While settlements represent the most common outcome for civil cases, they are not always the most ethical. A financial settlement allows a wrongdoer to walk away without ever accepting fault, and some feel that this absolves them of all accountability. These sentiments were raised by many in the legal community after a major law firm agreed to settle its case with the current U.S. administration. What does this tell us about abuses of power and constitutional violations in Massachusetts?
Paul Weiss Faces Massive Backlash for Caving in to President’s Threats
In March of 2025, a deal between major U.S. firm Paul Weiss and the White House sent shockwaves through the entire legal community. The firm is one of the biggest in the country, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. It also maintains a global presence with locations in Japan, Belgium, England, China, and Canada. But despite earning a stellar reputation in recent years, Paul Weiss is not defending its pedigree after an onslaught of criticism.
The criticism stems from an executive order that would have stripped the firm’s senior attorneys of their security clearances. This would have prevented Paul Weiss from representing many of its clients in federal cases. The executive order also would have prevented its lawyers from entering federal buildings. This move comes as the Trump administration attempts to crack down on Democratic-leaning law firms involved in legal work that the current administration opposes, including an investigation into Trump’s finances.
In order to avoid these consequences, the chair of Paul Weiss met with Trump and struck a deal. As part of this deal, the firm agreed to take on $40 million worth of free (pro bono) work that aligns with Trump’s goals.
University of Connecticut Law School professor Leslie Levin stated that “Lawyers are supposed ot stand up to the government when there’s an abuse of power, and a firm like Paul Weiss has the capacity to do that.”
Judge Blocks Executive Order Against Perkins Coie
Perkins Coie faced the same executive order but decided to fight back instead of striking a deal. Eventually, a Washington, D.C. judge ruled in the law firm’s favor, blocking the executive order and calling it unconstitutional. The judge specifically stated that clients may have reservations about working with firms that have struck deals with the current administration. Based on this decision, one has to wonder whether Paul Weiss made the right call.
Can a Massachusetts Defense Lawyer Stand Up Against the Government for Me?
Although some law firms seem content to “cave in” to the demands of the government, there are many who are still courageous enough to stake a stand against abuses of power. Whether you believe your constitutional rights have been violated or you simply want your “day in court,” experienced defense attorneys in Boston are here to help. Choose Edward R. Molari, and discuss your next steps during a consultation.