Trump Revokes Order Against Law Firm After $40M Legal Services Pledge and DEI Policy Shift
President Donald Trump has rescinded an executive order targeting international law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP after it pledged to eliminate diversity policies and provide $40 million (£31m) in pro bono legal services to support White House initiatives.
The prestigious New York-based firm, known for its high-profile clients, had its federal contracts terminated and security clearances revoked on March 14 under Trump's order, which accused the firm of undermining the U.S. judicial system.
Following a meeting between Trump and firm chairman Brad Karp, the White House withdrew the order on Thursday. The president announced on Truth Social that Paul Weiss had agreed to a series of concessions, including a commitment to "merit-based" hiring and promotion while discontinuing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
The decision has sparked controversy in the legal community. Democratic lawyer Marc Elias criticized the firm, calling its compliance "a new standard for shameful capitulation." More than 300 legal professionals have signed an open letter condemning what they view as political pressure on corporate law firms.
Despite backlash, Karp defended the firm’s stance, citing its commitment to political neutrality and professional independence.
With over $2 billion in revenue in 2023 and more than 1,000 attorneys, Paul Weiss faced potential business disruptions due to the loss of security clearance, which affects its corporate and Wall Street clients.
Trump’s original order also targeted law firms Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling as part of his broader effort to eliminate DEI policies in federal contracts.
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