Archive · 11 Jun 2025
Paul Weiss Faces Partner Exits Following Trump Legal Deal
A big law firm called Paul Weiss is changing.
They made a deal to help Donald Trump with legal stuff, which caused some important lawyers, especially those with Democratic connections, to leave.
These lawyers are starting their own firm.
At the same time, Paul Weiss wants to make more money by focusing on helping big companies.
This shift has caused some disagreement.
Some people at the firm are concerned about maintaining the firm's traditional reputation while others are supportive of the change.
Paul Weiss lost several partners after a deal with Donald Trump for free legal services.
Key departures include litigators with Democratic ties, launching a new firm.
The firm is shifting focus to corporate work, increasing headcount and revenue.
Tension exists between litigation and corporate groups, a trend seen at other firms.
Departing partners, including Karen Dunn, plan to continue working with major clients.
- Who
- Paul Weiss, Brad Karp, and departing partners including Karen Dunn and Damian Williams.
- What
- Paul Weiss is experiencing partner exits and shifting its focus to corporate work after a deal with Donald Trump.
- When
- Departures occurred after a March 20 deal.
- Where
- Paul Weiss, a law firm.
- Why
- A deal with Donald Trump and a shift towards corporate work led to partner departures.
Litigation Partners' Perspective
Corporate Focus Advocates
Focus of the Firm
Litigation Partners' Perspective
Maintain the firm's reputation as a top litigation firm, with a focus on public interest cases.
Corporate Focus Advocates
Prioritize profitability and expand corporate practice.
- Firm
- Paul Weiss
- Deal Involved
- Providing free legal services to Donald Trump
- Departing Partners' New Firm
- Led by Karen Dunn
- Focus Shift
- Towards corporate work
- Former Manhattan US Attorney
- Damian Williams
- Key Recruiter
- Alisa Levin