Top lawyers leaving Paul Weiss months after firm struck deal with Trump

Four prominent lawyers, including Karen Dunn and Jeannie Rhee, are departing the prestigious law firm Paul Weiss to establish their own practice. This significant exodus occurs just months after Paul Weiss finalized an agreement with President Donald Trump. The departing attorneys, known for their high-profile litigation work, include Dunn, who has assisted Democratic presidential candidates with debate preparation, and Rhee, who represented Hillary Clinton and was part of Robert Mueller's investigation. Jessica Phillips and William Isaacson, also recognized for their legal prowess, are part of the group leaving. The departure follows Paul Weiss's deal with Trump in mid-March, which averted the firm's potential loss of government contracts and access to federal buildings. This agreement led Trump to rescind an executive order that had threatened the firm over its alleged partisan activities and DEI initiatives. As part of the deal, Paul Weiss committed to representing a diverse clientele, adopting merit-based hiring over DEI practices, and providing $40 million in pro bono services during Trump's potential second term. Paul Weiss is among several law firms that have negotiated similar agreements with the Trump administration to avoid adverse actions, though some firms, like Jenner & Block, have successfully challenged such executive orders.