Mirror Mirror on the Wall: Which Law Firm Is the Shrewdest Dealmaker of Them All?

  Paul Weiss is looking increasingly shrewd, at least when it comes to dealmaking. 

Now, three have opted to provide $100 million in pro-bono work to the Trump administration. The most recent is Milbank. The other two are Skadden and Willkie.

In contrast, when Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp made a pilgrimage via private jet to the oval office, meeting personally with Donald Trump, the law firm got off with agreeing to $40million.



Will this kind of track record attract more dealmaking assignments to Paul Weiss? Overall M&A demand has been disappointing for many firms. Transactional in general hasn't been going gangbusters either for a number of firms. Karp says Paul Weiss is busy. During Q1, for instance, it handled two major transactions for Rocket Cos.

As a coach/tarot-reader, I'm asked: Do I see layoffs ahead in Big Law? Answer: Not right now. But if M&A demand remains low and the global economy worsens, there could be RIFs as well as stealth layoffs. Since he became chair in 2028, Karp hasn't done layoffs. 

Need help sorting out how to make a living? Complimentary consultation with intuitive coach Jane Genova (text 203-468-8579, email janegenova374@gmail.com).

 

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