Ethics & Independence in Trump's War on Big Law

Abstract

In his second term, President Donald Trump has launched an unprecedented assault on the nation's largest law firms. Through a series of executive orders and highly unusual EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) actions, the Trump regime has sought to undermine the independence of the private bar. In response, targeted firms have been forced to make a choice: to appease the administration or to fight back. This Essay considers those choices—the interrelated nature of parallel settlements and suits—and the choice that the majority of firms have made to stay silent. We argue that Big Law's independence is essential and that it is not too late for courage.

Keywords: trump, Big Law, ethics, independence, EEOC, diversity, pro bono