As powerful law firms roll over for Trump, one lawyer has had enough
As powerful law firms roll over for Trump, one lawyer has had enough
Rachel Cohen, an associate at Skadden, resigned and demanded Big Law grow a spine.
On the heels of Donald Trump’s executive order targeting several top law firms over ties to the president’s perceived enemies and decisions he opposes, Trump on Thursday announced that he had reached an agreement to drop his attack against one of the firms, Paul, Weiss. The deal, according to a Truth Social post, will renege Trump’s threat to suspend the security clearances of the firm’s attorneys in exchange for Paul, Weiss to dedicate $40 million in pro-bono services throughout his term.
The deal was widely seen as a remarkable act of capitulation by one of the most powerful law firms in the country. And now, an associate at Skadden Arps, another top firm, is speaking out.
In a company-wide email that was publicized online, Rachel Cohen, a third-year finance associate, condemned her employers for failing to speak out against the Trump administration’s retaliatory efforts. Cohen said that her letter should be considered a resignation unless any meaningful action emerged.
“This is not what I saw for my career or for my evening, but Paul Weiss’ decision to cave to the Trump administration on DEI, representation, and staffing has forced my hand,” she wrote. “We do not have time. It is either now or never, and if it’s never, I will not continue to work here.”
Do the Trump maneuver. Fire everyone, declare bankruptcy and start a new firm called Waul Peiss that isn't under this obligation.
That's brilliant.
I’d go for Pall Vice, but the concept is sound.
If your company caves to Trump/the republicans, don't quit in a grand statement. They don't care, they'll save money, they get rid of a possibly problematic employee, and you're out of a job.
Lie low, stay under the radar, continue to collect paychecks, meanwhile, destroy them with little acts of sabotage from the inside. You get your satisfaction, retain your income, meanwhile robbing them of income all the while actually working against them.
They have almost no defense against agents on the inside.
That’s not how it works in big law. Reputation means everything. If good lawyers decide to move, that affects partner profit.
A 3rd year associate might not make big waves but it does open the door for partner moves. It might not make headlines when it happens too.
Yup. Anyone other than an equity partner is literally a little money machine made of meat. A third-year will bill 2000+ hours (and most can bill maaaaybe 80% of their working hours) at $800-$1200 per hour and take home maybe $300k in salary and bonus.
In addition to what the other person said, you don't want to be sabotaging people who are upholding the laws. I don't think they'll be getting work from Trump anytime soon, so who exactly wins if they stay and the just do a worse job defending people or prosecuting people? Maybe if they worked for Rudy Giuliani or something, but they don't.
During Trump 1 several of his cabinet members took that stance and all the liberals got mad at them for working for Trump.
Why would anyone hire a lawyer from a firm that gives in like that? I don't want a lawyer who's a coward! I want one that will fight for me with everything they've got.
One thing the lawyer on Opening Arguments (US conlaw/current events podcast, progressive-liberal perspective) says often that rings really true to me is that "Fascism requires lawyers", and lots of lawyers, to become established. We saw it in Germany and Italy as well - and in other fascist-lite regimes. You need people who know the law and know how to challenge and change those laws in order to take power. Usually, that means selling out & perverting the rule of law in destructive ways.
This woman is awesome.
Jackass money obsessed owners: "See ya never! There are plenty of doors on this building, pick whatever one you like best!"
I mean if I ran one of these firms I would do it. Heck I would give him unlimited credit for my high quality legal services.