Key Takeaways:
- A law professor warns lawyers about making deals with Donald Trump.
- These deals often lack clear details and may involve unfair demands.
- Trump has a history of making deals that benefit him, sometimes forcing law firms to do free work.
- The professor compares Trump’s tactics to extortion, warning that he may keep asking for more.
What’s the Story?
Lawyers thinking about cutting a deal with Donald Trump should think twice. A law professor recently shared her thoughts on why these deals might not be as good as they seem.
Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. Attorney, spoke about the murky details of Trump’s deals. She explained that while Trump has made many deals with law firms, the exact terms are often unclear.
“One of the things we haven’t seen is the details,” McQuade said. For example, she wondered, “Is he going to require them to work on deportation of immigrants?”
McQuade called these deals “extortionate demands,” comparing them to the tactics of an extortionist. She warned that Trump’s approach is like someone who keeps coming back for more.
“You think you paid him off with $10,000 and your building isn’t going to be burned down, but guess what? He comes back next month and now he wants another $10,000,” she said.
Why Should Lawyers Be Concerned?
McQuade also talked about whether lawyers saw these issues coming. She said the first wave of lawyers might not have known what they were getting into. But for those who claimed ignorance after that, she said, “Shame on them.”
The professor’s advice to lawyers is clear: Be careful when dealing with Trump. She ended her segment with a simple but powerful statement: “When you get in the mud with a pig, you all get muddy.”
What Does This Mean for the Future?
McQuade’s warning highlights the risks of dealing with Trump. His history of making deals that benefit himself, sometimes at the expense of others, is well-documented.
Law firms considering deals with Trump should ask tough questions. What exactly are they agreeing to? What are the long-term consequences?
The professor’s comparison to extortion is a strong one. It suggests that Trump’s deals may not be one-time agreements but rather the start of ongoing demands.
Should Lawyers Take the Risk?
McQuade’s advice is clear: Lawyers should think carefully before making deals with Trump. His track record shows a pattern of practices that may not be fair or transparent.
For law firms, the risk is real. They could find themselves agreeing to terms that they later regret. The professor’s warning is a reminder that some deals may come with hidden costs.
In the end, McQuade’s message is simple: Be cautious when dealing with someone like Trump. The consequences of getting involved could be messy.
Final Thoughts
The professor’s warnings are a reminder of the complexities of dealing with high-profile figures like Trump. Lawyers should approach such deals with caution and carefully consider the potential risks.
As McQuade said, “When you get in the mud with a pig, you all get muddy.” For lawyers, this means being prepared for the possibility of messy and unpredictable outcomes.
The next time a lawyer thinks about cutting a deal with Trump, they should remember one thing: The details matter, and the devil is always in the details.
