Willkie Farr & Gallagher preemptively pledges $100m of pro bono work, joining the list of firms that gave in to Trump’s executive order.
- uomlawprobono
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
Summary
Willkie Farr & Gallagher (Willkie), in anticipation of the Trump administration’s potential executive order targeting them, offered $100m worth of pro bono work to support government projects.
POLITICAL
Trump can possibly exploit law firms through political leverage, leading to the frequent usage of legal means to achieve political ends.
ECONOMICAL
At least two firms have pledged at least $140m worth of pro bono work for the US government. This will potentially lead to less spent on legal projects, freeing up extra cash to invest in other aspects of society, e.g., healthcare (Medicaid), infrastructure, et cetera.
However, $140m is comparatively insubstantial, so its tangible effect might be elusive, if not illusory.
SOCIAL
Firms that have ‘given in’ to the Trump administration by providing pro bono work might risk reputational damages. Willkie and Paul Weiss, another firm that pledged pro bono work, have been criticised by the public and the press.
TECHNOLOGICAL
Since less cost is allocated to legal advice due to the pro bono pledges, the government can allocate more to technological developments. However, Paul Weiss is a ‘tech-heavy’ firm; they have envisaged junior associates to be ‘supplemented if not significantly replaced’ by technologists and data scientists. It will be a loss of $40m to be invested in legal technology. The same goes for Willkie.
LEGAL
Trump’s executive order might be unlawful, other firms targeted by Trump have tried to sue, and it has been successful.
Trump’s executive order was under judicial scrutiny. Namely, the lawsuit filed by Jenner & Block. The executive order was temporarily lifted by the court. That can challenge the stricter separation of powers in the US.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Though more elusive, an increase in government projects can lead to quicker environmental deterioration.
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