Backlash from Within the Legal Community
The legal world is roiling. More than 80 former Skadden attorneys penned a letter decrying the firm’s decision to negotiate, accusing it of emboldening the Trump administration’s attacks on democratic institutions.
“Skadden’s capitulation emboldens Trump to further erode the rule of law,” the letter read. “At a time when freedom of speech and adversarial lawyering are under threat, firms must stand united.”
Similar criticism was levied by Paul Weiss alumni, and a Georgetown student group boycotted a Skadden recruiting event. The outrage has even galvanized institutional responses: over 57 bar associations, the American Bar Association, and faculty groups from Harvard and UCLA Law have issued statements condemning the executive orders.
The Perkins Coie lawsuit has garnered sweeping support, with 507 law firms signing amicus briefs in opposition to the orders.
Administration Calls It a Win for Justice
The president’s announcement included a White House statement declaring an end to “the Weaponization of the Justice System and the Legal Profession.” Trump added, “The Age of Partisan Lawfare in America is OVER.”
Leaders from the five law firms expressed cautious optimism, stating they reached an accord “while upholding long-held principles important to each of our firms” and hoped to maintain a “constructive relationship with President Trump and his team.”
Cadwalader’s managing partner Patrick Quinn echoed this sentiment, touting the deal as aligned with the firm’s 230-year legacy of client loyalty, equal justice, and inclusive talent development.
