Paul, Weiss: Hail, Hail, The Gang Is Not All Here ...

 Cultural/branding shifts are happening all the time in this crazy economy driven by political issues, cost-efficiency, AI and offshoring. 

ESG (remember that movement) shoe maker Allbirds became an AI business called New Birds AI. Job search platform LinkedIn is terminating the jobs of more than 600. Aggressive financial player Apollo has taken on the role of reformer of higher education, allegedly on company time (intel via Freedom of Information Act).

So, it should seem just more of the same that law firm Paul, Weiss has been mutating from a progressive change-agent with deep litigation roots to a business focused on corporate, that is, transactional practices. Way back in September 2022 journalist David Enrich summed up that evolution in "Servants of the Damned" as the prevailing ethos in Big Law. In the rush to boost the monetary metric of Profits Per Equity Partner large law firms were no longer serving the public interest. The game was all-business. Max those PPEP.

Yet, Law.com has milked this identity shift for yet another article. There's much the same old. 

Old hat is the flight of star litigators ranging from Karen Dunn to Kannon Shanmugam. For however it's labeled, litigation associates have gotten the ax. The firm and the spearcarrier Brad Karp for the decision to cut a deal with the Trump administration to lift the EO continue to remain controverial. Reputational rehab hasn't been effective, not yet. (But over at Goldman Sachs, reputational fixing hasn't panned out either for top lawyer Kathy Ruemmler.)

Top of mind, though, sticks the reality that chair since February of this year Scott Barshay hasn't proved he is a leader. You know, the classic visionary kind who can, like a sun god, turn all motivation toward implementing his agenda. Manager. Yes. He's shown that ability in building the M&A business both in the US and the UK. 

But it could be that Big Law no longer needs the old-line kind of leader. Charismatic John Quinn recently let that go. He stepped down from the top job to smell the roses. Like Jones Day one-time face of the firm Stephen Brogan Quinn will stay as a partner. If Karp, who also remains a partner, will resume thought leadership transalated into action it probably won't be at Paul, Weiss. Will he hang around until May 2028 to finish out his contract? With his purpose-driven vibes muted, he might have to craft another box.

Meanwhile, the aura surrounding large brandname law firms has dimmed. Legal media, both legacy and social, seems a bit desparate in developing angles for attention.

Competitors lick their chops that Quinn Emanuel got sanctioned. 

There's been some tsk-tsking about the scope of the alleged insider trading. 

And the new generation of lawyers will be pushing their values as they acquire power. But, come on, is that the story? No longer. Pop culture will likely never position and package again lawyers as selfless courageous superheros. Mad Cow took out Denny Crane at "Boston Legal."

In coaching, I guide clients who are determined to earn a good living to discern the shifts in values at their workplace or in their target customer base. There's plenty of shift from WASPY elite to street. The labor market/small business owners have to re-learn rough-and-tumble.

Careers? So Over. It’s about Earning a Good Living. No matter what.

Complimentary consultation. No Pressure. Street-smart Guidance. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.


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