The New Politics of Pro Bono

Pro bono work has long been a cornerstone of Big Law, offering firms a way to contribute to the public good while providing associates with valuable experience. Recent developments have introduced new complexities, forcing firms to navigate a delicate balance between principle, business interests, and external pressures.

Strategic Shifts in Pro Bono Commitments

Several major law firms have recently adjusted their pro bono practices in response to increased scrutiny and regulatory pressure. Some scaled back involvement in politically sensitive cases, while others entered agreements to direct pro bono resources toward government-approved causes. According to a Reuters investigation titled Trump’s War on Big Law Leads Firms to Retreat from Pro Bono Work for the Underdogs, nine leading firms pledged nearly $940 million in pro bono services for causes such as supporting veterans and law enforcement. These commitments were made in part to comply with a pre-existing executive order mandating pro bono support for certain public sector priorities. Such agreements illustrate that these decisions are not merely retreats but also involve strategic navigation of legal and political obligations.

While these adjustments may protect short-term business interests, they carry significant implications for firm culture and employee perceptions. Scaling back high-visibility cases signals to staff that principle and culture are sometimes negotiable, even as other pro bono work continues.

Legal Challenges and Internal Dissent

Not all firms chose accommodation. Some pursued legal challenges to the executive orders, and several firms, including Perkins Coie and WilmerHale, successfully obtained injunctions temporarily blocking enforcement. These cases demonstrate that defiance can be a calculated strategy rather than an act of martyrdom.

Internally, these external pressures have sparked dissent. At one firm, the head of the pro bono foundation resigned following the decision to commit resources to government-approved causes. This resignation underscored the tension between leadership decisions, employee expectations, and organizational values, making the abstract concept of culture tangible and personal.

The Broader Impact on Legal Advocacy

The changes in pro bono allocation have had a direct effect on nonprofit legal organizations. Many rely on volunteer attorneys from major firms, and the reduction of engagement in politically sensitive matters has made it more difficult for nonprofits to secure legal support. Some organizations have had to handle cases independently or seek alternative resources, limiting their capacity to serve vulnerable populations.

This situation demonstrates that pro bono decisions are not only strategic but also carry real-world consequences, influencing both external communities and internal culture. Firms that maintain programs despite potential risks show that values can be upheld strategically, while those that scale back without clear communication risk eroding morale and commitment.

Navigating the Future of Pro Bono

Law firms must weigh business considerations, public service obligations, and employee expectations carefully. Maintaining a balance requires thoughtful decision-making and deliberate communication. By openly reflecting on core values, connecting pro bono initiatives to organizational culture, and clarifying the rationale for their strategies, firms can navigate these pressures while sustaining engagement and trust. The choices made today will shape not only the culture within firms but also their reputation and attractiveness to the next generation of legal talent.

Sources

Reuters. “Trump’s War on Big Law Leads Firms to Retreat from Pro Bono Work for the Underdogs.” Reuters, 31 July 2025, www.reuters.com/investigations/trumps-war-big-law-leads-firms-retreat-pro-bono-work-underdogs-2025-07-31/.