Major Kirkland Departures Signal Backlash Against Firm’s DEI Retreat

Kirkland & Ellis, long recognized as the richest Biglaw firm in the United States, is facing an internal crisis. Earlier this month, headlines exploded when it was revealed that Kirkland, rather than standing firm to defend the rule of law and diversity values, chose to capitulate to political pressure from former President Donald Trump.

In an effort to avoid facing likely unconstitutional executive action, Kirkland agreed to a controversial deal. The firm not only agreed to dismantle elements of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs but also pledged an eye-popping $100 million in pro bono services to government-approved causes. Critics have labeled this move a “sellout” — a damaging retreat that could have far-reaching implications for the independence of the legal profession.

As Grammy-winning artist Billie Eilish might say, “that shit’s embarrassing.”

The “Kirkland Exodus” Grows: Associates Walk Away

In the weeks following Kirkland’s decision, a growing number of associates have announced their resignations, citing the firm’s capitulation as the driving factor. Among the most notable recent departures:

• Maggie Hagen
• Kevin Decker
• Harold Grigsby III

Each posted powerful messages on LinkedIn, expressing deep disappointment with Kirkland’s decision to yield to political coercion — and warning of the dangers it poses not just to their firm, but to the very fabric of American legal integrity.

Maggie Hagen: Concern Over Precedent and Client Impact

In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Maggie Hagen voiced her alarm over the precedent set by Kirkland’s deal:

“I could not support the Firm’s decision to comply with the current administration’s demands, including providing free legal services to government-selected causes and submitting to outside audits of its diversity practices. To me, these actions set a troubling precedent. When law firms yield to political pressure, it compromises the independence of our profession and threatens our ability to zealously advocate for our clients.”

Hagen’s concerns underscore a fundamental truth: lawyers are duty-bound to resist improper external pressures to protect their clients’ rights and the rule of law itself.

Kevin Decker: Capitulation in a Broader Battle for Constitutional Principles

Kevin Decker contextualized Kirkland’s actions within a broader assault on constitutional rights:

“I am disappointed by the decision of the world’s most powerful and successful law firm not to fight back against this unlawful incursion, especially when other firms are already doing so successfully. This is part of a larger attack on the rule of law, along with efforts to nullify constitutional protections of due process, birthright citizenship, presidential term limits, and more.”

Decker’s comments highlight the stakes: today’s political pressure campaigns are not isolated incidents, but part of a broader erosion of constitutional norms. Law firms, as defenders of these norms, cannot afford to be silent — or complicit.

Harold Grigsby III: Personal Stakes in the Fight for DEI

For Harold Grigsby III, Kirkland’s retreat hits even closer to home:

“As a Black man, I view the current attacks on DEI initiatives as deeply personal. While DEI programs do not exclusively serve Black individuals, this administration has deliberately conflated Blackness with DEI, weaponizing it as coded language to create division.”

Grigsby went on to explain how Kirkland’s former commitment to diversity and pro bono work drew him to the firm — and how its abandonment of those principles spurred his departure:

“Kirkland’s diversity and pro bono work led me to the firm, and its deviation from these commitments has led to my exit.”

The Stakes for Biglaw and the Rule of Law

The resignations of Hagen, Decker, and Grigsby are just the latest signs that younger attorneys are unwilling to sacrifice principle for prestige. Across the legal industry, there is growing pressure for firms to stand firm against unconstitutional government overreach and to defend their diversity efforts, even in the face of political threats.

Kirkland’s experience offers a cautionary tale: law firm values matter — and if those values are betrayed, the firm risks not just reputational damage, but also the loss of its best talent.

Best wishes to Hagen, Decker, and Grigsby as they seek new opportunities — opportunities that better align with their values and professional integrity.

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