A group of four prominent litigation partners, including well-known litigator Karen Dunn, have departed the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison to establish their own independent practice. This move follows the firm's recent agreement to provide $40 million worth of free legal services to the Trump administration, an arrangement made to avert a punitive executive order targeting Paul, Weiss. The departing partners are reportedly prepared to engage in litigation against the Trump administration, with some having documented ties to Democratic officials and political causes.
The exodus of Karen Dunn, Bill Isaacson, Jessica Phillips, and Jeannie Rhee signals a significant internal shift at the established firm. Their departures occurred in late May 2025, with reports surfacing around May 23rd, 2025. Since their initial exit, additional attorneys have reportedly followed them to their new venture.
Read More: Judge Tosses Laura Loomer's Defamation Case Against Bill Maher
The circumstances surrounding the departures are closely linked to Paul, Weiss's deal with the White House. This agreement, reached to avoid a specific executive order aimed at the firm, has seemingly created a division within its ranks. The departing team's stated readiness to challenge the Trump administration in legal battles stands in stark contrast to the firm's decision to cooperate with the administration.
The departing partners were considered significant assets to Paul, Weiss. Karen Dunn, for instance, co-chaired the firm's litigation department and had a notable track record representing high-profile clients such as Apple and Google. Both Isaacson and Phillips also held substantial roles as litigators within the firm. The group had also been recognized for their work on high-profile pro bono matters.
The formation of the new law firm by Dunn and her colleagues may presage a new strategic direction in high-stakes litigation. Their apparent intention to focus on matters involving the Trump administration suggests a deliberate positioning to handle cases that the Paul, Weiss firm may now navigate differently due to its recent agreement. Some reports hint at criticisms of Paul, Weiss's diversity, equity, and inclusion policies potentially playing a role, though the direct link to the partners' departures remains unclear.
Read More: WBD Shareholders Approve Paramount Deal, Changes Coming to Entertainment
