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Second US law firm agrees deal with Trump

A second US law firm has pre-emptively struck a deal with US President Donald Trump under which it pledges US$100 million in pro bono support for government projects, according to the Law Society Gazette of England and Wales.

Trump revealed on his Truth Social site this week that Wilkie Farr & Gallagher would provide pro bono assistance to causes that both parties supported, and which represented the “full political spectrum – including conservative ideals”.

Wilkie was not on a list of 20 firms warned last month about the lawfulness of their diversity and inclusion policies, but the Gazette says that the firm appears to have decided to pre-empt any action from the administration by striking the deal.

‘Wide spectrum’ of viewpoints

The US president said that Wilkie had affirmed its commitment to merit-based hiring, promotion, and retention.

The White House said: “Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP proactively reached out to President Trump and his administration, offering their decisive commitment to ending the weaponisation of the justice system and the legal profession.”

Thomas Cerabino, the firm's chairman added: “We reached an agreement with President Trump and his administration on matters of great importance to our firm.

“The substance of that agreement is consistent with our firm’s views on access to legal representation by clients – including pro bono clients – our commitment to complying with the law as it relates to our employment practices, and our history of working with clients across a wide spectrum of political viewpoints.”

Skadden Arps deal

Earlier this week, international firm Skadden Arps said it had made a deal with Trump to pledge $100 million in pro bono work for mutually agreed projects benefiting veterans and other groups.

Three Skadden associates have since announced that they will leave the firm.

Last month, the American Bar Association (ABA) called on all US lawyers to speak out against what it described as “intimidation” by officials in the Trump administration.