Trump Secures Key Alliances for Legal Reforms and Trade Deals

Alliances for legal reforms and trade deals: Former President Donald Trump announced alliances with five of the world’s most influential law firms to provide pro bono legal services to his future administration. The agreement was formalized days after Trump expressed his intent to bring in external lawyers for trade treaty negotiations.

Unprecedented Multi-Million Dollar Commitments from Kirkland, Shearman, Latham, and Others

Kirkland & Ellis, A&O Shearman, Simpson Thacher, and Latham & Watkins have each committed to providing legal services valued at $125 million. Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft also signed a pact to contribute at least $100 million in free legal work, Trump confirmed on his social platform.

Explicit Rejection of Political Criteria and Diversity Programs

The agreements include a prominent clause: the firms agree not to apply political criteria in client selection and waive diversity and inclusion policies. Instead, they will promote hiring and advancement “based on merit,” according to Trump.

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Joint Statement Emphasizes Fairness, Access, and Neutrality

A joint statement issued by four of the firms reaffirmed their commitment to “equal employment opportunity, free legal representation for underserved communities, fairness in the justice system, and advocacy across a wide range of legal areas.”

Direct Collaboration with Cabinet on Key Trade Negotiations

Trump anticipates these firms will directly support Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in crafting bilateral agreements. This follows his decision to suspend “reciprocal” tariffs on 60 countries.

Mixed Legal Reactions: Support, Criticism, and Lawsuits

The initiative has sparked mixed reactions. Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where Doug Emhoff (Kamala Harris’s husband) works, pledged $100 million in services. Skadden Arps and Paul Weiss made similar commitments. However, Jenner & Block and WilmerHale obtained court orders against the plan, labeling Trump’s strategy a political risk.

Internal Opposition and Tensions Within Participating Firms

According to Above the Law, hundreds of lawyers at A&O Shearman signed an open letter rejecting the agreement. Emhoff also publicly criticized his firm’s decision. Despite the divisions, Trump reaffirmed, “These are the most influential firms in the legal world, and we will need them for what’s coming.”