Key points from the recent developments:

• President Trump rescinded an executive order targeting Paul, Weiss after the firm pledged $40 million in pro bono legal services.
• In the deal, Paul, Weiss agreed to abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices.
• The firm’s actions have sparked backlash among legal professionals and critics who view it as capitulation to Trump's administration.
• A Skadden associate resigned in protest, criticizing the legal profession’s response to Trump’s intimidation tactics.
• Previous executive orders have also targeted law firms Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling.

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the rescinding of an executive order against the law firm Paul, Weiss, a prominent law firm that agreed to provide $40 million worth of pro bono legal services as part of a deal that also demands it renounces its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Initially issued on March 14, the executive order had threatened the suspension of the firm’s security clearances and federal contracts, citing the firm's alleged role in undermining the judicial process and its association with former partner Mark Pomerantz, involved in investigations against Trump.

After negotiations with Paul Weiss's chairman Brad Karp, Trump noted that the firm would also conduct a review of its hiring practices to ensure a commitment to merit-based employment. In a statement, Karp expressed gratitude for Trump's decision to withdraw the order, indicating a desire to foster a cooperative relationship with the administration. Critics, however, have lambasted Paul Weiss for what they see as a capitulation to Trump’s administration, with some labeling the agreement as extortion or a "shakedown."

The fallout from this agreement has resonated throughout the legal community. Skadden Arps associate Rachel Cohen publicly resigned in protest, decrying the lack of action from the legal profession in the face of intimidation from Trump's administration. “This is a moment that demands urgency,” she stated in a LinkedIn post that gained significant traction.

The implications extend beyond just Paul Weiss. Trump's administration has demonstrated a pattern of targeting law firms whose lawyers have opposed or challenged him. Both Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling have also felt the heat of executive actions aimed at curtailing their operations.

This incident has raised alarms among legal professionals about the potential chilling effect on legal representation and advocacy. As Trump continues to press forward with his agenda, the landscape for the legal community may be permanently altered, creating an environment where fear influences legal practices and the defense of civil rights could be compromised.

For an in-depth analysis and updates, refer to the original articles from The Hill, BBC, and HuffPost.