By Erin Harrison, Chief Client Officer and co-founder of LIMELIGHT
Published in The American Lawyer, April 4, 2025
Amid increasing political pressure from the Trump Administration, several major U.S. law firms are altering their business strategies—pledging pro bono services to Trump-aligned causes and pulling back from DEI initiatives—to protect client relationships and government contracts. This has sparked concern across the legal industry, especially for firms with progressive values now facing backlash or being targeted by political opponents. The divide is clear: while some firms are aligning with political forces to safeguard their bottom line, others are standing their ground and challenging these tactics in court.
This politically charged environment forces firms to rethink how they position themselves publicly. Branding, client retention, and business development now require a careful balance between political alignment and professional values. Conservative-leaning firms may gain clients but risk alienating progressive ones, while those holding fast to DEI and social justice principles may lose out on politically sensitive work. Strategic, values-driven marketing has become essential to navigating this high-stakes landscape.
At the same time, talent retention has emerged as a critical issue. Associates and partners—especially those from diverse backgrounds—are watching closely to see how firms handle these tensions. To attract and keep top talent, law firms must be clear about their values and create space for internal advocacy and inclusion. The firms that adapt their strategies to meet the evolving expectations of both clients and employees, without compromising their integrity, will be best positioned for sustained growth in this complex political climate.
Click here read the full article published in The American Lawyer.