Politics Is Complex and Messy: But We Have to Sort Out Web of Influence

 "Relationships between law firms and political candidates -- particularly a candidate like Harris who is herself a lawyer -- are nothing new. But advocacy groups are concerned that funders with corporate ties could wield outsized influence, shifting Harris away from policies under President Joe Biden that have chafed the business community." - Reuters Legal, August 12, 2024 

Paul, Weiss is the law firm way out front in both fundraising for Kamala Harris - Tim Walz and providing support in other ways such as participating in the debate coaching. For example, Paul, Weiss chair Brad Karp has reached out to 300 corporate lawyers, motivating donations. Lawyers and staff at the firm have contributed the most among law firms - $1.4 million. Partner Karen Dunn had prepped Harris in the 2020 debate and will do the same for the September 10th one. 

Given how Washington works, Paul, Weiss could be building unique access within the next administration, if Harris wins. Already, as Bloomberg Law pointed out in 2021, Paul, Weiss has been a power center in the Biden Administration. Karp himself is known to be well-connected within the Democratic Party.

Paul, Weiss represents myriad financial firms and Dunn currently is representing tech firm Alphabet in Google's September 9th antitrust trial. Her background is tech.

No longer the elephant in the room but currently an emerged issue is: How much scrutiny should there be on this law firm's possible influence, come January 20, 2025, on the White House, Congress, regulatory agencies and more? 

Along with that is the business issue: What can the commercial sector expect in its "treatment" by the new Administration? Will there, for example, be a backing off from the aggressive antitrust stance of the FTC headed by Lina Khan? Directly to the point, will Paul, Weiss clients have some kind of edge? And, would such an advantage be legal and ethical?

All human activities - law, politics, business - are complex and messy. Having grown up in the Frank Hague Administration and its continuing power in Jersey City, New Jersey, I understand well the necessity and the benefits of access, loyalty and playing ball. People get jobs. Grandma gets into a good nursing home. The snow gets plowed. 

However, lines which shouldn't be crossed could be. One phrase attributed to Frank Hague is: "I am the law." He did say that but his defenders contend that was taken out of context. 

At Henry Synder public high school I focused on good grades and strong teacher recommendations so I could receive a scholarship to an out-of-state college - that is, flee "Jersey City politics." 

The implications of any extreme involvement in a political campaign can be huge. The web of influence has to be monitered. 

Full Disclosure: I am registered Independent.

In business and life you usually have only one shot at whatever. Up the odds of success with Jane Genova. I am an intuitive coach, tarot reader and content-creator. Complimentary consultation (please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)



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