A second US law firm has pre-emptively struck a deal with President Trump under which it pledges $100m in pro bono support for government projects.
Trump revealed on his Truth Social site this week that Wilkie Farr & Gallagher will provide pro bono assistance to causes that both parties support and which represent the ‘full political spectrum, including Conservative ideals’.
Wilkie, which has operated in London since 1988, was not on the list of 20 firms warned last month about the lawfulness of their diversity and inclusion policies. But the firm appears to have decided to pre-empt any action from the government by striking the deal.
The president said that Wilkie has affirmed its commitment to merit-based hiring, promotion and retention. Accordingly, the firm will employ people irrespective of their political beliefs, including candidates who have served in the Trump administration, and any other Republican or Democrat administration.
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. The president is delivering on his promises of eradicating partisan lawfare in America, and restoring liberty and justice for all.’
Thomas M. 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.’
Earlier this week, international firm Skadden Arps said it had made a deal with Trump to pledge $100m in pro bono work for mutually agreed projects benefiting veterans and other groups. Three Skadden associates have since announced they will leave the firm. Brenna Frey, who joined in 2015, accused her firm of a ‘craven attempt to sacrifice the rule of law for self-preservation’.
She added: ‘The rule of law matters. As an attorney, if my employer cannot stand up for the rule of law, then I cannot ethically continue to work for them.’
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