Doug Emhoff's law firm makes concessions to appease Trump

President Trump announced a deal with law firm Willie Farr & Gallagher LLP, the firm that employs former second gentleman Doug Emhoff, for at least $100 million in pro bono work to help veterans and those affiliated with the military.

The law firm also agreed to end hiring practices based on diversity, equity and inclusion, along with doing the pro bono work for the entirety of the Trump administration and beyond.

The pro bono work will be done to assist veterans and other public servants like military members, Gold Star families, law enforcement and first responders, Mr. Trump said on social media.

“Willkie’s pro bono Committee will ensure that new pro bono matters are consistent with these objectives, and that pro bono activities represent the full political spectrum, including Conservative ideals,” the president said.

He also said the firm will “engage independent outside counsel” to help the firm make sure its hiring practices comply with the law.

The law firm “affirms it will not deny representation to clients, such as members of politically disenfranchised groups and Government Officials, employees, and advisors, who have not historically received Legal representation from major National Law firms” because of the lawyers’ political views, Mr. Trump said.

It is the third deal made between the White House and a law firm to avoid punitive action from Mr. Trump for their involvement in cases targeting Mr. Trump. The other firms included Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.

Mr. Trump signed executive orders to strip the security clearances of attorneys at several D.C. law firms and bar the firms from federal contracts and buildings.

Thomas Cerabino, the chairman of Willie Farr & Gallagher, said the firm struck an agreement with the Trump administration on “matters of great importance to our firm.” “The substance of that agreement is consistent with our Firm’s views on access to legal representation by clients including pro bono clients,” he said in comments quoted on social media.

According to an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press, the deal came just days after the law firm learned that the White House was planning to issue an executive order against the firm.

Willkie represented two Georgia election workers in a defamation lawsuit against former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani over his alleged interference in the 2020 election.

“In making this difficult decision, we concluded, after due consideration of the implications of each possible course of action, that accepting the Administration’s final proposal was the path that best serves our clients’ needs and protects the Firm’s various stakeholders, avoiding potentially grave consequences,” the firm said in the internal memo.

The White House said in a statement the law firm made the changes without being pressured by the president.

“Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP proactively reached out to President Trump and his Administration, offering their decisive commitment to ending the Weaponization of the Justice System and the Legal Profession,” it said. “The President is delivering on his promises of eradicating Partisan Lawfare in America, and restoring Liberty and Justice FOR ALL.”