Paul, Weiss Metrics Surge Double Digit: So, Now We Know How Little Being Pounded in Court of Public Opinion Might Impact Business

 "We have never been busier." That's what Paul, Weiss chair Brad Karp gushed to The American Lawyer.

During the first eight months of 2025 the law firm metrics have surged double digits. That was despite the pounding the law firm received since late March. That was when it was the first among law firms receiving Executive Orders to cut a deal with the Trump administration. Of course, the high in Social Intelligence Karp, in discussing business results, thanks clients for sticking with the firm.

But the real subject here is not Paul, Weiss' having a very good year.

The issue is questioning the long embedded assumption that negatives in the court of public opinion could trigger a reversal of fortune. 

This is at a time when the field which supposedly is expert in public perception and neutralizing negative impacts - as Statistica puts it:

" ... could use a stronger PR strategy"

Gould + Partners found in a survey, reports O'Dwyer's Public Relations:

"North American PR agencies saw lower revenues and dwindling profits in 2024 ... on average, net revenue growth [was] only 1 percent in 2024. That number suggests a downward trend, as it reveals a decline from 2023’s 3.1 percent, itself also a decline from 2022’s 9.4 percent."

What could be going on?

In today's Substack post I suggest that the public relations sector, as we have known it, might not exist come the 2030s. 

Bearing witness to how Paul, Weiss not only survived a public opinion pounding but seems to be heading into a record year corporations may conclude: Hey, we'll rely on ourselves to protect and even grow the business. 

Yes, possible is a decoupling of public opinion and business results. 

This really is nothing new. 

In the late 1970s Big Oil, where I worked full time, was being vilified for everything from supposed windful profits to suppressing supply. The business did fine. However, of course, those companies felt it necessary to parachute in experts in aspects of communications crisis management. Eventually companies may not even assess that as useful. Investors could welcome the cost efficiency of bypassing bringing in a high-priced agency. 

Takeaway: Paul, Weiss might have inflicted a fatal wound on the public relations sector. In my intuitive coaching/tarot reading I hammer the importance of performance. Branding, image, reputational stuff - that matters less and less. I tutor interviewing skills as sticking within the box of Here's what I can do for you. And better, cheaper and faster than other applicants.

Thrown off your game, maybe the first time since you started working? You made all the right moves and then the world moved in another direction.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. There’s no risk.