By putting business ahead of the rule of law when faced with assaults on their independence, many large US law firms have tarnished their reputations. Tomorrow's lawyers could make them pay the price.
Great post, Jordan. At this moment, the conflict between the practice/rule of law and the business of law has taken center stage. Hopefully, we, as an industry ecosystem, will take a deeper look at this.
As usual, insightful, articulate, and spot on. We are watching Big Law live its values right out loud. The damage of the decisions being made (which are not nearly as altruistic or lofty as some would try to sell us) will be evident at some point. For now, those associates are living THEIR values and it’s beautiful.
Thank you for writing this. There is so much that is interesting in here, but the one that stands out for me is the connection between the hierarchy you lay out and the likelihood of speaking out in a moment like this (the further down on the list, the more likely speaking out?) It’s another reason why I am so inspired by the former Skadden associates who spoke up and left.
Jordan, you are spot on today. It's sad that we must remind some colleagues of first principles. However, we must not shy away from it. As you and other thought leaders have said in other ways and fora, our profession needs a values recalibration. And that intergenerational change occurs every day, and by definition, to an increasing degree. The law firm leaders making these policy and business selection decisions are of two generations that are already the minority within these workforces and society generally.
Note in particular: "There was a time when I sincerely believed that this place was committed to its true pro bono causes and diversity initiatives, even though these things may not always be lucrative, because it believed these things will make the world, and this firm, a better place. Having held itself out as a champion for these values, for the firm to turn it back on them so suddenly and so easily was shameful. I am embarrassed to work here."
Older lawyers, you might have become inured to the glib insincerity of law firms' "value statements" and recruitment PR, and you might consider yourself too worldly and sophisticated to "believe all that stuff." I'm here to tell you: The young lawyers you recruit to your firm believe it with all their hearts. And if you let them down, they will not forgive you.
I am disheartened by the capitulation of these big law firms. As you stated they showed what they value, and who they really are. I know I took my ethical vow as an attorney seriously, and I am saddened that many big law firms have not done the same. So much good could have been done with the time and resources now set on a course of their own making - on a path set on dismantling the very system that made them rich, and our nation great. For that I am appalled, and I whole-heartedly dissent.
Great post, Jordan. At this moment, the conflict between the practice/rule of law and the business of law has taken center stage. Hopefully, we, as an industry ecosystem, will take a deeper look at this.
As usual, insightful, articulate, and spot on. We are watching Big Law live its values right out loud. The damage of the decisions being made (which are not nearly as altruistic or lofty as some would try to sell us) will be evident at some point. For now, those associates are living THEIR values and it’s beautiful.
Thank you for writing this. There is so much that is interesting in here, but the one that stands out for me is the connection between the hierarchy you lay out and the likelihood of speaking out in a moment like this (the further down on the list, the more likely speaking out?) It’s another reason why I am so inspired by the former Skadden associates who spoke up and left.
This is so timely and very relevant to something that I am writing this morning. I will find a spot to link to this.
Jordan, you are spot on today. It's sad that we must remind some colleagues of first principles. However, we must not shy away from it. As you and other thought leaders have said in other ways and fora, our profession needs a values recalibration. And that intergenerational change occurs every day, and by definition, to an increasing degree. The law firm leaders making these policy and business selection decisions are of two generations that are already the minority within these workforces and society generally.
Addendum: Shortly after I published this article came word that a third Skadden associate, Thomas Sipp (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-sipp-0b3687138/), also resigned from the firm because of its surrender to Trump. Here's a link to excerpts from his resignation letter: https://bsky.app/profile/annabower.bsky.social/post/3llrazk2ol222
Note in particular: "There was a time when I sincerely believed that this place was committed to its true pro bono causes and diversity initiatives, even though these things may not always be lucrative, because it believed these things will make the world, and this firm, a better place. Having held itself out as a champion for these values, for the firm to turn it back on them so suddenly and so easily was shameful. I am embarrassed to work here."
Older lawyers, you might have become inured to the glib insincerity of law firms' "value statements" and recruitment PR, and you might consider yourself too worldly and sophisticated to "believe all that stuff." I'm here to tell you: The young lawyers you recruit to your firm believe it with all their hearts. And if you let them down, they will not forgive you.
I am disheartened by the capitulation of these big law firms. As you stated they showed what they value, and who they really are. I know I took my ethical vow as an attorney seriously, and I am saddened that many big law firms have not done the same. So much good could have been done with the time and resources now set on a course of their own making - on a path set on dismantling the very system that made them rich, and our nation great. For that I am appalled, and I whole-heartedly dissent.
Since you focus on the rule of law, please refer us to your writings about VDARE.com's hyper-abuse by New York AG Letitia James.
Excellent, and spot on post. I am ashamed of Big Law.