Paul Weiss seeks better relations with Trump administration

A prominent New York law firm, Paul Weiss, is facing pressure from the Trump administration. Brad Karp, the firm's chairman, has been in Washington this week to meet with officials close to President Trump. This follows an executive order from the White House that revoked the security clearances of lawyers at Paul Weiss. The executive order is part of Trump's response to alleged antisemitism linked to campus protests last year. Trump has specifically called out Columbia University, threatening to cut its federal funding unless it takes action against certain academic leaders. Paul Weiss is being criticized for its work with clients involved in the January 6 Capitol riot and for diversity practices that the White House views as discriminatory. Paul Weiss, historically aligned with the Democratic Party, is now looking for ways to mend its relationship with the Trump administration. The exact details of Karp's discussions are not clear, but they may position the firm as a mediator in ongoing debates about political expressions on college campuses. A representative from Paul Weiss declined to comment on the situation. The fallout from Trump's recent actions is affecting other law firms with ties to Democratic interests, including Covington & Burling and Perkins Coie, which have also had their security clearances suspended. Additionally, about 20 other firms received a letter seeking information on their diversity and inclusion policies. A federal judge recently halted certain aspects of Trump's order that targeted Perkins Coie, calling it an unconstitutional use of government resources.