A major law firm that just struck a deal with Donald Trump is now facing serious internal backlash.
More than 500 lawyers and staff at Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP signed a letter protesting the firm’s decision to provide free legal help to Trump’s administration. In return, the firm would reportedly get to keep its security clearances.
The staffers didn’t hold back in the letter. They warned that taking the deal would hurt the firm’s image, damage client relationships, and make it harder to keep or attract talent. They also said it could erode trust in the rule of law.
According to The Bulwark Sam Stein, this protest letter is basically an internal rebellion. It shows just how frustrated mid- and lower-level employees are many feel like these kinds of deals only encourage the Trump team to keep pressuring the legal world.
Bottom line: tensions are high, and this firm is caught in the crossfire between politics and principle.
