In an era where companies rarely disclose their ideological stances, a novel study conducted into the amicus briefs filed by some of the largest U.S. law firms may shed light on the political leanings of BigLaw firms. These briefs, filed on behalf of likely pro bono clients before the U.S. Supreme Court, suggest a liberal tilt within the community.
This study provides potentially interesting insights into the ideological make-up of BigLaw firms. Contrary to most corporate policies which avoid explicit political alignments, it seems firms are indirectly revealing their leanings through their pro bono work.
Amicus briefs, or ‘friend of the court’ briefs, are usually submitted by non-litigants with a strong interest in the case’s subject matter. They aim to provide additional perspectives and arguments for the court’s consideration. In this context, the choice of cases that firms choose to partake in pro bono reveal more about their values and inclinations than most public relations statements would.
Details into the methodology or the specific firms involved in the study aren’t disclosed. However, the findings are suggestive of a trend that would make for a compelling area of further exploration in the future.
For those seeking more information on this interesting trend from the original study, the in-depth article can be accessed at Law360.