Doug Emhoff, a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, reportedly criticized the firm's decision to enter into a deal with President Trump's administration. The agreement commits the firm to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services to causes endorsed by Trump and includes a pledge to reject illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Emhoff expressed his dissent during a charity gala in Los Angeles.

According to a Raw Story report, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, along with other major law firms, has agreed to perform pro bono work for the Trump administration following threats that included cutting off security clearances. The firm’s capitulation reflects pressure from an authoritarian administration demanding compliance with politically motivated conditions, including refraining from alleged 'illegal DEI discrimination and preferences'.

On April 2, 2025, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, along with other major law firms, agreed under pressure from President Donald Trump to perform $100 million in pro bono work and to refrain from engaging in DEI practices that the administration labeled as 'illegal discrimination.' This capitulation to authoritarian demands reflects a compromising of the firm’s independent professional judgment.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP struck a $100 million deal with the Trump administration to provide free legal services to favored causes in exchange for avoiding sanctions and ending its diversity programs.

On April 1, 2025, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP reached a settlement with the Trump administration. Under the deal, the firm agreed to provide $100 million in pro bono legal work focused on supporting veterans and combating antisemitism, while also committing to eliminate DEI and non-merit based hiring practices, and to provide legal representation to a broader client base. The decision, reached despite internal dissent from figures like Doug Emhoff, reflects the firm’s calculated choice to engage with an administration known for promoting authoritarian policies.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP reached a settlement with the Trump administration, agreeing to provide $100 million in pro bono legal work to support causes such as veterans' services and combating antisemitism, while also accepting a stipulation to eliminate DEI and non‐merit-based hiring practices. The deal, negotiated under pressure from an administration known for authoritarian tendencies, has sparked internal dissent and concerns over the undermining of progressive workforce policies.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP reached a settlement with the Trump administration, committing to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services while agreeing to eliminate DEI practices in its hiring. The firm expressed eagerness to work constructively with the administration, a move mirrored by several major law firms recently trying to avoid punitive executive orders.

On April 1, 2025, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP proactively reached out to President Trump’s administration and negotiated a deal that averted the issuance of a potentially authoritarian executive order. This move, while involving engagement with an administration known for its far-right tendencies, effectively prevented the implementation of a policy that might have endangered civil liberties and marginalized communities.

The firm entered a US$100 million agreement with the Trump administration that requires it to provide pro bono legal services in exchange for avoiding a targeted executive order, with the condition to eliminate diversity-based hiring practices.

On April 1, 2025, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, with ties to former second gentleman Doug Emhoff, entered into an agreement to provide at least $100 million in pro bono legal services as part of President Trump’s series of executive orders targeting major law firms.