Trump's aggressive stance towards Biglaw firms has left the industry in a reactive position, leading many to pursue deals that could compromise their integrity. Notably, firms like Skadden and Davis Polk engaged lobbying firms to mitigate backlash, with Skadden promising $100 million in pro bono work to appease Trump. Meanwhile, some firms are distancing themselves from past political involvements, evidenced by Davis Polk's removal of references to the Mueller investigation from their website. The trend underscores the delicate balance legal firms must navigate in the realm of political loyalty and public perception.
Trump's attacks on Biglaw have left the industry scrambling, trying to figure out how to respond to a bully intent on building a war chest of pro bono services. Too many firms are making sucker deals with terms that are constantly evolving.
Both Skadden and Davis Polk hired the same lobbying firm - Miller Strategies - to plead their case. Skadden inked one of the first prophylactic deals with Trump promising $100 million in pro bono payola.
Passantino's role advising witnesses called to testify in the House Committee's January 6th investigation brought a lot of smoke to the Emory Law grad: he left his role at Washington firm Michael Best & Friedrich in December 2022, after being accused of advising White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson to mislead lawmakers.
Kirkland and Simpson Thacher each hired Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm founded by a top Trump fundraiser, before capitulating to Trump.
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