Another large law firm has reached an agreement with the Trump administration about the types of free legal services that lawyers can provide to avoid executive orders that could undermine their business.
President Donald J. Trump has announced that in truth, Milbank has agreed to provide $100 million to Pro Bono's legal services to spark support for his administration and law firms, including helping veterans, active members of the military, and those who are victims of inequality in the criminal justice system.
The law firm also agreed to use a merit-based system and not engage in “illegal DEI discrimination.” He also promised not to deny representatives to clients because of his or her political views.
The Trump administration focuses on businesses that hired lawyers involved in investigating Trump and his previous administration, or those that hired lawyers who were critical of the president.
Milbank recently hired Trump's frequent critic Neil Catial, who was the representative attorney general during the Obama administration, as an attorney for the Washington office.
The settlement comes to the healing of similar deals Trump has announced with two other large law firms: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Willkie Farr & Gallagher. Many large law firms have rushed to attack deals with the administration after Trump signed executive orders against three companies that undermine his ability to represent clients in government contracts or other government businesses.
Three companies are fighting the administration in court, and federal judges are temporarily blocking orders against them. But the big ones, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, chose to settle the matter after being hit by an executive order on March 14th. The company's settlement has been thoroughly criticized by law professors and others in the law industry. Critics said the company's decision involves only Trump in order to chase more companies he thinks have helped him with political enemies and the cause of his rejection.
In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said Milbank supported his initiative to end the “weaponization” of the legal system and avoid partisan lawsuits. The president's post includes a statement from Milbank Chairman Scott Edelman, who said he was pleased that the company was able to “find a common foundation” with Trump.
Edelman did not immediately return a request for comment.
Earlier Wednesday, New York City bar issued a strong statement of support for the lawsuit against the Trump administration. The nation's oldest lawyers association has upheld the lawsuit filed by Wilmer Hale and Jenner & Bullock, saying it has confirmed the rights of lawyers to represent the person they wish to.
Perkins Coie was the first law firm to sues the Trump administration over an executive order restricting access to the federal government.
