Trump Strikes Deal with Law Firm for $100 Million in Pro Bono Services Amid Controversy
President Trump's agreement with Willkie Farr & Gallagher for legal services reflects his retaliatory strategy against firms investigating him.
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Some firms dug in their heels and refused to yield, even filing lawsuits to defend their rights.
Doug Emhoff Urged His Law Firm to Fight Trump’s Threats — They Bent the Knee Anyway: Report
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The agreement averts what could have been a ruinous executive order from Trump targeting the firm.
'Absolutely Shameful': Critics Slam Latest Law Firm to Cave Amid Trump's Revenge Threats
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Willkie’s pro bono work in recent years has been especially attention-grabbing because it included a defamation win against Rudy Giuliani following his work for Trump after the 2020 election.
Trump announces deal with law firm that employs Doug Emhoff | Politics
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Willkie Farr & Gallagher is one of several law firms that has reached a deal with the Trump administration in recent weeks, with others pursuing legal action.
Trump reaches deal with major law firm Willkie he had targeted - Washington Examiner
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Wilkie is the latest major U.S. law firm to strike a deal with Trump.
Another major law firm reaches settlement with Trump, offers $100M pro bono
Newsweek·18d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The resolution reflects the differing responses being taken by the legal community as Trump continues to target some of the world’s most elite law firms and extract concessions from them, such as the renunciation of diversity, equity and inclusion considerations in hiring and promotion decisions.
Major international law firm reaches deal with White House, becoming the latest to do so
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The orders rolled out by Mr. Trump in the past few weeks target the firms for their legal work, as well as the lawyers who were on their payrolls — even if they're not anymore.
Trump's crusade against big law firms sparks fears of long-lasting damage
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Trump has aggressively targeted other major law firms with ties to individuals involved in various investigations into his conduct or with Democratic politics.
Trump announces $100M deal with law firm tied to Doug Emhoff, Jan. 6 House panel
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Summary
President Trump has formally engaged with Willkie Farr & Gallagher for a $100 million commitment in pro bono legal services amid executive order threats. This agreement, the third of its kind, came swiftly after Willkie was informed of potential sanctions from the administration. Critics note this move signals a troubling capitulation within the legal community as firms are pressured to abandon diversity hiring practices. The decision was met with internal dissent from Doug Emhoff, a partner at Willkie, who advocated resisting Trump's actions, emphasizing that the rule of law and democracy are at risk.
Perspectives
Willkie Farr & Gallagher's agreement with Trump suggests a concerning trend among law firms to seek political leverage through legal agreements to avoid punitive actions from the administration.
The executive orders targeting law firms present a threat to the independence of the legal profession, imposing penalties on firms based on their political affiliations and legal work against Trump.
Some legal experts express alarm that these actions by the Trump administration undermine the rule of law, leading firms to hesitate in representing clients who oppose the administration.
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