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Four more law firms cut DEI deal with Trump

Four more law firms, including one based in Britain, have made deals to provide pro bono services to the Trump administration, in return for regulators dropping investigations into their diversity practices.

Kirkland & Ellis, A&O Shearman, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, and Latham & Watkins have each committed to providing $125 million in free legal services, US President Trump announced on his Truth Social account over the weekend.

Equality practices

The firms are among the 20 who were told last month that they were being investigated by the federal government’s US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in respect of their equality practices.

President Trump said that, in return for the pro bono pledges, the commission would withdraw any further claims related to diversity issues.

He said: “The law firms affirm their commitment to merit-based hiring, promotion, and retention. Accordingly, the law firms will not engage in illegal DEI discrimination and preferences. 

“The law firms affirm that it is their policy to give fair and equal consideration to job candidates, irrespective of their political beliefs, including candidates who have served in the Trump administration, and any other Republican or Democrat administration.”

In a statement, the firms said: “We have resolved this matter while upholding long-held principles important to each of our firms: equal employment opportunity; providing pro bono assistance to a wide range of underserved populations, and ensuring fairness in the justice system; and representing a broad spectrum of clients on various matters.

“We look forward to a continued constructive and productive relationship with President Trump and his team.”

The US government has now secured more than $900m in pro bono pledges from law firms threatened with either executive orders or investigations from the equal opportunity commission, the England and Wales Gazette reports.

All four have a presence in Britain as well as the US.

A&O Shearman, formed through a 2023 merger between magic circle firm Allen & Overy and Shearman and Sterling, is the first firm with roots in Britain to make an agreement with Trump.

It was also reported today that another prestigious firm, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, has also made a deal with the president, pledging $100m.