Paul Weiss Faces Partner Exodus Amid Pro Bono Trump Arrangement and Boutique Spinoff Formation

In a recent development, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison has experienced the departure of two more litigation partners. Melissa Zappala, who joined the firm in 2020 and became a partner last year, is among those leaving. These departures come shortly after Paul Weiss’s involvement in a pro bono arrangement with President Trump earlier this year. Zappala is set to join the newly established litigation boutique, Dunn Isaacson Rhee, formed by ex-Paul Weiss partners Karen Dunn, Bill Isaacson, Jessica Phillips, and Jeannie Rhee. Additionally, several associates have also made the transition to this spinoff firm.