President Donald Trump announced plans to enlist major U.S. law firms to provide free legal support for his administration’s trade negotiations. Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House on April 10, 2025, Trump said several prestigious firms that had previously billed him millions in legal fees are now expected to contribute pro bono services.
Although Trump did not name any firms during his remarks, four major law firms have already agreed to offer hundreds of millions in free legal services to support administration-backed causes, such as veterans' initiatives. Among them, Paul Weiss pledged $40 million in pro bono legal work, while Skadden Arps, Milbank, and Willkie Farr each committed $100 million. These contributions were made without direct pressure, though Paul Weiss had been previously targeted by a Trump executive order.
The president has used executive orders to punish law firms representing his political adversaries or involved in legal challenges to his policies. The orders sought to block access to government buildings and cancel federal contracts linked to their clients. Three firms — Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, and Jenner & Block — have filed lawsuits against the orders, with courts temporarily blocking key provisions for likely violating constitutional rights.
Trump suggested that these pro bono efforts might be redirected to support trade negotiations, especially as over 75 countries recently reached out to negotiate trade deals following the administration's imposition—and partial pause—of reciprocal tariffs, excluding China.
While the targeted firms deny “weaponizing” the justice system, Trump has criticized their diversity policies, calling them biased against majority groups. He also speculated that he might need legal help post-presidency, saying, “Hopefully I won’t need that… Maybe I’ll need it.”
This development underscores Trump's strategy of leveraging private legal resources to support key policy goals while sidestepping potential political and legal obstacles.