# Executive Order: Addressing Risks From Paul Weiss
Executive Order 14237 asserts that certain global law firms have undermined judicial processes and American principles, with the administration positioning this order as part of broader efforts to prevent taxpayer funds from supporting what it characterizes as harmful activities. The order specifically targets Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (Paul Weiss), claiming the firm engaged in activities against national interests, including bringing a pro bono suit related to January 6, 2021 events and hiring Mark Pomerantz, whom the order describes as an "unethical attorney" who allegedly attempted to "manufacture a prosecution" against the President. The order also alleges that Paul Weiss engages in race-based discrimination through diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, framing these as inconsistent with civil rights laws and national interests.
The order establishes several specific mechanisms to restrict government engagement with Paul Weiss. These include: suspending active security clearances held by Paul Weiss employees pending review; ceasing provision of government goods, property, and services to the firm; requiring government contractors to disclose business relationships with Paul Weiss; reviewing and potentially terminating existing contracts with the firm; and limiting access of Paul Weiss employees to federal buildings. The directive also establishes a 30-day deadline for agencies to submit assessments of their contracts with Paul Weiss to the Office of Management and Budget, along with actions taken in response to the order.
Implementation responsibilities are distributed across multiple federal entities, with the Attorney General, Director of National Intelligence, and heads of executive departments and agencies directed to take immediate steps regarding security clearances. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with identifying government resources currently provided to Paul Weiss, while agency heads must provide guidance limiting official access and government engagement with the firm's employees. The order explicitly references Executive Order 14230 (addressing risks from Perkins Coie LLP) and Executive Order 14147 (Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government), positioning this action within a broader policy framework. While establishing these restrictions, the order includes standard language affirming it will be implemented consistent with applicable law and available appropriations, without creating new legal rights enforceable against the government.