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Donald J. Trump made a headline-grabbing announcement on Truth Social, revealing a sweeping agreement with top law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. The deal includes $100 million in pro bono legal services, targeted support for conservative law fellows, and a firm commitment to reject what Trump calls “illegal DEI discrimination.”
The announcement outlines a multi-faceted legal partnership with wide-ranging social and political implications.
Highlights of the Agreement:
$100 Million in Pro Bono Work
Skadden will provide legal services to veterans, public servants, first responders, and causes focused on justice reform and antisemitism. All pro bono work will now be issued under the Skadden name, with a new oversight committee ensuring efforts remain politically balanced.
New Fellowships with Political Diversity
The Skadden Foundation will fund at least five fellowships per year for law graduates pursuing work in justice reform and antisemitism prevention. Uniquely, the agreement emphasizes a broad range of political views, explicitly including conservative ideals; marking a shift from the traditional progressive profile of public interest law fellowships.
Firm Stance Against DEI Preferences
In a direct challenge to diversity-focused hiring, the firm committed to merit-based hiring, promotion, and retention, and stated it will not participate in “illegal DEI discrimination.” Skadden will bring in outside counsel to review its employment practices for compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
Protection for Politically Marginalized Clients
Skadden agreed it will not deny representation to individuals or nonprofits based on political viewpoints, including clients who’ve historically been excluded from big firm support due to their conservative affiliations.
Statements from Trump and Skadden
In a statement, the White House credited Skadden with approaching the Trump Administration to show its “commitment to ending the weaponization of the justice system.” Trump declared the move part of his mission to restore “liberty and justice for all.”
Skadden Executive Partner Jeremy London said the agreement was the result of “constructive collaboration” with the Trump team and is in the “best interest of clients, the firm, and the public.”
Legal Industry Shaken
The deal is being viewed as a bold challenge to traditional law firm culture, where DEI initiatives and progressive causes have often dominated pro bono work. By emphasizing political diversity and cracking down on DEI hiring preferences, Trump and Skadden are sending a clear message: ideological balance in the legal world is now part of the agenda.
This could be a sign of more shifts to come in how the legal profession engages with politics, public service, and hiring practices.
