Two prominent appellate attorneys who have been defending former President Donald Trump are leaving Sullivan & Cromwell to join Gibson Dunn, marking a significant shift in his legal team's structure.
Jeffrey Wall and Morgan Ratner, both key figures in Sullivan & Cromwell's appellate and Supreme Court division, are making the move to the rival firm. Their departure reshapes the roster of lawyers handling Trump's high-stakes cases that have reached or could reach the nation's highest court.
The switch underscores the fluid nature of elite legal representation in consequential matters, where top talent and specialized expertise drive attorney placement. Both lawyers have established themselves in appellate work, the specialized practice of arguing cases before appellate courts, which has become central to Trump's litigation strategy across multiple jurisdictions.
Gibson Dunn is one of the nation's largest law firms and a frequent player in high-profile political and corporate defense work. The firm's appellate bench is considered one of the strongest in the country, giving Wall and Ratner a platform that aligns with their expertise.
Sullivan & Cromwell, a Manhattan-founded powerhouse with deep roots in elite corporate law, has been among the firms representing Trump in various capacities. The departure of two leaders in its appellate practice represents a notable reduction in firepower on those matters at the firm level.
It remains unclear how the transition will affect pending cases or what specific matters Wall and Ratner will handle at Gibson Dunn, but the move signals continued evolution in Trump's legal team composition as his cases advance through the court system.
Author James Rodriguez: "When your top appellate guns walk out the door, it's a clear signal about where the action is going next."
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