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First Thing We Do, Let’s [intimidate] All the Lawyers


Author: OCR April 4, 2025 Duration: 26:51
Podcast episode
First Thing We Do, Let’s [intimidate] All the Lawyers
Communication Breakdown

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In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the legal profession. Some of the law firms discussed include Paul Weiss​, Skadden Arps​. Wilkie Farr​, Milbank​, Perkins Coie​, WilmerHale​, Jenner & Block​, and Covington & Burling​. They explore how law firms are responding to executive orders targeting their practices and the implications for corporate reputation. The conversation highlights the importance of effective communication strategies, the need for alignment between legal and communications teams, and the reputational risks associated with legal decisions in a politically charged environment.


Takeaways
  • Trump's attacks on law firms are seen as a strategy to undermine the legal profession.
  • Some law firms have capitulated to Trump's demands, while others have chosen to resist.
  • The response patterns of law firms mirror those of companies backpedaling on diversity initiatives.
  • Law firms must navigate the complexities of legal and public narratives.
  • The divide in the legal community may impact future responses to political pressures.
Topics Mentioned
Trump, law firms, legal profession, communication strategies, reputational risk, executive orders, legal alignment, corporate reputation, public relations, legal communications

Companies Mentioned
Royal Shakespeare Company​, Paul Weiss​, Skadden Arps​. Wilkie Farr​, Milbank​, Perkins Coie​, WilmerHale​, Jenner & Block​, Covington & Burling​, Disney, Harvard

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Legal Landscape
01:30 Trump's Legal Campaign Against Law Firms
05:18 Responses from Law Firms: Capitulation vs. Resistance
10:04 Effective Communication Strategies in Legal Contexts
15:21 The Role of Legal and Communications Alignment
20:41 Navigating Reputational Risks in Legal Decisions25:34 Conclusion and Future Implications


#RoyalShakespeareCompany​ #PaulWeiss​ #SkaddenArps​ #WilkieFarr​ #Milbank​ #PerkinsCoie​ #WilmerHale​ #Jenner&Block​ #Covington&Burling​ #Trump #Tariff #LegalNews #Disney #Harvard #DEI



Communication Breakdown is a production of the Observatory on Corporate Reputation.
Hosted by Craig Carroll and Steve Dowling.
Produced by Shawn P Neal and the team at AdvoCast.

For questions, feedback, or episode suggestions, reach out at podcast@ocrnetwork.com

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