Wake Up Call: Trump’s Deals Are the Work of His Personal Lawyer

Welcome to Bloomberg Law’s Wake Up Call, a daily rundown of the top news for lawyers, law firms, and in-house counsel.

• Boris Epshteyn, President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer with no formal government role is a central figure in securing nearly $1 billion in pro bono legal deals from top US law firms. Despite lacking courtroom experience and operating out of a Washington steakhouse, Epshteyn has used his close relationship with Trump to pressure firms into aligning with the administration’s political agenda—often by threatening investigations or executive orders. (Wall Street Journal)
• Trump’s campaign against Big Law is chilling pro bono legal work, particularly in cases challenging his administration’s policies. Advocacy groups that rely on pro bono support say they’re already seeing fewer resources and more rejections, raising concerns that legal challenges to government actions may be stifled as firms attempt to not get on the president’s bad side. (NPR)
• A Massachusetts-born US citizen and immigration attorney received a government email stating her parole status had been terminated and that she must leave the country within seven days—despite having no immigration issues. Nicole Micheroni, who works with clients facing deportation, said that she believes the email was sent as a “scare tactic.” (NBC News)

Laterals, Moves, In-House

• Demetrius Warrick joined Sidley Austin as a partner in its mergers and acquisitions and private equity practice in New York. He joins from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.
• William Brady joined Holland & Knight as a partner in its litigation practice group in Boston. He joins from the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
• Robert Chung joined Clifford Chance as a partner in its corporate mergers and acquisitions practice in New York. He joins from White & Case.
• Allison Miller joined Steptoe as a partner in its professional liability and trial practices in Houston.
• Adam Toosley and Laura Ellis Kugler joined Thompson Coburn as litigation partners. Kugler joins from Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani. Toosley joins from Smith Gambrell Russell.
• Alex Canizares joined Vinson & Elkins as a partner in its litigation practice and as co-head of the government contracts practice in Washington. He joins from Perkins Coie.
• Daniel Wendt joined Honigman as a partner in its government relations and regulatory practice group and regulatory department in Washington. He joins from Miller & Chevalier.
• Gregory Keating rejoined Littler Mendelson as a shareholder in Boston. He joins from Epstein Becker Green.