Overview

• Five prominent law firms, including Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins, have agreed to provide a combined $600 million in pro bono legal services to causes aligned with the Trump administration.
• The deals include commitments of $125 million each from four of the firms, with Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft committing $100 million, as part of agreements to avoid punitive executive orders targeting the firms.
• In exchange, the Trump administration has withdrawn Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) inquiries into the firms' hiring practices and agreed not to pursue related actions.
• The agreements also require the firms to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in hiring and representation, aligning with broader conservative policy goals.
• Internal dissent is growing at some firms, with over 500 associates and staff at Allen Overy Shearman Sterling signing a letter opposing the deal, citing concerns about the rule of law and reputational damage.