Paul Weiss becomes first law firm to capitulate with $40M settlement

Paul Weiss, facing what its chair called an “existential threat” that could “destroy our firm,” became the first prestigious law firm to settle for $40 million after losing business “within hours” of being targeted by Trump’s intimidation campaign.

Correction, 2026-10-26: the $40 million is a pledge of services, not a payment. The order that records the deal, Executive Order 14244 of March 21, 2025, describes the firm as “dedicating the equivalent of $40 million in pro bono legal services during my term in office” and revokes Executive Order 14237 of March 14, 2025. The Newsweek link above carries a February 2025 date and cannot be the source of a March deal; the order text is the primary document. See cascade-research note settlements-ledger-trump-library-platforms-law-firms-universities-2026-10-26.