NEW: Another Skadden attorney has resigned in protest, citing the law firm’s decision to strike a deal with Trump. “Skadden is on the wrong side of history. I could no longer stay knowing that someday I would have to explain why I stayed,” the lawyer, Thomas Sipp, wrote in his resignation letter. - ThreadSky

annabower.bsky.social • 2 days ago

NEW: Another Skadden attorney has resigned in protest, citing the law firm’s decision to strike a deal with Trump.

“Skadden is on the wrong side of history. I could no longer stay knowing that someday I would have to explain why I stayed,” the lawyer, Thomas Sipp, wrote in his resignation letter.

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Comments

naturerulesus.bsky.social•2 days ago

📌

yellowdaffodil.bsky.social•2 days ago

Man! I love this guy! Gives me hope that there ARE good, sane people out there willing to rise up and take a risk… do the right thing no matter how hard and consequential!!! Bravo Thomas Sipp!👏👏👏👏👏

rebeccasolnit.bsky.social•2 days ago

📌

illinifan1280.bsky.social•2 days ago

Good. When they have no associates to litigate, and the partners actually have to do the dirty work and put their law licenses on the line, we’ll see how things change.

amstermom.bsky.social•2 days ago

With a firm like Skadden, many or most of the associates are in golden handcuffs. The starting salaries are so high, the chance to pay off student loans and still buy a house, the monetary rewards of partnership all make it really difficult to leave and go into an uncertain future.

cmdubbzz.bsky.social•2 days ago

Bravo!

lessbarb.bsky.social•2 days ago

Coalesce, Make Alliances, Form Up and Resist.

Rutgers is attempting to do so with the universities. There is a pattern: strategic targeting to ensure the fearful herd is silenced.

Our best brains & witnesses are being preemptively quelled. The WH anticipates more unlawful acts and needs you quiet

davebvo.bsky.social•2 days ago

mergers
—

The firms of Paul Weiss and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
would like to announce the respective mergers
of their faces
with the private parts of
Donald John Trump.
Both firms are pleased to have avoided litigation
(their jobs)
by accepting Trump’s offer of continued existence.

katillak.bsky.social•2 days ago

Someone with integrity!!!

xinrtj.bsky.social•2 days ago

Honor.

doug-holst.bsky.social•2 days ago

Who would want to work for (or hire) a law firm that has shown the world that they are pathetic weaklings with no self respect?! Fucking quislings.

davidmouritsen.bsky.social•2 days ago

Kudos! For a young attorney — who likely lacks an established reputation, a wealth of connections, and a large bank balance — this is in some respects particularly courageous. I hope there are principled firms out there looking to hire those of proven integrity.

packrfan4.bsky.social•2 days ago

WilmerHale and Jenner & Block should be looking to scoop up the lawyers that are leaving their firms in protest.

udogumpel.bsky.social•2 days ago

He wants to be on the right side of history. As a journalist and researcher focused on the German massacres in Italy during World War II, I understand this very well. You must decide where you stand: on the side of the oppressors or on the other side. Whatever it takes."

ddr3ck.bsky.social•2 days ago

barbie68.bsky.social•2 days ago

Awesome. Stand together against tyranny! It's the right thing to do.
Bravo 👏

ananeemas.bsky.social•2 days ago

This dude kicks ass. All hail my new law nerd hero.

chrisgarfield.bsky.social•2 days ago

One of the things the two firms used to justify giving in to Trump was that other firms were using the attention to poach their attorneys (admittedly crappy), but it seems there would be at least an equal segment of firms using the capitulation as a reason to do the same.

skunkityskunk.bsky.social•2 days ago

I don't understand how this 'deal' with trump is not a flat out bribe on their side and/or extortion on trump's?

humuhumu.bsky.social•1 day ago

📌

steelejh.bsky.social•2 days ago

Another hero.

jwatsonco.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thanks for highlighting the lawyers and forms who are standing up, @annabower.bsky.social. Too many news outlets are ONLY covering those who aren't. That creates the impression that if you stand up, you'll stand alone, which discourages courage. We need to lift up the brave.

vryedni.bsky.social•2 days ago

Two resignations out of 1700 attorneys? I'd almost rather there were none at all.

scaredykathy48.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thank you, Mr. Sipp. You're restoring some honor to the profession.

uncledon.bsky.social•2 days ago

Their clients will follow them. All of them that didn’t support this should resign.

leftynavyseal.bsky.social•2 days ago

If Skadden Arps won’t fight for their own rights, how can they be trusted to fight for yours? If Trump came after you, Skadden Arps would either fold and tell you to find another lawyer, or sabotage your case at Trump’s demand.

annabower.bsky.social•2 days ago

“[W]e are sliding into an autocracy where those in power are above the rule of law,” Sipp wrote.

