March 20, 2025 - Can Paul, Weiss, et al., Move On?

On March 20, 2025 the long-time chair of Paul, Weiss law firm Brad Karp went about what was not unusual for this former trial lawyer. That is, have a very stressful several hours. 

Those consisted of a meeting in the oval office with US President Donald Trump. The objective was to lift the Executive Order which could have triggered a business collapse of the law firm. Through negotiating it was agreed that Paul, Weiss would perform $40 million of pro-bono work focused on what the administration determined was for the public good. 

The EO was lifted. Paul, Weiss was saved. Karp might have assumed this was yet another win of many wins for him.

Some of us with a business mindset also thought that way. This was a business transaction. It happens all the time.

Many others didn't and still don't size up the situation that way. Although the world is at the verge of exiting 2025 the story of EO negotiations with the administration continues to haunt not only Paul, Weiss but other firms such as Skadden.

For instance, on December 29th, 2025, The New York Times posted a podcast about associate Thomas Sipp who had left Skadden in protest of its negotiations about pro-bono work with the administration. Skadden has also been presented with an EO. 

And, today, the media is at it again. Incoming New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Steve Banks Corporation Counsel which oversees the City's 800 lawyers. That requires confirmation of the City Council.

Bloomberg Law posts that news by circling back to the time following March 20th:

"Paul Weiss’ ex-pro bono chief Steve Banks, who left after the firm’s deal with President Donald Trump, will lead the New York City Law Department, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani said, putting a longtime liberal advocate in the city government’s top legal position."

If the story had moved forward, which obviously it hadn't at least not with Bloomberg Law, it could have included interviews with those in the know about how a broad variety of players could build relationships with Banks. Paul, Weiss, along with Skadden, could have been among them. The focus could have been shifting power in the City's legal sector. Who could wind up in and who out.

Likely, tabloids such as Abovethelaw could piggyback this short week slow for news on the Bloomberg Law's angle. That's easy. 

Also, it's what's accelerating decline in trust of media as well as social, podcasting, TikTok and influencers. To gain perspective we're going underground to talk with the critical thinkers we have gathered for our private networks. That extends to the advice I provide my coaching clients: Don't believe what you read. Reach out to those who are actually in the game. Ask them, off the record.

As a talented bridge-builder Karp might be able to create a mutually beneficial relationship with the next New York City Corporation Counsel. 

Success is a mental game. Failure comes from being done in by the “committee” in your head.

Together, we reprogram your thinking. Then we change your story. And, unleash success.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, becoming a solopreneur and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.

Don’t give up before the miracle.



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