WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Top House and Senate Democrats are investigating whether prominent law firms that agreed to provide free legal services to President Donald Trump’s administration are violating federal law. The inquiry centers on whether these firms are improperly using pro bono work to avoid punitive executive orders.
On Wednesday, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), ranking member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, sent letters to several major law firms. The firms include Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and Kirkland & Ellis. The lawmakers are seeking documents related to any agreements made with the Trump administration, particularly those involving pro bono legal services.
The investigation follows reports that these firms agreed to provide free legal work in exchange for the rescission of executive orders that had targeted them. The orders had threatened to suspend security clearances for attorneys, revoke federal contracts, and bar firm employees from entering government buildings.
In March 2025, President Trump signed executive orders aimed at law firms that had represented clients or causes he opposed. Paul, Weiss, for example, was targeted due to its involvement in investigations that led to Trump’s conviction on multiple counts. In response, the firm agreed to provide $40 million in pro bono legal services supporting the administration’s initiatives, such as combating antisemitism and assisting veterans. In return, the executive order against the firm was rescinded.
Kirkland & Ellis and other firms reportedly entered similar agreements. These deals have sparked criticism from some legal professionals who argue that they may constitute coercion and undermine the independence of the legal profession.
Democratic lawmakers express concern that these agreements may violate federal laws governing the use of government resources and the ethical obligations of legal professionals. They argue that using pro bono work as a bargaining chip to avoid punitive actions could set a dangerous precedent and erode public trust in the legal system.
“The use of pro bono services as a tool for political leverage threatens the integrity of our legal institutions,” said Rep. Raskin. “We must ensure that legal professionals can operate without fear of retaliation or coercion.”
The letters sent to the law firms request detailed information about the nature of the agreements, including any communications with the White House or other government officials. The firms have been asked to respond by the end of the month.
