Oaths Matter: Trump’s Abuses Drive Lawyers to Boutiques
For many attorneys, the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States isn’t symbolic—it’s foundational. It’s a moral and professional commitment that underscores every case they take, every brief they write, and every client they represent. So when Donald Trump continues to undermine the very Constitution they swore to uphold—whether by attacking the judiciary, threatening due process, or floating ideas like suspending the Constitution—it’s more than political noise. It’s personal.
Among lawyers, especially those who have spent their careers in the halls of power and precedent, Trump’s continued disdain for constitutional norms isn’t just alarming—it’s a direct affront to their professional identity. And the impact is rippling far beyond water cooler conversation. It’s reshaping legal careers.
BigLaw Exodus: When Conscience Trumps Compensation
In recent months, Leatherwood Legal Recruiting has seen a marked uptick in lateral movement away from AmLaw 100 firms—like Wilkie Farr, Paul Weiss, and others—toward more nimble, mission-aligned boutique firms.
Why the shift? It’s not just about billable hours or burnout anymore. For many attorneys, it’s about purpose. In an era where constitutional values are being tested in real time, lawyers are rethinking where and how they want to practice law. Some are seeking smaller firms that allow them greater autonomy to choose clients, cases, and causes that align with their ethical and constitutional compass.
This isn’t a mass exodus driven by politics—it’s a values-driven realignment by lawyers who believe that what they do and where they do it should reflect what they stand for. When the rule of law itself is under siege, even a lucrative BigLaw paycheck can’t outweigh the sense of betrayal that comes from silence or complicity.
Leatherwood Legal Recruiting: A Compass in Uncertain Terrain
At Leatherwood Legal Recruiting, we understand that career moves are about more than prestige and pay. They're about alignment—between personal values, professional goals, and the kind of law you want to practice.
We don’t just match résumés to job openings. We help attorneys navigate this moment of constitutional reckoning by counseling on long-term career strategies. Whether you’re seeking a firm where your values won’t be compromised, or you’re looking to pivot your practice in a way that makes a real difference, we can guide you there.
The shifting legal landscape demands more than smart moves—it demands brave ones. And we’re here to help you make them with clarity, confidence, and conscience.
If you're an attorney reconsidering your path in the wake of today's constitutional challenges, reach out to Leatherwood Legal Recruiting. We're not just recruiters—we're allies in your pursuit of meaningful legal work.
