On Friday, four leading attorneys from Paul Weiss announced they would be leaving the firm to start their own practices as partners.
In a message sent to the firm, Bill Isaacson, Jeannie Lee, Jessica Phillips, and Karen Dunn expressed their disappointment at not being able to share this news in person. They indicated that their decision to depart was difficult and personal.
These lawyers are highly regarded, having worked with major companies like Alphabet, Apple, and Amazon, as well as political figures such as former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
This announcement comes shortly after Paul Weiss offered $40 million in pro bono work on projects supported by the administration, alongside hiring an external expert to review their employment practices.
Brad Carp, the chairman of the firm, stated his appreciation for the contributions made by Bill, Jeannie, Jessica, and Karen, and conveyed best wishes for their future endeavors.
Under Carp’s leadership, the firm negotiated an agreement with President Trump that resulted in the reversal of an executive order aiming to revoke the law firm’s security clearance.
Other law firms involved in a related enforcement lawsuit have attempted to secure similar agreements, accepting terms from the Trump administration to avoid potential retaliatory actions. Critics have described this agreement as delivering a “terrifying message” regarding the legal profession and public trust in the justice system.
Mark Zaid, a prominent attorney, suggested that Paul Weiss’s decision reflected a broader attempt to undermine the rule of law and the ethical standards that govern legal practitioners.
