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From The Hill: President Trump on Friday announced a deal with the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom to provide at least $100 million in pro bono legal services “during the Trump administration and beyond.”
The agreement comes as Trump has signed executive orders targeting Big Law firms tied to his critics and perceived political enemies, restricting the work they can do with the federal government.
The president has not signed an order aimed at Skadden, though the administration has signaled that additional law firms could come under fire. The New York Times reported Thursday that Skadden appeared to be the first major firm seeking to cut a deal with Trump before he issued such an order.
President Trump announced the deal in a Truth Social post Friday morning, as follows:
Today, President Donald J. Trump and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP announce the following agreement regarding a series of actions to be taken by Skadden:
1. Skadden will provide a total of at least $100 Million Dollars in pro bono Legal Services, during the Trump Administration and beyond, to causes that the President and Skadden both support, in relation to the following areas: Assisting Veterans and other Public Servants, including members of the Military, Law Enforcement, First Responders, and Federal, State, and Local Government Officials; ensuring fairness in our Justice System; and combatting Antisemitism. Skadden will change its pro bono policy so that all pro bono moving forward will be done in the Firm name. A pro bono Committee will be constituted to ensure that pro bono matters are consistent with the objectives of the program, and that pro bono activities represent the full political spectrum.
2. The Skadden Foundation will commit to the mission of providing pro bono Legal Services to a wide variety of deserving organizations and individuals. Skadden is committed to funding no fewer than five Skadden Fellows each year dedicated to the following projects: Assisting Veterans; ensuring fairness in our Justice System; combatting Antisemitism, and other similar types of projects. Law Graduates that receive Skadden Fellowships will represent a wide range of political views, including conservative ideals.
3. Skadden affirms its commitment to merit-based hiring, promotion, and retention. Accordingly, the Firm will not engage in illegal DEI discrimination and preferences. Skadden will engage independent outside counsel to advise the Firm to ensure employment practices are fully compliant with Law, including, but not limited to, anti-discrimination Laws.
4. Skadden will not deny representation to clients, such as members of politically disenfranchised groups, who have not historically received legal representation from major National Law Firms, including in pro bono matters, and in support of non-profits, because of the personal political views of individual lawyers.
Statement From the White House: “Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP approached President Trump and his Administration, and declared the Firm’s strong commitment to ending the Weaponization of the Justice System and the Legal Profession. The President will never stop fighting to deliver on his promises of eradicating partisan Lawfare in America, and restoring Liberty & Justice for ALL.”
Statement From Skadden Executive Partner, Jeremy London: “Skadden is pleased to have achieved a successful agreement with President Trump and his Administration. We engaged proactively with the President and his team in working together constructively to reach this agreement. The Firm looks forward to continuing our productive relationship with President Trump and his Admin. We firmly believe that this outcome is in the best interests of our clients, our people, and our Firm.”
LAW FIRM AGREES TO “ESSENTIALLY A SETTLEMENT” WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP TO AVOID EO
Skadden who is accused of ballot fraud, @POTUS announces “we appreciate Skadden coming to the table…it’s a shame, but we appreciate them coming to the table.” pic.twitter.com/jDZ52qJ5RB— Real America’s Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) March 28, 2025
Last week, conservative filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza announced, “Skadden Arps is the firm engaged in systematic lawfare against “2000 Mules.” They have a army of 17 attorneys working pro-bono against me. I have 2 lawyers. The Left’s game is to ruin us through protracted, costly litigation.”
“Skadden, this needs to stop now,” Elon Musk declared.
Skadden, this needs to stop now https://t.co/CoQe5Bc10P
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 23, 2025
Skadden, one of the largest law firms in the world, reached out to the White House to negotiate a deal without having first been targeted via executive order. Sharp contrast to the lawsuits filed earlier today by Jenner & Block and WilmerHale. https://t.co/Z7sNelyaKx
— Daniel Barnes (@dnlbrns) March 28, 2025
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