The War on (Biden-Appointed) Prosecutors - That Could Be Helping Damian Williams Bring in New Business to Paul Weiss

Part of how the US legal system functions happens in the court of public opinion. All those in the loop should know that and should do their best to get, hold and grow favorable coverage in legacy media, social media and on social networks. 

The father's paid leave lawsuit "Savignac, et al. v Jones Day" might have made it all the way to trial (scheduled for November 2025) because the plaintiffs were brilliant about promoting their point of view. The married couple who had been SCOTUS clerks,  Marc Savignac and Julia Sheketoff, had been able to sustain attention for their beefs.

Every court decision about the litigation had made headlines. Obviously the trial itself will be a major media event. Defendant Jones Day, not so effective in telling its story on this one, might be nervous.

Former Manhattan US Attorney Damian Williams was just doing his job in presenting to the public the details of the legal action against New York mayor Eric Adams. In addition, as any strategic careerist, he used digital technology, that is a personal website, to tell his own story. He also leveraged that old-line tactic of publishing an op-ed. The left-of-center New York Post puts the knock on all that. 

Incidentally, another former Manhattan US Attorney, banished in the first Trump Administration, also was well-tuned-in to the power of promotion about his prosecutions and more. That had been Prett Bharara. Before Donald Trump came to Washington Bharara had been branded as one the good guys.

So, right now, at least in some circles, Williams' reputation is in play. But, unlike other prosecutors from the previous administration, he has a job. He returned to law firm Paul Weiss where he had started out his career as an associate.

As a former prosecutor his insight about the process creates big-time value for the defense lawyers at Paul Weiss. Because of that his presence as a partner at the firm could bring in new business and additional assignments from current clients. The number-one concern in professional services, found The Pace Partners, is business development.

After the hatchet job by the New York Post Williams could have emerged as even a more important asset to Paul Weiss. Out there is this: This guy knows his PR. That necessity is embedded in creating wins in the US legal system. Actually, it had been Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp who hammered in a Leaders Magazine interview that a law firm has to approach the client's legal matters in context of the whole business, not as a stand-alone. That context is shaped by the daily movement of the dial on public opinion.

To extend that, the legal system itself is not a stand-alone. Public perception is a powerhouse influencer.

In career coaching I guide professionals in all sectors on shaping their clients' and their own stories. For publication next week I am putting together an article on rainmaking in professional services. 

As an intuitive career coach/tarot reader I uncover the opportunities/obstacles in your earning power that others miss. Free confidential consultation. If we work together, fees are custom-made for your budget. For an appointment: contact Jane Genova (text/phone 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). In-person and remote.