Key Partners Depart Paul Weiss Following Controversial Settlement with Trump Administration

Key Partners Depart Paul Weiss Following Controversial Settlement with Trump Administration

In a significant development within the legal community, four senior partners from the prominent law firm Paul Weiss are leaving to establish their own practice. This exit follows a settlement reached several months ago between Paul Weiss and the Trump administration, where the firm sought to resolve tensions stemming from legal challenges associated with Trump's directives.

Paul Weiss found itself in a precarious position in March 2024 when then-President Trump issued an executive order aimed directly at the firm, effectively terminating all federal government contracts. This order arose due to the firm’s involvement in investigations into Trump's business dealings by one of its attorneys, Mark Pomerantz, during his tenure in the Manhattan district attorney’s office.

The departure of these partners—Karen Dunn, Jeannie Rhee, Bill Isaacson, and Jessica Phillips—marks a notable shift within the firm. Karen Dunn has a distinguished record as a Democratic lawyer, notably aiding Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton in debate preparations during their presidential campaigns. She also led a significant lawsuit against the organizers of the violent 2017 "Unite The Right" rally in Charlottesville.

Jeannie Rhee, another notable figure leaving, contributed to Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Bill Isaacson is recognized for his expertise in antitrust law, while Jessica Phillips brings her experience from clerking for Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito to the new firm.

Paul Weiss has faced mounting criticism following its settlement with the Trump administration, which not only involved quelling legal threats but also required the firm to abandon its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, alongside committing $40 million in pro bono services to support Trump’s agenda. Despite the settlement leading to the rescission of Trump’s executive order, backlash ensued from both legal professionals and alumni. Over 170 alumni voiced their discontent, labeling the precipitous move as "cowardly" and warning of a potential erosion of the legal profession's independence.

As the four partners prepare to launch their new firm, they anticipate greater freedom to engage in litigation that may challenge administrative policies. In a joint email, they expressed regret over the manner of their departure but articulated their hope for principled legal practice.

Brad Karp, the chairman of Paul Weiss, acknowledged their contributions in a statement, wishing them well in their future endeavors. Notably, the firm is losing critical legal minds in high-profile cases, including those representing major corporations like Google in ongoing antitrust litigation.

The ramifications of this departure are already being felt in the legal landscape, particularly as alternative firms like Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, and Jenner & Block continue to resist similar pressures from the Trump administration, with some achieving judicial victories against such executive orders.

This situation raises important questions about the future dynamics of legal practices across America, especially concerning how firms navigate the complex intersection of legal standards and political pressures.