Page Reader AI | Exclusive | New York Law Firm That Struck Deal With Trump Is Losing Lawyers

Exclusive | New York Law Firm That Struck Deal With Trump Is Losing Lawyers - WSJ

AI Summary Hide AI Generated Summary

Key Issue: Backlash Against Trump Deal

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft's recent deal with the Trump administration, involving $100 million in pro bono work to avoid a punitive executive order, is causing significant internal turmoil and attorney departures.

Impact on the Firm

The agreement, intended to secure the firm's future, is instead accelerating an already existing exodus of lawyers. Many attorneys are upset with the firm's decision to appease the administration rather than challenging its actions.

Underlying Concerns

The firm was facing difficulties before the deal, including lawyer departures. However, the deal has exacerbated the situation, making the firm's future uncertain.

External Perceptions

Many in the legal industry view the Trump administration's campaign as unconstitutional, leading to further negative perceptions of Cadwalader's decision to cooperate.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft struck a deal with President Trump last month intended to secure the future of New York’s oldest law firm. Instead the pact is backfiring, adding to an exodus of lawyers that has placed the firm on uncertain footing.Cadwalader already was facing troubles, including imminent attorney departures, before its April 11 deal with the White House in which it avoided a punitive executive order by pledging at least $100 million of pro bono work to support the president’s priorities. The agreement now is pushing more lawyers to leave, people familiar with the matter said, spurred by anger that the firm capitulated to Trump instead of fighting back against an administration campaign that many in the industry believe to be unconstitutional.