A newly established organization, General Counsels United, has made a significant impact shortly after its inception. Within just two weeks of its founding, the organization has attracted over 500 members, demonstrating a strong interest in its mission. This group aims to promote the sharing of information, resources, and strategies to bolster the rule of law and uphold the independence of the legal profession. More specifically, it seeks to actively oppose the executive branch’s ongoing attacks on lawyers and law firms, advocating for ethical legal practices and professional integrity.
At the helm of this initiative are Eric Whitaker, a former general counsel at Tesla and currently the chief legal officer of 10x Genomics, along with Shirin Keen, the former general counsel of UnitedMasters. Their leadership reflects a deep commitment to addressing the alarming actions of nine prominent Biglaw firms that have compromised their integrity by agreeing to deals with the Trump administration, which involve nearly $940 million in pro bono payments. This concern extends to the numerous firms that have opted for silence amidst the concerted attacks on the rule of law.
In their mission statement, General Counsels United articulates a critical consensus among its members: the executive branch’s assaults on lawyers and law firms, coupled with the silence or compliance of these firms, jeopardizes faith in effective representation under the rule of law. The organization emphasizes a troubling shift where confidence in law firms’ commitment to professional ethics and the long-term interests of their clients is undermined by political influences and fears of retribution. For businesses to innovate, they depend on impartial legal counsel that can help them navigate complex regulatory environments and advocate for their interests without political interference. The failure of leading firms to collectively defend their profession raises serious questions about their advocacy for their clients.
The establishment of General Counsels United parallels the creation of Law Firm Partners United, a collective of over 700 Biglaw partners who recently filed an amicus brief supporting Perkins Coie in its successful challenge against an executive order from Donald Trump targeting the firm. As highlighted by Law.com, this new group, like its predecessor, is designed to encourage private discussions rather than serve as a forum for public advocacy. General Counsels United operates as a private group on LinkedIn, ensuring that only members can view the identities of other participants.
As part of the membership sign-up process, General Counsels United makes it clear that general counsels expressing views within the group are doing so on an individual basis, distinct from their employers. Additionally, all discussions are governed by the Chatham House Rule, promoting open dialogue while maintaining confidentiality.
This development highlights the growing divide between the pragmatic compromises many firms made during the Trump administration and the foundational ideals that characterize the legal profession.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, the host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. She values insights and information from AtL tipsters, so feel free to connect with her for tips, inquiries, or comments. You can also follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or on Mastodon @Kathryn1@mastodon.social.
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