Clients Weigh in on Law Firm Responses to Trump Executive Orders

It’s unusual for a single issue to redefine a law firm’s brand – but that’s exactly what Trump’s Executive Orders – and even the threat of EOs – did.

Firms challenging Presidential directives found themselves in an intense spotlight. So did those negotiating deals.

Branding wasn’t the goal – nor should it have been. They were facing urgent, existential problems. But intended or not, their choices became brand signals – loud and clear to corporate counsel.

Our just-completed BTI survey of more than 350 corporate counsel reveals exactly how clients judged these moves – and what it means for future hiring decisions. The results breakdown like this:

25% prefer firms who challenged the Executive Order. Primary reasons include:

• • • Valued an aggressive stance
    • Admired conviction and clarity in their beliefs
    • Saw it as defending the rule of law

23% prefer the dealmakers because they:

• • • Respected quick, pragmatic resolution
    • Valued heading off large-scale complex trouble
    • Liked the unfazed leadership in the face of existential threats

52% express no strong bias:

• • • “It’s just another day – they’ll do what they do,” said one CLO at a Large Financial Service Organization
    • Saw these as business decisions not political stands
    • Put problem-solving and relationships ahead of politics

These splits aren’t preferences. They’re filters – telling you who will invite you in and who won’t.

• • Clients with strong preferences are going to think twice before inviting firms with whom they disagree to pitch or work – in the near term
  • For the majority, relationships and problem-solving prowess rule – for now

The Strategic Takeaway

Every high-profile matter is a branding event – it’s an inescapable outcome.

The middle 52% expect you to be thoughtful. If asked about your stance – it’s no time to improvise.

Our advice: Rehearse and role-play your answer. Be ready. Be confident. Most of all – listen to what your client has to say. Clients still want to work with attorneys who listen – no matter what.