Our thinking

Trump’s executive orders for law firms

9 May, 2025

President Trump’s knack for keeping everyone on their toes has taken a new turn, with law firms now in his crosshairs. A series of executive orders have targeted major firms, accusing them of everything from undermining elections to unlawful hiring practices. These firms all share a common trait: they’ve previously butted heads with Trump or supported Democrats. 

In response, nine firms have pre-emptively struck deals with the President to avoid repercussions, and have pledged a whopping $940 million in free legal work. But this is proving to be more complex than Trump might have anticipated. 

A Washington DC judge recently blocked an executive order targeting Perkins Coie, citing constitutional violations. This ruling could be the first of many, posing tough questions for firms that chose to align with Trump. Some of these firms have also begun to see an exodus of talent, as associates leave in protest. This includes Rachel Coen, a law associate at Skadden Arps, who quit over her firm’s deal with Trump,  and its efforts to dismantle DEI programs by overhauling its current hiring strategy and putting an end to employee resource groups. 

On the other side, some targeted firms have chosen to fight back rather than acquiesce, and four of them have sued to try and block Trump’s orders. One of these, Jenner and Block, accompanied this with a statement which included the following: ‘“For more than 100 years, Jenner has stood firm and tirelessly advocated for our clients against all adversaries, including against unlawful government action. We once again go to court to do just that. To do otherwise would mean compromising our ability to zealously advocate for all of our clients.” 

In another twist to the tale, senior executives at two investment firms have expressed their intent to avoid Big Law firms that have struck deals with Trump. 

This is an interesting example of a trend we have seen elsewhere – of values and principles being brought more explicitly into decisions at a B2B level. Whether it is law firms, consultants, ad agencies, or audit firms in a world where it can feel like there are two sides, you can choose which one you want to be on.

By Alice Railton