Democrats could subpoena documents on nine law firms' pro bono deals with the Trump administration after winning control of both chambers of Congress on 3 November, Bloomberg Law reported on 4 November. The firms pledged a combined USD 940 million in free legal work, the report said.

The Associated Press projected Democratic control of the Senate late on 3 November. CNBC's Election Desk projects that Democrats will win at least 245 House seats, above the 218 needed for a majority. The new majorities take over in January.

Bloomberg Law reported that Democrats are seeking three sets of material. These are the terms of each deal, the White House's requests for pro bono work and communications about threatened executive orders. Those could be subpoenaed once the majorities are seated.

The nine firms are Paul Weiss, Skadden, Simpson Thacher, Willkie Farr, Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Milbank, A&O Shearman and Cadwalader. Kirkland pledged USD 125 million and Skadden USD 100 million, Bloomberg Law reported. It said Paul Weiss was the first firm to settle.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Sen. Adam Schiff have already written to Kirkland and Skadden. Raskin is expected to chair the House Judiciary Committee. Committee posts are not final until the new Congress convenes in January. Blumenthal is the top Democrat on the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

According to Bloomberg Law, the lawmakers say Kirkland produced no documents and refused to meet their staff. They called Skadden's August reply "vague and cursory". They have also asked Kirkland about its contacts with Boris Epshteyn, Trump's personal lawyer. The lawmakers vowed to pursue the inquiry "in this Congress and the next".

House Oversight Democrats wrote to six of the firms in April 2025, The Hill reported. Paul Weiss and Skadden received individual letters. Kirkland, A&O Shearman, Simpson Thacher and Latham received a joint letter. Paul Weiss had been named in an executive order, which Trump rescinded after the firm settled. Its deal included the equivalent of USD 40 million in pro bono work, according to The Hill.

Why it matters

The inquiry changes footing in January for general counsel who instruct any of the nine firms. Requests that came as letters could become subpoenas, covering deal terms, the White House's pro bono requests, and communications about executive orders.