Trump's pressure led Paul Weiss to settle with White House, sparking internal turmoil
Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp agreed to a deal with the Trump administration, prompting the firm to abandon a contested executive order and provide nearly $1 billion in free legal work.
One outlet's investigation reveals that Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison capitulated to President Trump after internal disputes between idealistic litigators and profit-focused partners. Chair Brad Karp quickly struck a deal to resolve an executive order widely criticized as unlawful, leading the firm to commit almost $1 billion in pro bono work for Trump-aligned causes. Key rainmaker Scott Barshay advocated for the settlement despite the firm lacking a legitimate case, and he also secured the departure of transgender lawyer Lex Korberg with a $3.5 million non-disparagement payout.
Partner Karen Dunn, who previously aided the Harris campaign, pushed for the agreement, while the firm scrubbed its website of references to lawsuits against the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. Critics, including former associate Elizabeth Grossman, argue the move damaged the firm’s reputation and deterred top law students from applying.
Why it matters
The settlement shows how political pressure can reshape major law firms' priorities and affect their public-interest work.
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