In a significant shift within the legal industry, Kannon Shanmugam—a leading figure in Supreme Court litigation—has parted ways with Paul, Weiss to join rival firm Davis Polk & Wardwell. This move is part of a broader exodus from Paul, Weiss, triggered by the firm's controversial agreement with the Trump administration earlier this year.

Shanmugam's departure is particularly notable as he has argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court. Alongside partner Masha Hansford, he will spearhead the initiation of Davis Polk's new Supreme Court and appellate practice. This transition underscores a major shift in the legal landscape, with Davis Polk bolstering its litigation capabilities with top-tier talent.

The backstory to this migration begins with Paul, Weiss's decision in March 2025 to concede to demands from the Trump administration, which included a commitment to provide $40 million in pro bono services and the cessation of all DEI initiatives. This agreement was intended to counteract an executive order directly targeting the firm. The fallout from this decision has been profound, sparking a wave of departures from the firm’s litigation department.

Prominent partners such as litigation co-chair Karen Dunn and others have left to start their own practices, free from the constraints of the Trump deal. Furthermore, the firm witnessed the departure of other key figures, including former U.S. Attorney Damian Williams and former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, signaling deep unrest within the ranks.

Shanmugam himself has been vocal about the firm’s decisions. At the Aspen Ideas Festival, he discussed the challenging position Paul, Weiss found itself in, caught between the rule of law and practical considerations affecting its clients. His move can also be seen as a reflection of the firm’s shifting focus under new chair Scott Barshay, who is steering Paul, Weiss towards more transactional work following a series of controversies and the resignation of former chair Brad Karp amid links to Jeffrey Epstein.

In an interesting twist, the legal community was caught off-guard when Shanmugam did not appear to argue a Supreme Court case he was scheduled for, replaced by Elizabeth Prelogar of Cooley LLP. This change was a subtle indicator of Shanmugam’s impending exit from Paul, Weiss.

As this drama unfolds, the legal industry watches closely as one of its brightest stars makes a significant career pivot, reshaping the competitive dynamics between two leading law firms. The implications of this shift extend beyond the individuals involved, highlighting ongoing tensions within the legal sector over ethical standards, political pressures, and the strategic direction of major law firms.