Top law firms including A&O Shearman, Kirkland, and Latham commit to $700m pro bono in exchange for Trump’s sanction exemptions
Five leading law firms have made major pro bono commitments to President Donald Trump, pledging millions of dollars worth of legal services in exchange for exemptions from sanctions imposed by the president’s executive orders. The new deals bring Trump’s total pro bono haul to an impressive $700 million (£540 million), further bolstering his network of legal support amid ongoing scrutiny.
The latest firms to announce their participation in the initiative include Magic Circle player A&O Shearman, Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett. Each of these firms has pledged $125 million (£96 million) worth of free legal services, while Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft will contribute $100 million (£76 million) to causes supported by Trump and the firms involved.
A&O Shearman, formed in 2024 through the merger of UK firm Allen & Overy and US-based Shearman & Sterling, has become the first UK-headquartered firm to strike a deal with the Trump administration. The move marks a significant shift for A&O Shearman, whose involvement highlights the global impact of Trump’s sanction strategy and his influence over some of the most powerful law firms in the world.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe deals with these legal giants come as part of Trump’s ongoing push to secure legal and business support in the face of growing sanctions from his administration. Legal Cheek previously reported that Paul Weiss was the first firm to sign up, contributing $40 million in pro bono services, followed by other major firms like Willkie Farr & Gallagher, Milbank, and Skadden, each pledging $100 million. The president’s initiative has now raised the total value of pro bono commitments to an astonishing $940 million (£713 million), with more firms expected to join.
Trump himself commented on the surge of firms signing up for his initiative, sarcastically stating: “Have you noticed a lot of law firms have been signing up with Trump? A hundred million dollars, another $100 million, for damages that they’ve done… But they give you $100 million, and then they announce that, ‘But we have done nothing wrong’. And I agree, they’ve done nothing wrong, but what the hell, they give me a lot of money considering they’ve done nothing wrong.”
In a joint statement, leaders from A&O, Kirkland, Latham, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett defended their decisions, emphasising the upholding of long-standing principles such as equal employment opportunities, providing pro bono assistance to underserved populations, and ensuring fairness in the justice system. They also stressed their commitment to representing a broad spectrum of clients across various legal matters, irrespective of political leanings.
Meanwhile, Cadwalader’s managing partner expressed that the firm’s decision was consistent with the guiding principles it has upheld for over 230 years. The firm believes the arrangement serves the best interests of its clients, staff, and the wider legal community.
As part of the agreement, the firms will also cease participating in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices that Trump deems “illegal.” Instead, they will focus on what Trump has described as “merit-based” hiring, promotions, and retention, further aligning their practices with the president’s political stance.
While many firms have opted to engage with the president’s initiative, others have resisted, with several firms facing sanctions opting to challenge the orders legally. Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, and Jenner & Block have successfully obtained temporary restraining orders, allowing them to continue their operations without facing the consequences of Trump’s executive orders.
The dramatic shift in legal dynamics, with top law firms increasingly aligning with the Trump administration, is reshaping the landscape of legal practice and raises questions about the influence of politics on legal work. With growing uncertainty over how such moves will impact firms’ reputations, the broader legal community will continue to watch how these developments unfold in the coming months.
