Skadden makes Trump deal - associates push back

US powerhouse Skadden has struck a pre-emptive agreement with the Trump government, pledging $100 million in pro bono legal work to causes aligned with the president.

The deal, announced on Friday 28 March via Trump’s Truth Social account, also commits Skadden to "merit-based" hiring practices and a formal rejection of "illegal DEI discrimination."

The firm will additionally fund fellowships for recent law graduates to work on initiatives aligned with the administration’s agenda.

An internal firm-wide email, obtained by Above the Law, confirmed that Skadden believed it was about to be targeted by an executive order similar to those already issued against Paul Weiss, Perkins Coie, and most recently last week, WilmerHale.

In the email, executive partner Jeremy London told staff that entering into the agreement was "the best path to protect our clients, our people and our firm."

Resignations begin

The internal backlash appears to be underway.

One lawyer told Business Insider that "partners and associates are considering leaving, much of the firm is demoralised, and we will struggle to recruit the best talent for years to come."

Skadden associate Rachel Cohen publicly resigned from the firm last week over its stance on the recent wave of executive orders targeting Big Law firms in the US. She was also behind the open letter circulated among associates at rival firms calling on their bosses to push back against the diktats.

Late on Friday, another Skadden lawyer - Brenna Trout Frey - publicly announced her resignation on LinkedIn and called on firm colleagues to take action.

She said: "The rule of law matters. As an attorney, if my employer cannot stand up for the rule of law, then I cannot ethically continue to work for them."