High-Profile Shakeup: Ex-U.S. Attorney Damian Williams Leaves Paul Weiss for Jenner & Block’s Big Bet on Litigation
Damian Williams, ex-top Manhattan prosecutor, jumps from Paul Weiss to Jenner & Block as legal elite vie for top talent and big cases in 2025.
- 44 years old: Williams is among the youngest to have served as U.S. Attorney for SDNY.
- 2 Major Convictions: Lead prosecutor in the FTX and Menendez cases.
- 2025 Trend: “Lateral star moves” up 30% among BigLaw partners.
A seismic shift is unfolding at the pinnacle of the American legal world. Damian Williams, the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York—and a rising star in both federal prosecution and private law—has left the powerhouse firm Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison just months after a high-profile arrival. His new destination? Jenner & Block, where he will co-lead the firm’s litigation and white-collar defense practices.
Both firms are no strangers to controversy or headlines. Paul Weiss, considered one of the legal elite, stunned the legal sector in recent years by working with the Trump administration to counter an executive order many viewed as punitive. In stark contrast, Jenner & Block openly fought that same order in court—ultimately seeing it struck down by a federal judge as flagrantly unconstitutional.
Why Did Damian Williams Leave Paul Weiss So Soon?
Williams’ move lit up legal news feeds. Behind the headlines, legal insiders point to cultural clashes and a shifting ethos within top firms. Jenner & Block has increasingly positioned itself as an aggressive defender of constitutional values, directly challenging politicized executive moves. Williams, known for “fearless advocacy” and high-profile wins, found alignment in Jenner’s values over Paul Weiss’ pragmatic deals.
The early departure highlights a new trend among elite lawyers: fast pivots to align with evolving firm reputations and client priorities—especially as BigLaw continues to navigate polarized Washington and high-stakes business disputes.
Who Is Damian Williams? What’s at Stake?
At just 44, Williams led the SDNY through some of its most watched trials, including the conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried, the embattled FTX founder, and ex-Senator Robert Menendez on corruption charges. He was handpicked by President Biden in 2021 after heading the securities and commodities task force, and previously clerked for the renowned Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.
Williams’ tenure in public office was marked by an aggressive pursuit of financial and political crime—an approach that fits Jenner & Block’s culture, as the firm continues to fight headline-grabbing constitutional and white-collar battles.
How Does This Reshuffle Affect the 2025 Legal Landscape?
Legal experts say these high-profile lateral moves are reshaping BigLaw, as firms double down on their brands as either collaborators or challengers in the national political arena. Williams’ departure underscores a fierce competition for “rainmaker” talent able to secure mega-clients and win in court.
For corporations, politicians, and even everyday clients, Williams’ move signals a growing trend: top attorneys are seeking firms whose values and strategies reflect their own, instead of sticking solely to prestige or paychecks. With litigation and constitutional cases likely to surge in 2025, Williams’ appointment as co-head at Jenner & Block marks a bold move for both the lawyer and his new firm.
Want to learn more about how these firms are shaping the future? Check out The New York Times‘s legal coverage and explore firm profiles at Jenner & Block and Paul Weiss.
Q: What Does This Mean for Clients and Cases in 2025?
Clients can expect more overt alignment between their legal advocates and their own values, especially as litigation becomes more politicized. Expect a rise in high-stakes cases at the intersection of business, government, and constitutional law—with Damian Williams playing a leading role.
How to Spot A Law Firm on the Rise in 2025
- Track lateral hires of high-profile attorneys
- Watch court challenges to executive policies
- Observe shifts in firm branding and social media
- Monitor wins in complex, newsworthy cases
The legal world is evolving at lightning speed. If you want the best outcome for your business or your case, watch where the top talent lands—because today’s biggest legal moves are shaping tomorrow’s justice.
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Legal Trends 2025 Checklist:
- Monitor high-profile lawyer moves
- Evaluate firms’ stances on major social issues
- Research past case wins
- Match legal values with firm ethos
- Stay updated via reputable news outlets like Law.com
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