Trouble for law firms that bent to Trump orders: Clients say firms “don’t have a hard line”

Protesters gathered outside the premises of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York City on March 25, 2025, holding signs, as depicted in the image above.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, law firms such as Paul Weiss, which complied with the requests of the Trump administration, are now facing the consequences as major clients opt to seek legal services elsewhere. Companies like McDonald’s and Oracle are part of a growing number of clients severing ties with these accommodating firms. Concerns have been raised by general counsels about whether these law firms can be relied upon to advocate effectively on their behalf in legal battles and negotiations, given their past compliance with Trump’s demands.

During a recent luncheon, a Citadel lawyer expressed the hedge-fund company’s preference for working with law firms that are not hesitant to stand up for their clients. Following Trump’s initial executive orders targeting prominent law firms, some firms gave in, while others, such as Jenner & Block, Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, and Susman Godfrey, opted to take legal action against the administration. Many of Trump’s executive orders have since been invalidated or deemed unconstitutional.

As reported by The Wall Street Journal, clients are now doubtful about the ability of firms that yielded to Trump to robustly defend their interests. The general counsel of a medical supplies manufacturer pointed out that firms that did not take a firm stance against the Trump administration essentially had no stance at all. Law firms that struck agreements with the administration have witnessed departures of young lawyers and partners.

On the other hand, the Journal highlighted that law firms that chose to challenge the administration in court rather than comply have also faced challenges, with some reporting in recent court documents that they have lost business and received concerns from nervous clients due to the executive orders.