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Law Firms and Trump: A Tangled Web of Resignations and Protests

Law Firms and Trump: A Tangled Web of Resignations and Protests

In a series of unfolding events, the relationship between former President Donald Trump and major U.S. law firms has taken a dramatic turn. Thomas Sipp, a prominent lawyer at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, resigned amid controversy over his involvement in Trump-related legal matters. This move has sparked a broader discussion about the ethical responsibilities of attorneys in politically charged cases.

Simultaneously, law firms across the country are grappling with internal protests and resignations in response to Trump's executive orders. Perkins Coie, a firm known for its progressive stance, has seen significant internal dissent, with many attorneys refusing to work on cases linked to Trump's policies. This unrest is not isolated; other firms like Covington & Burling and WilmerHale are also facing similar challenges.

The situation has escalated to the point where law schools are now debating the role of their graduates in such contentious legal battles. The tension between professional duty and personal ethics is at the forefront of these discussions, with many young lawyers choosing to protest rather than participate in what they view as morally questionable legal work.

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Are executive orders law?

An EO is a declaration by the president which has the force of law, usually based on existing statutory powers, and requiring no action by the Congress. They are numbered consecutively, so executive orders may be referenced by their assigned number, or their topic.

What did Donald Trump do?

During his first term, Trump imposed a travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries, expanded the U.S.–Mexico border wall, and enforced a family separation policy. He rolled back environmental and business regulations, signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and appointed three Supreme Court justices.

What is anti-Trump?

The Never Trump movement (also called the #nevertrump, Stop Trump, anti-Trump, or Dump Trump movement) is a conservative political movement that opposes Trumpism and U.S. president Donald Trump, and in general supports a return to a more rules-based internationalist, norm-following, ideologically conservative-oriented ...

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