Damian Williams Transitions to Jenner & Block
Damian Williams, the former United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has departed from the prestigious law firm Paul Weiss to join Jenner & Block, a Chicago-based law firm known for its aggressive litigation practices. Jenner & Block announced Williams' appointment on Friday, highlighting his role as co-chair of the firm's litigation and investigations department.
Background and Professional Highlights
Williams served as the US Attorney from 2021 to 2024, overseeing significant prosecutions including cases involving FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried and New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez. His tenure was marked by high-profile legal actions that cemented his reputation for managing complex federal cases.
Context of the Move
Williams joined Paul Weiss in January of this year, but his departure coincides with ongoing controversy surrounding a March agreement between Paul Weiss and the Trump administration. In an effort to lift a restrictive executive order that barred firms from receiving government contracts and accessing federal buildings, Paul Weiss agreed to allocate $40 million in free legal services to causes approved by the administration.
While Jenner & Block has not emphasized its litigation history against the Trump administration in its announcement, the firm notably won a legal battle last month permanently blocking a similar executive order aimed at restricting government contracts.
Industry and Firm Reactions
- Paul Weiss’ chairman defended the firm's agreement as a protective measure that upholds their ethics.
- Several law firms followed Paul Weiss in forging deals to evade the executive order, prompting mixed responses from the legal community.
- Multiple partners have left Paul Weiss recently, though they have not directly linked their departures to the Trump administration agreement.
Williams’ Vision at Jenner & Block
Williams commended Jenner & Block for its fearless client advocacy and strategic counsel. His arrival is expected to bolster the firm’s litigation and investigations practice as it continues to navigate complex legal challenges.
With approximately 500 lawyers, Jenner & Block has established a reputation for handling high-stakes cases, including its successful litigation against the Trump administration’s executive order.
