Damian Williams Joins Jenner & Block, Escalating Legal Tensions with Trump Administration

In a stunning legal shakeup with political implications, Damian Williams—one of the most high-profile federal prosecutors in the nation—is making a bold move. Williams has officially joined Jenner & Block, a law firm that has positioned itself as a legal adversary to the Trump administration. The announcement signals not only a strategic career pivot for Williams, but also intensifies an ongoing legal clash between elite firms and a presidency defined by controversy and litigation.

A Strategic Shift Away from Paul Weiss

Williams’ departure from Paul Weiss comes just five months after he returned to the firm. His decision is notable, especially given that Paul Weiss recently brokered a controversial $40 million pro bono agreement with the Trump administration. That deal earned Paul Weiss a reprieve from executive sanctions—including the loss of government contracts and employee security clearances—but also drew scrutiny for aligning a respected law firm with partisan political interests.

Jenner & Block took a different path. Rather than compromise, the firm chose to challenge Trump’s executive orders in court. And so far, it has emerged victorious. In fact, all four firms that sued the administration—Jenner & Block among them—have successfully blocked those orders through judicial rulings.

With this new appointment, Williams steps directly into the fray.

A New Role, A New Arena

Jenner & Block confirmed Friday that Williams will serve as co-chair of both its Litigation Department and its Investigations, Compliance, and Defense Practice. It’s a dual leadership position that gives Williams considerable authority within a firm known for tackling headline-making cases and high-stakes political battles.

In a press release, Williams praised the firm for its fearless advocacy and integrity: “Jenner & Block fearlessly advocates for its clients and provides outstanding strategic counsel through their most difficult challenges,” he said. “I’m excited to join a team with an extraordinary depth of legal talent that doesn’t shy away from hard fights — and delivers results that matter.”

From Prosecutor to Power Broker

Williams’ move marks the latest chapter in a storied career. As the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, he oversaw some of the most high-profile criminal cases in recent history. His targets included rapper and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey. Prior to that, Williams clerked for Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens and Merrick Garland, now U.S. Attorney General.

His resume and reputation have made him a sought-after legal mind—praised by Paul Weiss Chairman Brad Karp in January as “transcendently talented.” But his departure underscores a growing divide within the legal world: some firms are aligning themselves with powerful political figures, while others, like Jenner & Block, are choosing to challenge them.

A Blow to Paul Weiss Amid Wider Exodus

Williams isn’t the only major name to leave Paul Weiss recently. Karen Dunn, a prominent litigator known for prepping Kamala Harris for her 2024 debate against Trump, left the firm just weeks ago, taking three top attorneys with her to launch a boutique law firm.

These high-profile exits raise questions about Paul Weiss’s future identity, especially as its alignment with the Trump administration becomes more visible. The firm has not responded to media requests for comment on Williams’ departure, fueling speculation that internal dissent may be growing.

Legal and Political Stakes Rising

Williams’ move adds new weight to the already fraught legal landscape surrounding Trump. With multiple firms choosing to take on the administration in court, and prominent legal figures like Williams stepping into leadership roles at those firms, the legal resistance is no longer quiet or fringe—it’s institutional, well-funded, and deeply strategic.

Moreover, the timing is telling. With the 2024 presidential election looming and Trump’s legal entanglements continuing to mount, the presence of figures like Williams in positions of influence could have ripple effects across multiple investigations and lawsuits tied to the former president.

A Legal Titan Takes Sides

Damian Williams has built a career on tackling difficult cases, holding powerful people accountable, and navigating the highest levels of American jurisprudence. His decision to join Jenner & Block—not just any firm, but one openly suing the Trump administration—sends a clear signal.

He’s not just switching jobs. He’s choosing a side.

And in doing so, he may be reshaping the balance of legal power in America’s most politically charged era.