Donald Trump’s been wielding his likely unconstitutional Executive Orders aimed at Biglaw firms like a cudgel, using the mere threat of them to get concessions from major firm. Even though the firms that have chosen to fight the good fight against the Trump administration have had slam-dunk victories in court, there’s a growing list of Biglaw firms that prefer to bargain their way into the good graces of Donald Trump. The latest firm to kiss Donald Trump’s ring is Milbank.
Similar to the deals with Skadden and Willkie (the other two firms that inked deals before they could be targeted by Trump), Milbank now owes the Trump administration $100 million in pro bono services. The deal includes a carveout that Milbank “will continue to grow its work with the Milbank Exoneration and Resentencing Review Unit at the Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice at Cardozo Law School.”
Like all the other Trumpian deals, Milbank has also agreed to abandon its DEI efforts. The firm has also stipulated that attorneys’ political views will not impact their client intake “including in pro bono matters, and in support of non-profits.”
Milbank chair Scott Edelman made the following statement on the deal, “After a constructive dialogue with President Trump’s administration, Milbank is pleased that we were so quickly able to find common ground. Our agreement is consistent with Milbank’s core values. We are pleased to affirm a commitment to continue to engage in significant pro bono services in areas that are mutually supported by Milbank and the President. Milbank looks forward to continuing its working relationship with President Trump and his administration.”
According to Trump’s statement on the deal, Milbank “approached” him to put an end to the EO before it even started. And Trump’s statement ended saying, “The President continues to build an unrivaled network of Lawyers, who will put a stop to Partisan Lawfare in America, and restore Liberty and Justice FOR ALL,” signaling the president believes that all the firms that have bent the knee are firmly #teamTrump.
Milbank attorneys and other employees, how do you feel about the firm’s decision? Feel free to sound off by email, by text message (646-820-8477), or by tweet (@ATLblog). An insightful response — we’ll keep you anonymous — could find its way into an update to this story.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @[email protected].
