Earlier today, we reported that additional Biglaw firms were in talks with the Trump administration to avoid becoming victims of his far-reaching and likely unconstitutional executive orders. We now know that Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, A&O Shearman, Simpson Thacher, and Cadwalader have all inked deals with Trump — and they’re far worse than the already bad deals other Biglaw firms like Skadden, Milbank, Willkie, and Paul Weiss got.
Kirkland, Latham, Simpson, and A&O Shearman were among the Biglaw firms threatened with EEOC investigations concerning their DEI practices; with their pro bono payola deals, those menacing EEOC claims have now disappeared. The American Lawyer has the details on those poorly negotiated agreements:
Kirkland, Latham, A&O Shearman and Simpson, together, will provide an aggregate of at least $500 million in pro bono work “and other free legal services” during the Trump administration “and beyond,” Trump said. Each firm is agreeing to $125 million worth of pro bono in all, Trump said.
These firms will now be under Trump’s control throughout his presidency “and beyond” his stay in the White House. Bending a knee to a president who believes he’s become a king will do nothing good for these firms.
As far as Cadwalader is concerned, the firm escaped with providing “at least $100 million in pro bono legal services” to Trump, all for saving Todd Blanche’s dignity.
Trump’s announcement of these deals included a statement from the leaders of Simpson, Latham, Kirkland, and A&O Shearman:
“Today, our Firms reached an agreement with President Trump and his Administration, including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). We have resolved this matter while upholding long-held principles important to each of our Firms: Equal Employment Opportunity; providing pro bono assistance to a wide range of underserved populations, and ensuring fairness in the Justice System; and representing a broad spectrum of clients on various matters. We look forward to a continued constructive and productive relationship with President Trump and his team.”
Which firm will be the next to pledge its fealty to Trump? Track how Biglaw is responding to the attack on the industry here.
Kirkland, Latham, A&O Shearman, Simpson and Cadwalader Make Deal with Trump [American Lawyer]
Earlier: 3 More Major Biglaw Firms Are Looking To Bow To Trump
Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