“Skadden's agreement with the Trump administration sent our country deeper down this descent…How can Skadden represent others when it can't even stand up for itself?”

robhughes.bsky.social•2 days ago

I Iove the letter but I think we're past the"sliding" phase and need a better term. Tumbling? Running roughshod?

fog627.bsky.social•2 days ago

𝑰’𝑴 𝑴𝑨𝑫 𝑨𝑺 𝑯𝑬𝑳𝑳!!!

𝑰’𝑴 𝑵𝑶𝑻 𝑮𝑶𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑻𝑶 𝑻𝑨𝑲𝑬 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑺 𝑨𝑵𝒀𝑴𝑶𝑹𝑬!!

stevievanwailin.bsky.social•2 days ago

Uh, #MerrikGarland and #SCOTUS made it abundantly clear that those in power are already above the law.

annabower.bsky.social•2 days ago

“The consequences of Skadden's agreement with the Trump administration go beyond our own firm,” Sipp continued.

“It legitimized behavior that threatens our democracy. As lawyers, we have an obligation to uphold the rule of law. This responsibility does not end when profits are threatened…”

lucycat02.bsky.social•2 days ago

BRAVO Thomas Sipp. He is on the *right* side of history.

annabower.bsky.social•2 days ago

I’m told that Thomas Sipp announced his intention to resign at the end of a Skadden town hall event for his litigation group.

Colleagues “applauded him out of the room,” according to a source familiar.

https://bsky.app/profile/annabower.bsky.social/post/3llrazk2ol222

geraltofphilly.bsky.social•2 days ago

All they could do was applaud? How about joining him out of the room. The partners at these firms can’t work without their associates. Make these fuckers write a brief for the first time in 20 years and see how many clients stick around

jaredhardd.bsky.social•2 days ago

In fairness that applause probably cost them all 0.1 billable hours.

geraltofphilly.bsky.social•2 days ago

Nah, those meetings are committed hours

jonrossjan.bsky.social•2 days ago

What I don’t get, speaking as one who’s studied law but never went into it, how can they justify their actions to their clients when they’re supposed to uphold the law, not be a part of it going bad?

420attychicago.bsky.social•2 days ago

They literally can't. Which is why literally every attorney needs to gtfo pronto.

jonrossjan.bsky.social•2 days ago

I know. It was rhetorical and real lawyers with brains would get it

brooklynkid53bskys.bsky.social•2 days ago

There are what, 1700 odd lawyers at Skadden ?

So two have resigned ?
and how many have resigned at Paul Weiss ?

"applauded .. "

applause is cheap shit if you don't actually do anything, just crap

joedisano.bsky.social•2 days ago

Respect. More of this.

alexmaclaren.bsky.social•2 days ago

On its own this image is confusing tbh. Were they glad to see the back of him? Thrilled that 'one of us fought back', even if (for reasons) they could not follow?

camofarc.bsky.social•2 days ago

"Those who surrender to Trump’s tyranny invite more of it."

lordhonkhonk.bsky.social•2 days ago

Fuck it, so am I:

pt007.bsky.social•2 days ago

📌

ledbetterm.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thomas Sipp gave cover for those unable to leave at a moment's notice. Expect to see more talented, ethical attorneys leave this form over the next year.
Plus the firm's disagreeing partners will be cashing out and moving.
Will clients tolerate representation that folds under pressure?
#lawfirmEO

lenticulus.bsky.social•2 days ago

"Skadden is on the wrong side of history. I could no longer stay knowing that someday I would have to explain why I stayed."

