Prominent Lawyer Damian Williams leaves Paul Weiss for Jenner & Block

ICARO Media Group
Politics
06/06/2025 18h17

**Paul Weiss Faces Another Loss as Prominent Lawyer Joins Jenner & Block**

Damian Williams, who took on high-profile cases as the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, is parting ways with Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison. Williams, who joined Paul Weiss in January, has decided to take up a leadership role at Jenner & Block.

Williams’ departure is the latest in a series of high-profile exits for Paul Weiss, a prestigious law firm that recently made headlines for its deal with the Trump administration to mitigate the effects of a stringent executive order. In contrast, Jenner & Block took a different route by legally challenging an executive order directed at firms employing attorneys who had investigated former President Trump. The executive order was eventually invalidated by a federal judge, who criticized it for violating constitutional principles.

At Jenner & Block, Williams will serve as the co-head of the firm's litigation and white-collar practices. He expressed admiration for the firm, stating, "Jenner & Block fearlessly advocates for its clients and provides outstanding strategic counsel through their most difficult challenges. I've seen firsthand how this firm expertly tackles the toughest cases and lives its values."

During his tenure as the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan, which began with his appointment by former President Joseph R. Biden in 2021, Williams was involved in several significant convictions. Notable cases include the conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, on fraud charges, and the corruption conviction of former New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez.

Williams' legal career includes leading the Securities and Commodities Task Force in Manhattan's U.S. Attorney's Office and clerking for former U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, who was known for his liberal judicial stance.

Williams’ transition to Jenner & Block signifies yet another notable shift in the legal landscape, as top-tier firms continue to navigate the ramifications of recent political and legal challenges.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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