Chicago attorney Rachel Cohen resigns in protest after law firm Skadden Law makes deal with Trump administration

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago attorney is opposing the efforts of President Donald Trump’s administration to penalize lawyers and law firms that file lawsuits against him, his administration, or his policies.

Critics argue that this issue strikes at the core of the justice system: lawyers and law firms are being intimidated with executive orders and restrictions on government work unless they align with President Trump’s objectives.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Rachel Cohen was so deeply affected by this that she resigned from her position at a prestigious law firm in protest when it collaborated with the Trump administration.

“I’ve never done something that was so universally well received in my entire life as publicly quitting,” Cohen said.

The Harvard graduate said she worked for years for her shot at one of the largest law firms in the world and got hired at Skadden Law in Chicago. But the third-year associate is now unemployed.

She told the I-Team she resigned her position as the law firm was in the process of striking a deal with the Trump administration for $100 million dollars of free legal work supporting the president’s agenda.

“The Trump administration is coming for corporate law firms, punishing them explicitly and then stripping them of government contracts and trying to run them out of business,” Cohen said. “We have a legal system that requires lawyers bring cases for them to be heard in front of a judge for the Constitution and due process rights to be upheld. He’s trying to intimidate lawyers out of bringing the cases in the first place.”

Cohen said Trump is working to influence the cases law firms take and dictate private legal work to support his goals, while many big law firms are cowering in fear.

“Too scared that maybe their paycheck goes down from $4.5 million to $4.3 million next year, too scared to save not just people’s lives but the fabric of our legal system. Maddening is an understatement,” Cohen said.

RELATED | Illinois AG joins calls for unity against Trump administration’s retaliation on law firms

The president of the Chicago Bar Association, John Sciaccotta, said lawyers need to stand firm to uphold the constitution and should be able to represent whoever they wish.

“When there’s interference with that, that’s really violates the Constitution, violates the rule of law, and, quite frankly, violates the oath that we all take as lawyers to uphold the Constitution,” explained Sciaccotta.

The association is supporting Chicago law firm Jenner and Block, currently fighting a targeted executive order against them by President Trump. He said the pro bono work under fire by Trump’s executive orders will keep many people in the immigration system from receiving representation.

“That is infringing upon their rights, and I think it’s very devastating to who we are as a country,” he said.

The I-Team asked Cohen what motivated her to go public with her resignation.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity to speak about things that I care about, and I’m going to take it,” Cohen said.

Next week, Cohen is set to speak in front of members of the House Judiciary Committee about the President’s actions against law firms.

The I-Team reached out to Skadden Law, but has not yet received a reply.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Shocking photos show CIA deputy director's son fighting for Russia in Ukraine war before his battlefield death

Startling images reveal son of CIA deputy director fighting for Russia in Ukraine conflict before his tragic death on the battlefield

Pictures show the CIA deputy director’s son who – unbeknownst to his…
Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft nightmare ends as QB is FINALLY picked by Cleveland Browns after dramatic slide

Shedeur Sanders Breaks NFL Draft Slide with Selection by Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado quarterback, has recently experienced a significant setback during…
‘The Sopranos’ Creator Was Unsure James Gandolfini Would Be “Threatening Enough” For Tony Soprano Role

The creator of ‘The Sopranos’ doubted if James Gandolfini could portray a sufficiently intimidating Tony Soprano.

David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, shared insights into the casting…
Here's why a flare-up between India and Pakistan over Kashmir matters

Why the Kashmir conflict is significant for India and Pakistan

India and Pakistan have escalated their tensions over the disputed Kashmir region…
Suspect arrested for alleged theft of Kristi Noem's bag containing $3K in cash: reports

Person arrested for reportedly stealing Kristi Noem’s purse with $3,000 in money.

The individual accused of stealing a Gucci handbag belonging to Homeland Security…
Trump delivers different message on Gaza when recapping call with Netanyahu

Trump discusses contrasting views on Gaza during summary of conversation with Netanyahu

President Donald Trump recently discussed Gaza with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu…
JoJo Siwa Dumps Kath Ebbs Following ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ Finale

JoJo Siwa ends relationship with Kath Ebbs after ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ season ends.

JoJo Siwa and Kath Ebbs have called it quits — and the…
Over 100 illegal migrants drop to the ground and are arrested as cops bust Colorado nightclub

More than 100 unauthorized migrants are apprehended by law enforcement after authorities raid a nightclub in Colorado.

After police conducted a raid on a Colorado nightclub in the early…
Trump administration deports 100K illegal migrants since inauguration: report

Clarification from DHS following Venezuelan government’s assertion that TdA gang members’ children were ‘kidnapped’

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to accusations by the Venezuelan…
Hoisted With Their Own Petard: Minority Janitors at Columbia Sue Pro-Hamas Mob That Held Them Hostage

Minority Janitors at Columbia University File Lawsuit Against Pro-Hamas Mob for Holding Them Hostage

It’s quite surprising. The group supporting Hamas, which caused chaos and violence…
Stagecoach Festival 2025: Lizzo, Lana Del Rey and more

Lineup for Stagecoach Festival 2025: Lizzo, Lana Del Rey and Others

Stagecoach music festival remains amazing with memorable shows from famous artists such…
Trump questions Putin's desire to end Ukrainian war hours after one-on-one meeting with Zelensky

“Pope Francis Witnessed ‘Final Miracle’ as Trump and Zelensky Converge in Vatican, Leading to US President Turning Against Putin Over Peace Plan Deception”

Pope Francis is being praised for a significant event termed as his…