligns with both the firm and the administration's interests.
Legal Community Reactions
The agreement struck between Trump and Paul Weiss has sparked considerable debate within the legal community. While some firms opted to contest the administration's executive orders in court, others took a more conciliatory approach. Notably, federal judges have ruled against Trump's directives toward firms like Perkins Coie and Jenner & Block, with one describing Trump's order against Jenner & Block as “unconstitutional” and resembling a “screed.”
This situation underscores the complex interplay between legal practices, political affiliations, and the overarching influence of the former president's policies on the legal profession.
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