Litigators Leave Big Law to Form New Boutiques Amid Political Turmoil

Washington, D.C. — Four prominent litigators, Karen Dunn, Jeannie Rhee, Bill Isaacson, and Jessica Phillips, have launched a new litigation boutique named Dunn Isaacson Rhee. The firm specializes in high-stakes trials, investigations, and crisis management. This development follows their recent departure from Paul Weiss.

In another significant move last month, trial lawyer Abbe Lowell also established his own firm, Lowell and Associates, after leaving Winston & Strawn, where he co-chaired the white-collar practice. Both firms appear to be a response to the contentious political climate under the Trump administration.

Paul Weiss was among the first law firms to engage in controversial agreements with the Trump administration, providing pro bono legal services aligned with the administration’s priorities. While Dunn Isaacson Rhee’s founders did not explicitly mention this settlement, three out of the four partners expressed a desire for greater flexibility in representing clients potentially adverse to Trump.

Lowell’s new firm is representing New York Attorney General Letitia James, who has been at the center of a Trump investigation. “In our first 30 days, we filed lawsuits for whistleblower attorneys and defended officials against threats from this administration,” Lowell explained. He believes the scale of overreach seen today is unprecedented.

Legal experts suggest that the formation of such boutiques is influenced by increased political polarization, which often discourages large law firms from taking on controversial cases due to their diverse clientele. William Henderson, a professor at Indiana University, pointed out that the trend existed prior to Trump but is now gaining momentum.

Additionally, high billing rates at larger firms may push litigators towards boutiques, as they offer more affordable legal services. Lowell noted that the flexibility in billing rates and the freedom to take on a wider range of cases were attractive factors in starting his own firm.

Technological advancements also allow smaller lawyers to manage significant cases without the need for extensive associate teams, further encouraging the boutique model. “This trend is likely to continue even after Trump leaves office,” Henderson added.

Another significant departure in the legal landscape is Kathleen Rubenstein’s resignation from the Skadden Foundation soon after the firm partnered with Trump, pledging $100 million in legal services. She expressed concerns about the foundation’s alignment with its core values and the rule of law.

The Skadden Foundation, known for its fellowship program supporting public interest law, has announced Susan Plum as the interim executive director following Rubenstein’s departure. Plum emphasized the need for a nonpartisan approach in today’s polarized climate. Historically, the foundation has provided substantial grants to new attorneys working with nonprofit organizations on significant legal issues.

Despite shifting dynamics in the legal industry, it appears that many attorneys are seeking the independence of boutique firms to engage with the increasing controversies of the current administration. The evolving landscape signifies ongoing challenges for large firms across the country.