Four prominent attorneys from Paul Weiss announced on Friday their decision to leave the firm and establish their own practices as partners.
In an email to their colleagues later that day, Bill Isaacson, Jeannie Lee, Jessica Phillips, and Karen Dunn expressed disappointment at not being able to share the news in person, stating they were unable to convey the information directly. Their resignation comes amidst a context involving significant pro bono commitments from Paul Weiss, which recently offered $40 million in support of various causes backed by the administration, along with hiring an external expert to review employment practices.
The four attorneys are well-respected among major corporations, including Alphabet, Apple, and Amazon, as well as political campaigns of noted figures like former Vice President Harris and ex-Secretary of State Clinton.
In a statement to The Hill, the firm expressed gratitude for the contributions of Isaacson, Lee, Phillips, and Dunn, wishing them success in their future endeavors.
Paul Weiss Chairman Brad Carp had previously worked to establish an agreement with President Trump, which resulted in the revocation of an executive order that had stripped the firm of its security clearance.
Other law firms targeted by enforcement lawsuits have sought similar agreements to avoid potential retaliation. Critics have denounced these actions as sending a troubling message about the legal profession and the integrity of the judicial system.
Mark Zaid, a prominent lawyer, commented that the decisions made by Paul Weiss could undermine the rule of law and the ethical standards that lawyers are expected to uphold.
