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Masters of Scale

When powerful law firms don’t defend themselves against Trump, with ex-Skadden associate Rachel Cohen

Masters of Scale

WaitWhat

Entrepreneurship, Business, Management, Reid Hoffman, Mindset, Diversity & Inclusion, Jeff Berman, Bob Safian, Startups

4.64.4K Ratings

🗓️ 8 April 2025

⏱️ 33 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Many prominent law firms have recently found themselves in President Trump’s crosshairs. Skadden Arps’ attorney, Rachel Cohen, encouraged the firm to fight the government’s pressure, only to have her attempts rebuffed and to be effectively forced out from the firm. Cohen joins Rapid Response to share her dramatic story, and fears about how the rule of law is changing in America. Rachel’s experience raises questions about the legal industry’s role in the checks and balances of the US system, and how leaders everywhere navigate the relationship between their business and broader society.

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Transcript

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0:00.0

Hey folks, Jeff Berman here. If your business is driving innovation, delivering exceptional experiences, or making a real impact on society, or maybe all three, we want you to apply for the Masters of Scale Business Awards.

0:13.0

These awards celebrate bold organizations of all sizes and across all industries. Award recipients don't just get a trophy,

0:21.1

although yes, there are trophies.

0:23.8

They get a spotlight at the Masters of Scale Summit

0:25.9

and a seat at the table

0:27.3

with the very best in business.

0:29.8

Don't wait.

0:31.4

Head to Mastersofscale.com

0:33.1

slash business awards dash apply.

0:35.6

That's Mastersofscale.com slash business awards dash apply that's masters of scale.com slash business awards dash apply

0:39.8

hi everyone we have a special episode today about the world's biggest law firms which people

0:48.4

don't always think about as businesses but they have tremendous economic weight as

0:53.4

advisors to the most significant companies

0:55.5

and organizations in the world, their business choices have a ripple effect across the economy.

1:01.5

Some of these prominent law firms have recently found themselves in President Trump's

1:05.9

crosshairs. My guest today is Rachel Cohen, a young attorney who tried to get her firm, the prestigious and lucrative Scadena ARPs, to fight the administration's efforts only to have her attempts rebuffed and to be effectively forced out of the firm.

1:21.4

Rachel's story is full of drama, frustration, and fears about how the rule of law is changing in America.

1:29.2

It's a story of how uncertainty is impacting even the most successful businesses, and it raises questions about the legal industry's

1:35.0

role in the checks and balances of the U.S. system. For any business, it provides a window into

1:40.7

the leadership challenges of this wider moment. I'm Bob Safian, and this is rapid response.

1:51.6

I'm Bob Safian. I'm here with Rachel Cohen. Rachel, thanks for joining us. Thanks for having me,

1:57.4

Bob. So you are a Harvard-educated attorney.

...

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