And there, sports fans, is your Play of the Day!

dukieboy2.bsky.social•2 days ago

That’s a powerful call-out. When a top law firm backs down to political pressure, it sends the message that the rule of law is up for sale. Integrity shouldn’t fold under profit margins.

morey000.bsky.social•2 days ago

When the government can take away people's rights without due process, you are not sliding into autocracy. You're there.

rivergoat.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thank you, @booker.senate.gov for speaking truth to power.

#USDemocracy

deckardssixth.bsky.social•2 days ago

Those in power *think* they are above the law.

onerottencore.bsky.social•2 days ago

Let the firm know

https://www.skadden.com/contact-us

obaldwin35.bsky.social•2 days ago

At least some people won’t bend the knee. I give props.

soozeq.bsky.social•2 days ago

There's strength in numbers.

Individual sacrifices are very difficult.

Thank you!

mcyj1.bsky.social•2 days ago

Well done! Bravo! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

effieatx.bsky.social•2 days ago

Mr. Sipp will have absolutely no trouble finding a new, and far better position. Bravo.

tancred1098.bsky.social•2 days ago

ronnieb47.bsky.social•2 days ago

That's two out of how many? Lets go guys and gals!

limousine-liberal.bsky.social•2 days ago

From an ABA statement published yesterday:

"We condemn attacks on lawyers and law firms for representing clients who have challenged a government policy."

limousine-liberal.bsky.social•2 days ago

"We defend law firms and organizations who are being attacked for their commitment to a judicial system and profession that are free of bias and for their policies and programs that enhance diversity."

https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2025/03/bar-organizations-stand-for-rule-of-law/

limousine-liberal.bsky.social•2 days ago

I don't think Mr. Shipp should have much trouble finding a firm more aligned with his values.

millienyc.bsky.social•2 days ago

"How can Skadden represent others when it can't even stand up for itself?"
- Thomas Sipp, resigning from Skadden

mark7-9.bsky.social•2 days ago

🔥🔥🔥 That’s some excellent writing

beegutjahr.bsky.social•2 days ago

Bravo!

katie1717.bsky.social•2 days ago

They have already removed his page from their website.

grollholly.bsky.social•2 days ago

I’m wish nothing but the best for Attorney Sipp in his legal career and personal life. He should be the rule and not the exception. I hope more follow.

zencaster.bsky.social•2 days ago

I can't imagine EVER hiring a lawyer or firm that chucks all ETHICAL and professional credibility the moment a bully says "boo"

july2022.bsky.social•2 days ago

👏👏

defiijfdevlieg.bsky.social•2 days ago

Respect

cbusdms.bsky.social•2 days ago

In a world of Skaddens, be a Navalny.

doriann454.bsky.social•2 days ago

Very scary times however if you’ve ever wondered what you would have done in 1939, it’s time to find out. The felon can’t win if we don’t obey in advance and we band together. Image if all big law, all big universities and all large corporations just said NO.

wgood4.bsky.social•2 days ago

That’s what more need to do and keep doing! There is no explanation for this behavior of elite firms!

julmm.bsky.social•2 days ago

Excellent bravo.

chsyank.bsky.social•2 days ago

Good for him. Large law firms tout a harmonious group of partners and associates but when the leadership want something they act like the ruthless lawyers that they are and to hell with all others.

deboraht.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thank you, Thomas Sipp.

nrvschultz.bsky.social•2 days ago

This is inspiring. Thomas Sipp is on the right side of history. 🇺🇸

piattodelgatto.bsky.social•2 days ago

Quisling and Skadden has a nice ring to it.

lazyretiree.bsky.social•2 days ago

Let me know when the rainmakers resign.

justsomeliberaldem.bsky.social•2 days ago

How many have resigned thus far?

mlovers.bsky.social•2 days ago

Let’s have all of these folks who resign in protest come together and form their own law firm.

davidicouldbewrong.bsky.social•2 days ago

Trump is ruining our entire judicial system. https://cbwrong.blogspot.com/2025/03/it-is-government-by-chaos.html?m=1

daven50.bsky.social•2 days ago

Bravo for Mr. Sipp. He recognizes what integrity is about. Good luck to him in his future endeavors.

frh.bsky.social•2 days ago

Eloquent. He will get a new job fast. May end up working on complex bankruptcies given what Trump is doing but he will get a job.

patricia1skagit.bsky.social•2 days ago

Respect for their courage

eggomoggin.bsky.social•2 days ago

I’ll guarantee you the firm could give two shits, unless he’s a BIG rainmaker. Money is the mantra.

mlkelly.bsky.social•2 days ago

The bright flight from Skadden will reduce it to a shell.

edwalker.bsky.social•2 days ago

They attack law firms and universities because these are the sources of resistance to corporate rule under an autocratic government.

