Full Breakdown
Trump-Connected Lawyers Find Favor in Big Law Firms During Second Term
12/30/2025, 10:53:38 PM
Shift in Legal Employment Landscape
The legal employment landscape for lawyers connected to President Donald Trump has shifted significantly in his second term. Unlike the challenges faced by Trump-affiliated lawyers after his first term, major law firms are now actively recruiting these individuals. Notably, firms such as Kirkland & Ellis and Simpson Thacher have engaged Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm previously associated with Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi, amidst the president's renewed focus on Big Law.
Key Figures in Trump's Legal Network
Several prominent lawyers with ties to Trump have recently secured positions in major law firms:
Evan Corcoran
Evan Corcoran, a former Trump attorney, joined Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to advise clients, including Yale and Tulane universities, on navigating the president's regulatory changes. Corcoran has represented Trump in significant legal matters, including two federal indictments related to classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. However, he left Brownstein to establish his own firm after a brief tenure.
Paul Ray
Paul Ray, who played a crucial role in Trump’s deregulation efforts, joined Covington & Burling in May. Previously, he served as the administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, where he was responsible for reviewing federal regulations. His expertise is expected to benefit clients navigating current regulatory policies.
Marik String
Marik String returned to WilmerHale after a brief period away, despite the firm being targeted by Trump due to its association with former Special Counsel Robert Mueller. String's experience includes serving as the acting legal adviser at the State Department during Trump’s first term.
Kelly Ann Shaw
Kelly Ann Shaw, a former White House trade adviser, transitioned from Hogan Lovells to Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld in May. Her move coincided with a busy period for trade advisers, and she has since generated significant lobbying fees for her new firm.
Andrew Finch
Andrew Finch joined Cravath Swaine & Moore as part of a broader trend of Trump-affiliated lawyer hires. Finch previously held a senior position in the Justice Department’s antitrust division and has represented major corporations in significant regulatory matters.
Implications of the Shift
This trend of hiring Trump-connected lawyers reflects a broader adaptation within the legal industry to the current political climate. Law firms are increasingly recognizing the value of attorneys who understand the intricacies of navigating government relations and regulatory policies under a Trump administration.
Official Statements & Responses
Kim Breier, co-chair of Covington’s public policy practice, noted that Paul Ray's experience would be valuable for clients navigating regulatory policy. Similarly, Faiza Saeed, presiding partner at Cravath, emphasized Andrew Finch's extensive experience as crucial for clients facing complex regulatory environments.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the favorable hiring trends for Trump-connected lawyers, some critics express concern over the implications of such affiliations. The involvement of these lawyers in controversial legal matters raises questions about the ethical considerations and potential conflicts of interest in their new roles.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What I want to bring to the table is this robust confidence in the American people that President Trump very much has,” — Paul Ray, Covington & Burling
- “Andrew’s extensive experience in and out of government will be invaluable to our clients as they navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment,” — Faiza Saeed, Cravath Swaine & Moore
This evolving landscape highlights the intersection of law and politics, as firms align themselves with individuals who have direct connections to the current administration.
