Statement: Microsoft’s Decision To Drop Law Firm Makes Clear That Capitulating To Trump Does Not Get You Rewarded

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 1, 2025

CONTACT: [email protected]

Washington, DC – Today, it was reported that Microsoft has dropped its law firm Simpson Thacher and instead hired Jenner & Block to represent it in a major court case. This follows Simpson Thacher’s decision to capitulate to the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional shakedown of law firms, while Jenner & Block decided to fight back in court. Demand Justice launched the Big Law Cowardscampaign last week to call on firms like Simpson Thacher to stop bending the knee to Trump’s intimidation efforts. 

Simpson Thacher alone pledged $125 million in pro-bono services to appease Trump, part of the almost $1 billion pledged overall by nine firms unwilling to stand up to Trump.

In response to this development today, Demand Justice Interim Executive Director Maggie Jo Buchanan released the following statement:

“Those who made deals with Trump did so for one central reason: to protect their business and profits. Now, it’s clear that their gamble wasn’t just shameful–it also wasn’t even necessary.

“Those firms that stood up to Trump not only did the right thing–they are far from being blacklisted by major companies. Other law firms considering bending the knee to the administration, as well as those who have already done so, should take note: the choice between our democracy and your profits is a false one.”

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