The Big Law pressure campaign

Executive orders, then nine-figure pro-bono deals

A sequence in which the administration issued or threatened executive orders against major law firms, and firms responded with pro-bono commitments reportedly approaching $1 billion in total.

Feb 25, 2025 · Constitutional Order & Rule of Law · Well supported
Covington & Burling Keeps Representing Jack Smith After Clearances Are Suspended
Mar 1, 2025 · Constitutional Order & Rule of Law · Well supported
Executive Orders Targeting Law Firms Trigger Legal Industry Backlash
Mar 20, 2025 · Corruption, Ethics & Self-Dealing · Confirmed
Paul Weiss Escapes Executive Order After $40 Million Pro Bono Pledge
Mar 22, 2025 · Constitutional Order & Rule of Law · Well supported
Elias Law Group Is Named in a Presidential Memorandum but Refuses to Negotiate
Mar 28, 2025 · Corruption, Ethics & Self-Dealing · Confirmed
Skadden Reaches $100 Million Pro Bono Deal to Avoid Executive Order
Apr 1, 2025 · Corruption, Ethics & Self-Dealing · Confirmed
Trump Announces Pro Bono Deal With Law Firm Employing Doug Emhoff
Apr 2, 2025 · Corruption, Ethics & Self-Dealing · Confirmed
Milbank Reaches $100 Million Pro Bono Deal With Trump Administration
Apr 3, 2025 · Corruption, Ethics & Self-Dealing · Well supported
Kirkland & Ellis Negotiates With White House to Avoid Executive Order
Apr 11, 2025 · Corruption, Ethics & Self-Dealing · Confirmed
Cadwalader Agrees to $100 Million Pro Bono Deal With Trump Administration
Apr 11, 2025 · Corruption, Ethics & Self-Dealing · Confirmed
Law Firms Pledge Nearly $1 Billion in Pro Bono Work to Avoid Trump Retaliation
May 27, 2025 · Constitutional Order & Rule of Law · Confirmed
Judge Strikes Down Trump's Executive Order Targeting WilmerHale as Unconstitutional
Legal outcome Executive order struck down as unconstitutional
Jun 27, 2025 · Constitutional Order & Rule of Law · Confirmed
Judge Declares Trump's Order Against Susman Godfrey 'Unconstitutional From Beginning to End'
Legal outcome Executive order declared null and void