ADDRESSING REMEDIAL ACTION BY PAUL WEISS
This presidential action revokes Executive Order 14237, which addressed concerns regarding Paul Weiss LLP. The revocation follows Paul Weiss's commitment to significant policy revisions focused on promoting equality, justice, and national unity.
These changes include adopting political neutrality, expanding pro bono services, and shifting to merit-based hiring.
The action reflects the President's belief that the legal profession can play a more constructive role in society.
Arguments For
Intended benefit: Promotes positive change within the legal profession by incentivizing ethical conduct and commitment to justice.
Evidence cited: Paul Weiss LLP's agreement to policy changes, including political neutrality, pro bono work, merit-based hiring, and significant financial commitment to various causes.
Implementation methods: Revocation of a previous executive order, signaling a shift in approach based on the firm's commitments.
Legal/historical basis: The President's constitutional authority to issue executive orders and to revoke existing ones.
Arguments Against
Potential impacts: The revocation might be perceived as rewarding bad behavior and setting a precedent for overlooking past wrongdoing.
Implementation challenges: Ensuring that Paul Weiss fully implements its committed changes may prove difficult to monitor and enforce effectively.
Alternative approaches: Maintaining the original executive order with stricter enforcement mechanisms. Implementing sanctions if commitments are not met.
Unintended effects: Other law firms might not feel pressured to amend their practices if such quick reversals are possible.
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Background. On March 14, 2025, I signed Executive Order 14237 (Addressing Risks from Paul Weiss) to address certain issues related to Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (Paul Weiss). I noted that “[g]lobal law firms have for years played an outsized role in undermining the judicial process and in the destruction of bedrock American principles.” Paul Weiss is one of many law firms that have participated in this harmful activity.
Earlier this week, though, Paul Weiss indicated that it will engage in a remarkable change of course. Specifically, Paul Weiss has acknowledged the wrongdoing of its former partner Mark Pomerantz, and it has agreed to a number of policy changes to promote equality, justice, and the principles that keep our Nation strong, including: adopting a policy of political neutrality with respect to client selection and attorney hiring; taking on a wide range of pro bono matters representing the full political spectrum; committing to merit-based hiring, promotion, and retention, instead of “diversity, equity, and inclusion” policies; dedicating the equivalent of $40 million in pro bono legal services during my term in office to support causes including assisting our Nation’s veterans, fairness in the justice system, and combating anti-Semitism; and other similar initiatives.
This development should give Americans hope. If the legal profession dedicates a fraction of its energy to bringing justice to local communities, unleashing hard-working businesses, strengthening the American family, and unifying our Nation, all Americans will benefit.
This section provides the background for the presidential action.
It explains that Executive Order 14237, issued earlier, targeted Paul Weiss LLP for its role in undermining the judicial process.
However, Paul Weiss has since committed to significant reforms, including political neutrality, expanded pro bono work, merit-based hiring practices, and a substantial financial commitment to pro bono services.
The President views this change as positive and beneficial for the nation.
Sec. 2. Revocation. I hereby revoke Executive Order 14237 of March 14, 2025 (Addressing Risks from Paul Weiss).
This section outlines the core action of the presidential order: the revocation of Executive Order 14237, which specifically targeted Paul Weiss LLP.
Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
This section contains general provisions regarding the implementation and legal interpretation of the order.
It clarifies that the order does not affect existing legal authority of executive branches and agencies; that implementation is subject to existing law and available funding; and that the order does not create any new legal rights or benefits.