Cadwalader’s Separate $100M Pledge
Cadwalader, though not among the original firms flagged by the EEOC, entered a separate agreement to offer $100 million in pro bono services covering a “full political spectrum, including Conservative ideals.” The firm holds close ties to the Trump legal saga—former partner Todd Blanche left in 2023 to found Blanche Law PLLC and defend Trump in his Manhattan criminal case involving alleged hush-money payments.
Blanche also previously defended Paul Manafort, Trump’s ex-campaign chief, successfully blocking state-level charges due to double jeopardy protections after his federal conviction.
A $940M Legal Earthquake and Growing Pushback
These deals follow earlier settlements with Paul Weiss, Skadden, Willkie Farr, and Milbank, bringing the total pro bono commitment from BigLaw to $940 million.
However, not everyone is celebrating. Three major firms—Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, and Jenner & Block—have refused to settle, choosing instead to litigate, claiming the executive orders encroach upon constitutional rights and ethical legal practice. Judges in those cases have temporarily blocked parts of the orders.
