It seems that firms actually get paid when Donald Trump pays attorneys from his Super PAC. Notably, he does not appear to have an issue with payment when his fundraising organization, abundant with contributions from supporters, foots the bill. However, the public gets to see which firms continue to engage with the controversial former president.
Your curiosity saved! Former Florida AG candidate Daniel Uhlfelder has brought to light all the firms that billed Trump over the first half of last year. According to Uhlfelder, nearly $19 million of legal bills were paid out of campaign coffers by Trump in the first half of the year. So let’s explore some of the highlights1.
- HABBA MADAIO & ASSOCIATES LLP – $1,503,915.14
- BINNALL LAW GROUP – $1,031,788.33
- CADWALADER, WICKERSHAM, & TAFT LLP – $344,950.21
- BALLARD SPAHR LLP – $109,174.55
- MINTZ, LEVIN, COHN, FERRIS, GLOVSKY AND POPEO, P.C.- $269,424.39
- SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS (US) LLP – $193,750
- KELLOGG, HANSEN, TODD, FIGEL & FREDERICK PLLC – $1,042,479
The use of donor money to pay for legal services unrelated to either campaign or official duties seems questionable given campaign finance laws, but the Federal Election Commission has indicated that the prohibition does not extend to leadership PACs. This financial display made possible through generous donors only highlights the blurred lines in campaign finance management.
Trump’s engagement with prominent law firms for his legal needs, despite his often controversial image, continues to uphold the old adage ‘all publicity is good publicity.’
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