ISTANBUL

The head of the law firm Paul Weiss justified his choice to strike a deal with US President Donald Trump, saying the firm faced an existential threat from a presidential executive order.

Trump had signed an order targeting Paul Weiss, whose former partner, Mike Pomerantz, was involved in the Manhattan District Attorney’s hush money case against the former president.

“Only several days ago, our firm faced an existential crisis,” Brad Karp, chair of Paul Weiss, said in a note to colleagues.

“The executive order could easily have destroyed our firm. It brought the full weight of the government down on our firm, our people, and our clients,” he added.

Karp stated that without the deal, it was "very likely" the firm could not have survived a prolonged conflict with the White House.

Although the firm initially planned to challenge the executive order in court, he said it ultimately chose to negotiate with Trump after determining the directive could drive away current and potential clients.

He also criticized rival law firms, claiming some saw the situation as an opportunity to poach Paul Weiss clients.

Karp, a prominent supporter and fundraiser for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, said his decision to negotiate was partly based on his responsibility to protect the firm’s employees.

Paul Weiss is one of the largest law firms in the US, employing more than 1,000 lawyers.

Under the agreement with Trump, the firm pledged to represent clients of all political affiliations and contribute $40 million in pro bono legal services to causes supported by Trump, including the “President’s Task Force to Combat Antisemitism.”

It also agreed to ensure that its hiring practices do not use diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) criteria.

Trump and his allies had previously accused Paul Weiss and other major law firms of misconduct, including refusing to represent conservative clients.