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How a Top Law Firm Went From Standing Up to Trump to Bending the Knee
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Paul Weiss, once known for its strong stance against government policies and progressive causes, notably fought the Trump administration's family separation policy under chairman Brad Karp.
- In March 2025, however, Paul Weiss surprised many by quickly complying with a Trump executive order imposing sanctions, a move seen as capitulation and widely criticized as illegal.
- This decision contrasted with other top law firms that successfully challenged similar orders, and it marked the start of nearly $1 billion in pro bono legal work by multiple firms supporting Trump-backed causes.
- The Times investigation reveals that Paul Weiss’s shift was influenced by internal changes, including a strategic pivot toward lucrative corporate and private equity legal work, which altered the firm's traditional values and priorities.
- Brad Karp’s leadership reflected a broader realignment of power and finances within the firm, moving it away from its historic activist roots toward greater financial gain.
