Paul Weiss, the first law firm to secure an agreement with President Trump aimed at avoiding punitive executive orders, has recently lost a notable lawyer who had previously fought against the White House on behalf of his clients.
Damien Williams, who served as a former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, is set to depart from Paul Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison to join Jenner & Brock just six months after taking that new role. His exit adds to a series of high-profile resignations from the firm, which have followed its agreement with the Trump administration.
In a statement on Friday, Williams spoke highly of Jenner & Brock’s commitment to defending clients “boldly” and recognized their approach as one “worthy of value.”
“I’m eager to be part of a team with remarkable legal expertise that never shies away from tough battles,” he said.
Since his return to the White House, Trump has directed his focus on six major law firms with executive orders aimed at expanding his business interests in retaliation for his political conflicts. Four of these firms have challenged the orders through litigation, but Trump later rescinded the order against Paul Weiss. The firm had previously agreed to provide $40 million in legal services to back management initiatives and additional perks.
This arrangement has led to a wave of agreements between the Trump administration and several top law firms. Currently, eight other firms have also formed agreements with Trump to deliver millions in pro bono legal work, despite the absence of any executive orders.
Meanwhile, Jenner & Brock has filed a lawsuit against the administration. A federal judge recently ruled the order targeting the firm was illegal and prohibited it entirely. “Like others, the order seeks to dampen the legal efforts of those the administration opposes, thereby isolating administrative agencies from judicial oversight in regards to the separation of powers,” wrote Judge John Bates, a former appointee of George W. Bush. “As such, it contravenes the Constitution, leading to a total ban on its enforcement.”
Last month, Weiss, along with four senior lawyers at Paul, embarked on their own independent practices, moving on from their roles as partners in the firm.
