Next Up: Jenner and Block
Given that the VC is a blog that is heavily focused on the law and the legal profession in all of its various manifestations, I think it is incumbent upon us to at least pay a little bit of attention to the Trump Administration’s continuing attacks on lawyers and judges, if only to ensure that our silence is not construed as capitulation. So no, I’m not going to let it go—no one’s forcing you to read anything I write.Â
The punishment that was meted out to Paul Weiss last week for having “hired unethical attorney Mark Pomerantz [who] according to his coworkers, unethically led witnesses in ways designed to implicate President Trump” while at the Manhattan DA’s office has been rescinded! The Executive Order has been withdrawn! All it took, apparently, was $40 million in pro bono legal assistance for Trump-endorsed causes—cheap!!
Of course, the money was never the point (though I am surprised Trump couldn’t extort a few million more; I bet Paul Weiss would have paid another $50 million for, say, a statue of Trump somewhere, or a nice fat contribution to the DJT Family Foundation). The point is obedience, about sending the message: “I can crush you, big powerful law firm, like a bug, so don’t fuck with me.” Mission accomplished.
Brad Karp, Managing Partner at Paul Weiss, sent an email to firm personnel explaining the settlement:
We initially prepared to challenge the executive order in court, and a team of Paul, Weiss attorneys prepared a lawsuit in the finest traditions of the firm. But it became clear that, even if we were successful in initially enjoining the executive order in litigation, it would not solve the fundamental problem, which was that clients perceived our firm as being persona non grata with the Administration. We could prevent the executive order from taking effect, but we couldn’t erase it. Clients had told us that they were not going to be able to stay with us, even though they wanted to. It was very likely that our firm would not be able to survive a protracted dispute with the Administration.
At the same time, we learned that the Administration might be willing to reach a resolution with us. So, working with our outside counsel, we did exactly what we advise our clients to do in “bet the company” litigation every day: we talked with the Administration to see if we could achieve a lasting settlement that would not require us to compromise our core values and fundamental principles.
In a matter of days, we were able to negotiate such a resolution. That resolution … had three primary components. First, we reiterated our commitment to viewpoint diversity, including in recruiting and in the intake of new matters. Second, while retain
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.
