Overview

• Most of the top twenty U.S. law firms have agreed to provide $1 billion in pro bono legal services to Trump administration priorities, including veterans’ issues, tariff negotiations, and combating antisemitism.
• Paul Weiss remains the only major firm openly challenging the administration, filing lawsuits against what it describes as unconstitutional threats and retaliation.
• Legal experts argue that these coerced commitments undermine the traditional ethos of pro bono work, which is meant to serve underserved individuals and civil rights causes.
• Concerns are growing over potential defections of lawyers and clients from firms that have acquiesced, citing ethical objections and reputational risks.
• Critics highlight that these deals may violate federal laws prohibiting offering anything of value to influence government actions, raising the possibility of future legal scrutiny.