The White House has forged a groundbreaking partnership with one of the world’s largest law firms, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, to provide approximately $100 million in pro bono legal assistance to causes endorsed by the administration. This strategic agreement, announced by President Donald Trump, includes funding for fellowships to support law school graduates working on initiatives aligned with the administration’s priorities.
Commitment to Diverse Representation
Skadden has committed to uphold principles of merit-based hiring, promotion, and retention. Additionally, the firm pledges not to withhold representation from politically marginalized groups, as affirmed by President Trump during the swearing-in ceremony for Alina Habba, one of his personal attorneys and nominee for acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.
President Trump characterized the arrangement as a settlement, distinguishing it from his recent executive orders targeting law firms associated with his adversaries. While no such order had been issued against Skadden, the firm’s proactive engagement marks a significant milestone in legal collaborations with the administration.
Enthusiastic Acknowledgement
Skadden’s executive partner, Jeremy London, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing the firm’s proactive and constructive dialogue with President Trump and his team. London affirmed the firm’s anticipation of a continued positive relationship with the administration, emphasizing the mutual benefits for clients, employees, and the firm as a whole.
This accord mirrors a previous understanding between the administration and Paul, Weiss, wherein the latter committed $40 million in pro bono services to support administration-backed causes. Similar to Skadden, Paul, Weiss undertook a review of its hiring policies and ceased implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.
Public Acknowledgement
President Trump expressed gratitude for Skadden’s cooperation, noting the trend of law firms settling cases initiated by the administration. While acknowledging the regrettable circumstances leading to these settlements, Trump emphasized the appreciation for firms like Skadden coming to the negotiating table.
Despite not being the subject of an executive order, Skadden faced public scrutiny from Elon Musk, who criticized the firm’s actions. Responding to Musk’s comments, the firm received a public call to action to cease certain practices.
Earlier on the same day, legal powerhouses Jenner & Block and WilmerHale filed lawsuits challenging President Trump’s executive directives that impacted government contracts and security clearances for their lawyers. Notably, a federal judge previously ruled against a comparable order targeting Perkins Coie, deeming it potentially unconstitutional.
