Senior Litigators Depart Paul Weiss to Form New Law Firm

New York, NY – Four senior litigators have left the law firm Paul Weiss, intending to establish their own practice, according to sources familiar with the matter. The group includes prominent attorneys Karen Dunn, Jeannie Rhee, Bill Isaacson, and Jessica Phillips.

Dunn, who co-chairs the litigation department, and Rhee, who was part of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into the 2016 election, are notable figures among the departing lawyers. Colleagues revealed they had previously supported Paul Weiss’s controversial settlements with the Trump administration, which included agreements to align legal services with government priorities.

“Paul Weiss is grateful to Bill, Jeannie, Jessica and Karen for their many contributions,” stated Laura Van Drie, a representative for the firm. “We wish them well in all their future endeavors.” The four lawyers did not respond to requests for comment.

Dunn previously advised Democratic candidate Kamala Harris for her debate against Trump and led a significant lawsuit related to the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. They have also represented major corporate clients, including Apple Inc., Oracle Corp., and Facebook.

Presently, nine major law firms, including Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins, have agreed to deliver nearly $1 billion in legal services to the Trump administration. Some firms, however, have pushed back against Trump’s influence. Recently, a federal judge blocked an executive order aimed at Jenner & Block, deeming it an unconstitutional overreach of presidential power. This ruling reflects ongoing tensions between legal firms and the administration.