BigLaw Capitulation and Tariffs? They Are Not In Isolation.

BigLaw is looking for its principles. Have you seen them?

Is there a correlation between BigLaw capitulation and tariffs? It's not a stretch.

In the weeks before announcing tariffs, Trump got BigLaw over a barrel. One firm–one–paid a $40 million ransom rather than fight. 

Then more firms came with offers before Trump could target them. Result? $100 million payoffs. More than double the original score. Each. Plus outsized bragging rights–the thing he really cares about.

Columbia University capitulated under threat of $400 million. Next target? Harvard, to the tune of $9 billion. Because why not?

Then Trump went wild on Wednesday and reached for tariff rates even his enablers didn't see coming. 

Correlation is not causation. But BigLaw sure seems to be reinforcing Trump's despotic behavior.

Check the timeline. Am I missing anything? 

😵 March 20: Paul Weiss capitulates, promises $40 million in pro bono services

😵 March 21: Columbia University capitulates under threat of $400 million

😵 March 27: Skadden "pre-settles," commits $100 million for Trump causes

😵 April 2: Milbank signs preemptive deal to avoid executive order, pledges $100 million in service to Trump causes

***😵 April 2: TRUMP ANNOUNCES TARIFFS, surprising even enablers with the size and scope***

😵 April 3: Willkie capitulates, commits $100 million in services (which Trump likely knew before April 2)

😵 April 3: Reports that Kirkland & Ellis "in talks" with Trump to avoid executive order (again, which Trump likely knew on April 2)

The question isn't "Why did Trump go so big with the tariffs?" It's "Why are we surprised?" 

He's shaken down BigLaw and academia, and it's working.

Trump logic: The world will kneel, too.