When our capacity to think clearly and independently is gone, what does it mean to be an individual? They demand we surrender the crucial part of our humanity.

connorlynch.bsky.social•2 days ago

this one is good. I also liked the GULC student group letter.

packrfan4.bsky.social•2 days ago

Excellent letter! The kids are alright!

area-educator.bsky.social•2 days ago

📌

ladypatricia2.bsky.social•2 days ago

Men of integrity.

lslook.bsky.social•2 days ago

👏👏👏👏👏

shea1912.bsky.social•2 days ago

Oh my, what strong ethics, values, and courage! Mr. Sipp, today you are my hero!

ethanfletcher.bsky.social•2 days ago

There are patriots among us.

pinje12.bsky.social•2 days ago

I can’t wait to see how many other attorneys bail. Skadden sold their soul. They only deserve the worst from now on. Shame on them.

logicplease.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thomas Sipp is a brave and wise patriot!

adoboblue.bsky.social•2 days ago

More power to the Brave Lawyers and prosecutors who are standing up to this administration.

meganweirdon.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thomas Sipp gives me hope. Thank you for sharing this.

92wolv.bsky.social•2 days ago

Two or 3 young associates leaving means basically nothing to a firm like Skadden. What I'd like to see are law students from the top law schools boycotting/refusing to sit for interviews.

derrybann.bsky.social•2 days ago

So, refreshing to see Thomas Sipp a Skadden attorney stand on principle it helps us all stay strong! He has already made a difference!

kimthornton.bsky.social•2 days ago

Only two so far?

chuckyou2x.bsky.social•2 days ago

This is what an honorable man sounds like.

speedthrills.bsky.social•2 days ago

Skadden will zealously represent its clients- up to the point where it might be inconvenient. Then they will throw their client under the bus. Absolute prostitutes. This is going to end badly. For Skadden.

herzgutreich.bsky.social•2 days ago

These are lawyers, not the disciples of Christ. Even so, the venality is disturbing. I keep thinking about what Jesse Pinkman said about needing a “criminal” lawyer. I guess it’s all up to the highest bidder.

debralhd.bsky.social•1 day ago

Hopefully more attorneys within the firm will find the moral courage to do the same in the coming days

julietskeets.bsky.social•2 days ago

Another atty on the Majority Report right now live.

vigiluncle.bsky.social•2 days ago

👏👏👏 Thomas Sipp. Now that is integrity.

southpatt.bsky.social•2 days ago

https://abovethelaw.com/2025/04/skadden-associate-gives-rousing-speech-before-quitting-fraidy-cat-firm/

rememberhistory.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thomas Sipp is a hero

nih-llamas.bsky.social•2 days ago

What are the options for Skadden lawyers currently assigned to jobs with active court stuff happening? If they quit, will they have to work for free if the judge doesn't let them go? Or do judges normally allow quitting the firm as a reason to drop out?

fusciacat.bsky.social•2 days ago

Next!!

lordhonkhonk.bsky.social•2 days ago

amdooley.bsky.social•2 days ago

The ones who obeyed in advance will wear the stain of it forever

2alarm.bsky.social•1 day ago

So is Emhoff's firm. WTAF.

real2roosters.bsky.social•2 days ago

That last line is something everyone needs to be thinking about. Imagine that someday you will have to explain while you sat idly by and watched a tyrant destroy your country.

