in World News Top law firms feel the squeeze as Trump cracks down on lawfare
Hannah Nightingale
Smaller firms and advocacy groups said that it has been difficult to recruit larger firms to assist in cases against Trump.
In the wake of President Donald Trump signing executive orders revoking the security clearances of employees at top law firms, those in the world of Big Law have been fearful to sign onto statements to criticize the Trump administration, people familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal.
Smaller firms and advocacy groups said that it has proved difficult to get larger firms to join in opposing Trump on cases, and partners at some of the leading firms have expressed in private conversations outrage over Trump’s actions.
Jin Hee Lee, director of strategic initiatives at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, told the outlet, “Obviously, there is a different energy this time around. Law firms are not as vocal and as zealous.” The NAACP is involved in multiple lawsuits against the Trump administration’s efforts to end birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants born in the US as well as anti-DEI policies.