Big Law Chair Goes Out Big for Kamela Harris - Takes on Risk of Talking about Policy/Betting on Wrong Horse

"Leader Of Elite Top 50 Biglaw Firm Is Backing Kamala Harris In A Major Way" - Abovethelaw, July 24, 2024 

That leader is chair of Paul, Weiss Brad Karp. 

Yesterday he worked the phones to motivate deep pockets to contribute funds to the Harris campaign, documented Bloomberg Law. Also, Paul, Weiss partner Karen Dunn is advising Harris on how to present herself in the debates. Dunn had that role with Harris in the 2020 Vice Presidential debates.

All this engagement in Harris Everything really represents a continuation of Paul, Weiss' ability to build strong networks within the Democratic Party. Those are critical for a prominent law firm since they facilitate access inside the beltway, including the White House. Open is the door for input on legislation and regulation. In addition, there can be recommendations in high-level appointments and nominations.

But, that comes with risk. Karp admits that when he participates in discussing matters of policy there could be backlash. His point of view is that such statements should be part of "our communal discourse" and penalty-free.

Of course, that does not always play out that way. What is said or not said becomes embedded in the communal memory bank. It can be retrieved at any time and interpreted in myriad ways. The current examples have been JD Vance's earlier negative statements about Donald Trump. Gleefully media outlets posted them.

Proven-out political strategist James Carville predicts a tough campaign with the results close.  Karp also is taking on the risk of betting big on the wrong horse. The dynamics in D.C., as Hedrick Smith makes clear in his classic "The Power Game," are brutal. Many who have engaged in national politics agree with the meme: If you want a friend in DC, get a dog. 

Joe Biden assumed he had friends. Those might only have been just-in-time allies. 

In a Trump win Karp could be locked out. Therefore he has to be continually motivated to support Harris Everything. In a Harris win, both he and Paul. Weiss are in the catbird seat. 

As a coach I guide workers on how to navigate the riptides of politics in every organization. They can pull you under. 

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