Tough Money Talk from Apollo's Marc Rowan, But U of Pennsylvania Doesn't Cave - Meanwhile What Should Law Firms Say/Not Say?

"UPenn Rejects Apollo CEO Rowan’s Call for Resignations in Antisemitism Fight" -  Bloomberg, October 12, 2023

The university stood with the president and head of the board of trustees. Rowan called for their resignations. As not uncommon he weaponized money. This version was in the form of donations. To continue to operate, as so many alumni know, institutions of higher learning need outside funding. Tuition/fees don't cut it.

So, here as the world might be on the brink of WW3, one institution in Pennsylvania stands up to what Wall Street represents. This is reassuring. Maybe power won't destroy the values of the civilization and, yes, the human race itself.

Meanwhile, other institutions such as law firms are in a pickle. Should they take a public stance on highly controversial issues such as support for Israel after the Hamas attack? No one can predict how that will resonate with myriad constituencies, including clients.  

Way back in 2021 in an interview with Bloomberg Law, Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp warned that values such as those embedded in ESG (Environmental Social Governance) initiatives could throw law firms themselves into upheaval. Not only would clients be in the soup. About the same time of the statement global law firm Mayer Brown faced a possible China-wide business boycott for how it handled an ESG matter.

Obviously, right now, emotions are running high. Rhetorical caution is wise be it Wall Street, higher education or the legal sector. 

Data or the gut for your careers and communications? Both of course. Complimentary consultation with intuitive coach, content-creator, and Tarot reader Jane Genova (text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com).


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