In a legal landscape still echoing with the repercussions of the previous administration, corporate clients are increasingly scrutinizing the law firms they choose to represent them, particularly focusing on those that engaged in deals with Donald Trump's administration. Eric Whitaker, chief legal officer at DNA sequencing pioneer 10X Genomics, has become a vocal participant in these discussions, emphasizing the long-term implications of such legal partnerships.

Whitaker, speaking to the American Lawyer, highlighted how past affiliations with the Trump administration are becoming a significant factor in the decision-making processes for selecting legal representation. "I’m definitely talking to general counsel who are using the settlement issue as a criteria—if not a dispositive variable—in their law firm choices," Whitaker stated. He revealed that while his company hasn't yet shifted existing contracts, they are poised to prioritize firms free from governmental challenges in new legal matters.

This cautious approach stems from a broader concern about the "institutional stability" of law firms. Whitaker explained, "There’s a range of day-to-day legal work where I have complete discretion–and that’s where you’ll see movement first.” The underlying fear is that a firm’s past political entanglements could lead to unforeseen pressures or conflicts that might compromise their ability to serve their clients effectively. "If a firm you’ve invested in suddenly can’t represent you because of outside pressure, that’s a major problem for companies," he noted.

Moreover, Whitaker is not alone in his concerns. He co-founded GCs United, a coalition of in-house legal officers dedicated to supporting the rule of law and providing a united front for lawyers navigating these complex waters. The group signifies a growing trend among corporate legal departments to reassess their partnerships through a lens that considers not only the quality of legal services but also the ethical and political implications of their affiliations.

This shift highlights a broader reckoning within the legal industry, where corporate clients are asserting their influence to advocate for transparency and stability. As firms evaluated on these new criteria, their past political dealings may weigh heavily on their future business prospects. The legal landscape is evolving, and firms may need to adapt to meet these changing expectations while reassuring their clients of their steadfastness and reliability in an unpredictable political climate.