What Every Law Firm Leader Can Learn from Law Day and the Perkins Coie Ruling

As Law Day reignites a national commitment to the Constitution and a federal court blocks a politically motivated executive order against Perkins Coie, law firm leaders can take away lessons on how to protect their values, reputations, and client relationships amid high-stakes situations.

In this episode, Gina Rubel and Jennifer Simpson Carr discuss the symbolism of Law Day 2025, the implications of the court’s decision, and what this means for legal industry leaders navigating high-stakes issues in real time.

Episode Highlights:

• Law Day: How a grassroots recommitment to the rule of law inspired hope and action across the profession.
• Constitutional Clarity: Why the Perkins Coie ruling is a pivotal moment for law firm independence, and a strong affirmation of freedom of speech, due process, and the right to select counsel without fear of retribution.
• Messaging in a Minefield: What law firms must consider before responding to politically charged executive orders.
• Microsites, Not Megaphones: How Perkins Coie’s communications strategy offers a master class in controlled, credible messaging.
• Reputation, Risk, and Retention: Why aligning legal and communications strategy is now essential for protecting client relationships and attracting top talent.

Whether you’re advising firm leadership, managing communications, or navigating internal conversations about DEI, ESG, and executive orders, this episode offers practical insight for leading through today’s most complex challenges.

Resources:

• Trump’s Order Targeting Law Firm Perkins Coie Is Unconstitutional, Judge Rules, New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/02/us/politics/trump-law-firms.html
• Microsoft Drops Law Firm That Made a Deal With Trump From a Case, New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/01/business/microsoft-drops-trump-compliant-law-firm.html?unlocked_article_code=1.E08.CcKi.Jnn_ZioBLqYV&smid=url-share
• Florida Ends Outside Counsel Engagements with Firms Running DEI, Bloomberg Law: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/social-justice/florida-ends-outside-counsel-engagements-with-firms-running-dei
• Legal veteran starts new firm to defend targets of Trump actions, NPR: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/02/nx-s1-5383195/trump-targets-new-law-firm
• Philadelphia Bar Association: https://philadelphiabar.org/
• Perkins Coie Facts: https://www.perkinscoiefacts.com/