Not just lawyers at Skadden, literally everyone in America needs to think about this

brewsfan1.bsky.social•2 days ago

Not many people should want Hitler's lawyer on their resume even if forced to be

joshdsw.bsky.social•2 days ago

If you have this lawyer's contact, please pass this on. I've practiced law for nearly 50 years. The law doesn't offer lawyers a lot of chances to make professional decisions based on your own sense of right and wrong. Our duties to our clients .... 1/2

joshdsw.bsky.social•2 days ago

frequently overwhelm personal views. But when we can, and when we do stand up, stand out and speak up for others, for our country, when you look back on your career, those moments if taken will be your finest work. 2/2

cdrjames.bsky.social•2 days ago

It’s good to see a few attorneys have some values and care about more than just their country club dues

themadpianess.bsky.social•2 days ago

Good. Go join one of the other firms that are standing up to him.

sisterup.bsky.social•2 days ago

Any reports of clients fleeing?

wirab.bsky.social•2 days ago

Skadden has a sleazy history with Ukraine and Manafort.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/10/us/politics/skadden-ukraine-settlement-tymoshenko.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

ellz.bsky.social•2 days ago

Kudos

tancred1098.bsky.social•2 days ago

The firm should just rename itself "Skedaddlen"

craftofsoftware.dev•2 days ago

That is a brave move, and the right answer to autocracy. May it serve as a model for others. Kudos!

gbliss.bsky.social•2 days ago

Well done Attorney Sipp!

sybilltrelawney.bsky.social•2 days ago

The last question is key.

justanotherdummy.bsky.social•1 day ago

The brain drain at Skadden, Wilmer, etc inside a decade will be immense. Same for Columbia, Harvard, etc. Why would the brightest students or the best lawyers go where they know, before even arriving, they won't be supported and the institution is never to be trusted again. A name only goes so far.

udel99.bsky.social•2 days ago

If only there were GOP representatives and senators that demonstrated the same intestinal fortitude as Mr. Sipp.

judetd.bsky.social•2 days ago

I called Skadden Arps in NY at 212-735-2000 & asked for managing director. Left VM that Thomas Sipp had more courage than all of the partners in Skadden Arps worldwide & that there actions support a facist oligarch & they will be remembered as assisting him in trying to destroy our democracy.

islandofreil.bsky.social•2 days ago

📌

bravegirl.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thomas Sip! Please start your own firm!

luckysitsinback.bsky.social•2 days ago

thanks, anna. hope he knows we're right there with him.

sisyphusredeemed.bsky.social•2 days ago

myself11.bsky.social•2 days ago

The partners at Skaddan don't want to accept that it never ends well for those that get down on bended knee to a wannabe dictator.

vaelis.bsky.social•2 days ago

That guy may have just torched his ability to get hired in his entire industry. He clearly knew that and did it anyway. Hero.

txlawyer.bsky.social•2 days ago

He will have no shortage of comparable employment opportunities. Big Law is starting to stand up for itself.

vaelis.bsky.social•2 days ago

I hope you are right - certainly hasn’t been the trend in other industries (specifically tech/media) but I’d love to start seeing it reversed!

smbrnsn.bsky.social•2 days ago

My default would be he’ll have no problem landing another job.

That doesn’t make this less laudable or any easier. As attorneys we tend to be risk-averse. But fortunately he should be fine.

packrfan4.bsky.social•2 days ago

Nah…there are plenty of firms that will scoop him up. He obviously has a good head on his shoulders and he’s shown that he’s principled.

danlooker.bsky.social•2 days ago

Finally a man with some backbone. 👏

skipb.bsky.social•1 day ago

Sipp, showing everyone what ordinary Germans could have done in the 1930s

sfineville.bsky.social•2 days ago

Maybe @marcelias.bsky.social is hiring?

teramis.bsky.social•2 days ago

Another hero. Thanks for spotlighting this. It is when individuals like this stand up, and state their case so eloquently, and make a difficult moral decision that comes into the public eye--it is then that the energy shifts direction. Enough of this causes large shifts--and courage is contagious.

jerryamerica09.bsky.social•2 days ago

Badass

estogrrl.bsky.social•2 days ago

More people need to step up like this 👍

blueops.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thank you Thomas Sipp for having principles and making a conscious decision to leave what will henceforth be known as a MAGA law firm.

Skadden can make excuses but they will always be questioned by the public for the stench they are now clothed in. They join a group of lepers.
#MAGAlawfirm

novasolis.bsky.social•2 days ago

All these attorneys from all these different companies who are resigning because they have integrity, should form a brand new law firm exclusively to handle anti-trump lawsuits.