Other firms under scrutiny include Kirkland & Ellis<\/a>, Latham & Watkins<\/a>, Skadden, Ropes & Gray<\/a>, Sidley Austin<\/a>, and White & Case<\/a>. Many of the firms, while not commenting publicly, are reportedly consulting counsel and bracing for further escalation. <\/p>\n Meanwhile, the legal community is beginning to push back. Thousands of associates from across the affected firms have signed an open letter condemning what they describe as intimidation tactics from the administration. <\/p>\n \u201cThe Trump administration\u2019s message is loud, clear, and twofold,\u201d states an open letter coordinated by Skadden associate Rachel Cohen. \u201cFirst, firms that represent those who oppose the administration\u2019s agenda will be punished\u2026 Second, the administration will target more large law firms until the industry complies.\u201d <\/p>\n The letter continues: \u201cThey create a culture of fear and make our private-sector employers an extension of the Executive, subject to penalties unless the president approves of their clients and arguments.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
20 major outfits face probe <\/p>\n
A&O Shearman<\/a>, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer<\/a> and Hogan Lovells<\/a> are among those now facing probes by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), in what many are describing as coordinated political push to dismantle DEI initiatives across the profession. <\/p>\n It comes just days after Trump signed an executive order isolating law firms that the administration views as hostile to its interests, citing their DEI policies and historic representation of clients critical of the government. The move follows similar action against firms like Perkins Coie and Paul Weiss<\/a>. It stands accused of \u201cmanufacturing\u201d prosecutions against the former president. <\/p>\n \u201cGlobal law firms have for years played an outsized role in undermining the judicial process,\u201d the executive order reads. \u201cMy administration will no longer support taxpayer funds sponsoring such harm.\u201d <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.legalcheek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/TrumpPortrait_with_black_banners_800x400.jpg\")
The Trump administration has dramatically escalated its war on diversity in the legal profession, targeting 20 top US and international law firms, including some of the most recognisable names in London, over their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.<\/strong><\/p>\n