Paul, Weiss Chair Brad Karp's Big Defense Win: The Mau-Mauers Lost

Hamlet-like, in 2022, long-time chair of elite law firm Paul, Weiss Brad Karp reflected in public if he would retire. That is, not put himself up for a vote by partners to be "re-elected" for leadership. That "soliloquy" appeared prominently in Bloomberg Law and BusinessInsider.  

But, obviously Karp decided to have another go at the chairperson job and the partners agreed with that. Quickly, though, things unraveled, in unexpected ways.

In January 2025, he had a major heart attack. 

In March 2025, the newly installed Trump administration declared war on a number of elite law firms. That took the form of Executive Orders, which when implemented, could destroy the business of those law firms. For instance, their lawyers would not be allowed in federal buildings. Guess where federal courts operate ...

Insiders spilled the beans about the fierce debating within Paul, Weiss whether to file lawsuits in response to the EO or attempt to negotiate a deal with the administration to lift the Order. The partners supporting the latter won out. Karp hopped a private jet and within three hours in the Oval Office made a deal. That included providing $40 million of pro bono work which the administration considered in the public interest.

From the get-go, Karp, a former trial lawyer, positioned a defense of that choice. It was a business necessity. As soon as news of the EO was out, competitors circled what seemed to be a doomed firm, trying to poach star partners. The most famous Karp defense document managed to be leaked - strategically or with ill intent, we'll probably never know - to the Substack newsletter "Original Jurisdiction." Here you can read it.

At the time, there was criticism of it in many circles.  it. Later, many were also were critical of Karp's keynote speech at New York Bar Foundation gala detailing the firm's pro bono work. Yes, all quite defensive. That was the objective. A defense.

The defense has been a win. 

Karp has held on to his job. Despite the negative publicity, he hasn't been forced out.  Also, the business not only held up but thrived. As one of his major critics - Above the Law - concedes:

"When it all shakes out, the firms [which cut deals such as Paul, Weiss] will likely end the year no worse for the ordeal."

So far, they haven't. As of Q3 Paul, Weiss had record revenue and profit per equity partner.

In the key ways that count, the way Karp defended the dealmaking was a big win. Because it is it signaled some current realities.

At the top of the list, the kind of protesting which emerged during the late 1960s counterculture - mau-mauing - has reached the point of diminishing returns. It still gets attention. It still probably is lots of fun. But it no longer generates change as it had. 

Secondly, in high-stakes legal matters clients are one-dimensional. They want representation by stars with a track record for extreme success in that category. If those stars are at Paul, Weiss, they're the ones hired. That's exactly why so much lateral partner activity is going on throughout Big Law. Clients demand proven-out star power. That's what matters. Not ideology. 

Third, what public relations is about is losing its influence and power. Its reach was at one time absolute. Or, at least treated as such and business felt compelled to keep top agencies on retainer. Those glory days are over. Even the bible of the industry - O'Dwyer's Public Relations - admits that. The business of business, as manifested in the current manpower policies, overrides those once held sacred perception concerns.

In my intuitive coaching I guide the understanding of the new realities. There really has been a paradigm shift, both on the institutional and individual levels. 

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.