Context:

In response to President Trump's re-election and his subsequent executive orders, many large law firms have become wary of engaging in pro bono immigration cases, fearing repercussions. This shift marks a significant change from Trump's first term, where firms frequently challenged his policies. Notably, Gibson Dunn initially took on a pro bono immigration case but withdrew due to concerns over potential backlash from the administration. Public interest groups, traditionally reliant on these firms for legal support, are now seeking new partners to fill the gap left by the retreating firms. Meanwhile, Trump has leveraged executive orders to pressure firms into supporting causes aligned with his administration, further complicating the legal landscape for advocates of immigrant rights.

Dive Deeper:

• President Trump's administration has created a chilling effect on law firms by targeting those who engage in pro bono work that challenges his policies, leading them to shy away from immigration cases.

• Gibson Dunn, a prominent law firm, initially collaborated with public interest groups to contest Trump's immigration policies but later retracted its involvement to avoid potential backlash from the administration.

• The shift in law firms' willingness to engage in pro bono immigration cases is stark compared to Trump's first term, when many firms actively opposed his policies, indicating a significant change in the legal landscape.

• Public interest groups, such as the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, have historically relied on large law firms for free legal support, but now face challenges in finding partners due to the firms' withdrawal from controversial cases.

• In response to the increasing demand for advocacy and legal support, smaller firms and new legal groups are stepping in to fill the void left by large firms, with organizations like Democracy Forward actively hiring staff to challenge the administration's policies.

• Trump's executive orders not only discourage firms from opposing his agenda but also compel them to engage in pro bono work supporting his administration's favored causes, such as veterans affairs and defending police officers.

• Despite the pressure from executive orders, public interest groups remain hopeful that large law firms will re-engage in pro bono immigration work once the political climate changes.