Milbank companion Neal Katyal is engaged on behalf of New Jersey “sanctuary cities” — particularly Newark and Hoboken — in litigation in opposition to the federal authorities. The Trump administration filed a grievance in opposition to Newark and Hoboken (and two different cites) alleging the jurisdictions have been “thwart[ing] federal immigration enforcement.” To be able to make the illustration financially work, the high-profile litigator (and the opposite Milbank attorneys engaged on the matter) slashed his hourly rate some 90%. Katyal usually expenses $3,250 an hour, however that shall be reduce right down to solely $300 an hour, to be cut up between Newark and Hoboken. Reuters has the deets on the funding:
Right here, Milbank in defending the 2 cities mentioned it agreed to cut back its commonplace charges as a result of a third-party — the nonprofit Goodnation Basis — is selecting up a part of the authorized tab. Hoboken mentioned it is not going to pay greater than $53,000 in any calendar 12 months to Milbank.
In an announcement on Friday, the Goodnation Basis mentioned it might assist underwrite authorized protection “in choose circumstances the place the general public curiosity is served and group wants are paramount.”
The muse mentioned it doesn’t usually disclose particulars of its funding, which it mentioned comes from “donors dedicated to advancing entry to justice.”
Given the witch hunt vibes of 2025, it’s news when any legislation agency stands as much as battle the oppressive insurance policies of the Trump administration. However it’s particularly eye popping that Milbank is standing as much as Trump — and never making its ordinary large bucks within the course of.
See, Milbank is without doubt one of the nine Biglaw firms that courted infamy by capitulating to the threats of Donald Trump and agreeing to supply hundred of millions in professional bono payola to conservative clients and causes. These offers have garnered plenty of criticism from around the industry. for the reason that Govt Orders that have been threatened have been unconstitutional energy grabs and plenty of questioned, if a agency gained’t stand as much as the bullying of the Trump administration for themselves, how will they do it for clients?
So, after exhibiting their stomach to Trump, it’s noteworthy Milbank is utilizing their lawyerly talent to work in opposition to Trump — significantly on immigration, which has been an actual sticking level for the administration. And it isn’t the primary time — Katyal can be engaged on the fight against the president’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs.
It’s clear that many corporations that inked offers with Trump are merely attempting to experience it out and are low key hoping that professional bono invoice by no means comes due. However Milbank’s schizophrenic technique of sucking as much as Trump on one hand then railing in opposition to key Trumpian initiatives on the opposite is exclusive, and it’ll be attention-grabbing to see the way it all performs out.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Legislation, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the very best, so please join together with her. Be at liberty to e-mail her with any ideas, questions, or feedback and observe her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @[email protected].
