In a bold move during a recent cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump revealed plans to seek pro bono legal services from top U.S. law firms to assist with his administration’s trade efforts. While the firms in question remain unnamed, Trump emphasized that his strategy could tap into the legal expertise of high-profile firms that have already provided free legal assistance to the government.
“I think we’re going to try to use these very prestigious firms to help us out with the trade,” Trump stated, referring to firms that have previously donated millions in legal services to support causes like veterans’ rights. The president’s comments come after a series of controversial executive orders targeting firms that have represented his political opponents or challenged his policies.
Four firms have already struck deals with the Trump administration, agreeing to contribute hundreds of millions of dollars worth of legal support for initiatives the president backs. These arrangements have sparked tension, especially as Trump has used executive powers to limit access to government buildings for lawyers from firms he perceives as adversarial. This includes companies like Paul Weiss, which agreed to provide $40 million in free legal work after being targeted by one such order.
Meanwhile, other major law firms like Skadden Arps and Milbank have also pledged to offer $100 million worth of pro bono services, though they have not faced the same executive scrutiny. The question remains whether these firms will align their efforts with Trump’s push for trade negotiations.
Despite this legal support, several law firms, including Perkins Coie and WilmerHale, are actively challenging the executive orders in court, with temporary rulings blocking key provisions that allegedly infringe on constitutional rights.
As Trump continues to navigate the complex landscape of U.S. trade deals, he mused about future legal assistance, stating, “Hopefully I won’t need that… after we leave. Maybe I’ll need it.”
