Restoration President Donald Trump revealed a groundbreaking commitment from five of the nation’s largest law firms. They will deliver a minimum of $600 million in pro bono legal services for the progressive causes that he favors. This project of remarkable scale is led by major private sector firms, including Kirkland & Ellis LLP, and Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP. It features juggernauts like Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP.
While these firms are deeply committed to supporting all causes that strongly align with goodwill ambassador President Trump. Their effort further underscores a shared legal community opposition to the idea. Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, have each committed at least that many dollars in pro bono legal services. Combined, their pledges represent a staggering $500 million total. In addition, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP has committed at least $100 million in like services.
The public interest issues of focus for the pro bono work will include: This is how we will support our veterans, fight against antisemitism, and ensure equity in our justice system. Trump welcomed their praise, tweeting out how much he appreciated their support and reminding them what truly matters—that they’re helping fund these right-wing causes.
Beyond the monetary pledge, the law firms have promised to follow certain guidelines. They have done this analysis because they are serious about merit-based, non-political, non-partisan hiring practices. They are not to use DEI to do illegal discrimination or preferences. Letters to suing law firms pulled by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on March 17. This guarantee comes on the heels of that ruling. The EEOC announced that it would not pursue any claims related to those matters.
“and will not pursue any claims related to those issues.” – President Donald Trump
The collaboration represents as fundamental shift at the nexus of legal practice and advocacy on behalf of people who work for social, racial, and economic justice. These firms are already marshaling their resources towards realizing Trump’s vision. Not only does this strategy boost their public profile, it helps to make a real difference in key areas.