Milbank LLP, a prominent law firm, has settled with the Trump administration, agreeing to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services. This includes assisting veterans, military personnel, and victims of criminal justice inequities. The agreement also mandates a merit-based system for representation and prohibits discrimination based on political beliefs.
The Trump administration targeted firms employing lawyers involved in investigations of Trump or those who had criticized him. Milbank's recent hiring of Neal Katyal, a frequent Trump critic, likely prompted this action. This follows similar settlements reached with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
Other firms, such as Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, also settled, while Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, and WilmerHale are challenging the executive orders in court. The New York City Bar Association publicly supported the lawsuits against the Trump administration.
Critics argue that the settlements embolden Trump to target firms perceived as aiding his political opponents. The settlement with Paul, Weiss faced significant criticism from law professors and the legal community.
Milbank's chairman, Scott Edelman, stated the firm was pleased to find common ground with the Trump administration, although he did not respond to requests for further comment.