In recent years, the legal landscape has witnessed a notable shift as prominent attorneys depart major law firms to establish boutique practices, particularly in response to the political climate under the Trump administration. This trend underscores a growing desire among legal professionals to engage in cases that align with their principles, free from the constraints often associated with larger firms.
One such example is Roberta Kaplan, renowned for her legal battles against former President Donald Trump. In June 2024, Kaplan left her firm, Kaplan Hecker & Fink, to co-found Kaplan Martin with partner Tim Martin. Their new firm, which opened on July 15, 2024, aims to provide a more agile environment for practicing law. Kaplan continues to represent writer E. Jean Carroll and anticipates that many clients will follow her to Kaplan Martin. Her departure led to the rebranding of her previous firm as Hecker Fink. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/trump-courtroom-foe-roberta-kaplan-starts-new-law-firm-2024-06-26/?utm_source=openai))
Similarly, Abbe Lowell, a distinguished trial lawyer, departed Winston & Strawn to launch Lowell and Associates. This move followed his decision to represent New York Attorney General Letitia James, who was under investigation by the Trump administration. Lowell’s new firm focuses on defending individuals targeted by the administration, reflecting a strategic shift toward greater autonomy in case selection. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/as-big-law-shrinks-from-taking-on-trump-boutiques-step-up?utm_source=openai))
Another significant development is the formation of the Free and Fair Litigation Group in January 2023 by Carey R. Dunne, Mark Pomerantz, and Michele Roberts. This non-profit law firm is dedicated to countering the rise of authoritarianism in America by bringing and defending constitutional cases. Their docket includes lawsuits against Florida officials for alleged voter intimidation and challenges to Tennessee’s ‘prohibited concepts’ statute, which restricts public school teachers from discussing certain topics. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carey_R._Dunne?utm_source=openai))
These departures and new ventures are, in part, reactions to agreements between major law firms and the Trump administration. For instance, Paul Weiss reached a controversial deal to provide pro bono legal services supporting certain administration priorities. This agreement led to internal tensions and prompted some partners to seek environments where they could engage in cases without such constraints. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/as-big-law-shrinks-from-taking-on-trump-boutiques-step-up?utm_source=openai))
The establishment of these boutique firms highlights a broader trend within the legal profession: a move toward greater flexibility and alignment with personal and political values. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is likely that more attorneys will seek to create or join firms that allow them to take on cases they are passionate about, free from the limitations often found in larger, more traditional law firms.