This episode explores the ethical and practical implications of large law firms' responses to political pressure, specifically focusing on the Trump administration's actions against Perkins Coie and subsequent targeting of other firms. Against this backdrop, Rachel Cohen, a Harvard and Ohio State educated attorney, recounts her experience at Skadden Arps, detailing her internal efforts to encourage a collective response to the administration's actions and her subsequent resignation in protest. More significantly, the interview delves into the firms' decisions to appease the administration, highlighting the financial incentives involved and the potential long-term risks of such appeasement. For instance, Cohen cites the deals made by Paul Weiss and Skadden Arps, involving substantial pro bono work and internal investigations into diversity initiatives, as examples of capitulation. The discussion pivots to the broader question of whether law firms have a legal or moral obligation to act as a check on governmental overreach, with Cohen arguing that the oath sworn by attorneys creates such a responsibility. In contrast, the interview also examines the challenges of fostering collective action among high-earning, risk-averse professionals within the legal industry. Ultimately, the episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of individual principles and the potential consequences of prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term ethical considerations, particularly in the context of a potentially authoritarian government.
