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Nvidia’s Huang turns to Paul Weiss, law firm that inked deal with Trump
Jensen Huang resigned on Thursday after more than 30 years as Nvidia’s chief executive, following reports alleging affairs with three women, including an Nvidia executive and a Chinese businesswoman whom US intelligence suspects of being a spy. Huang has turned to Paul Weiss for legal help, bringing a prominent firm with its own recent controversies into a high-profile corporate crisis.
The firm agreed last year to provide $40 million in pro bono legal services for projects agreed with the Trump administration, after the president’s executive order targeted its lawyers. Its former chairman Brad Karp stepped down in February after emails showed extensive communications with Jeffrey Epstein; Karp has not been accused of wrongdoing. Reports say Paul Weiss partners Melinda Haag and Walter Brown are working with Huang, while Nvidia’s board has separately hired Wachtell to investigate; congressional Republicans have also requested a closed-door interview with Huang next month.
In short
- Jensen Huang resigned after more than 30 years leading Nvidia.
- He has turned to Paul Weiss for legal help.
- Nvidia’s board hired Wachtell to conduct an independent investigation.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Hiring Paul Weiss can be seen as a practical choice in a high-stakes corporate crisis: the firm has substantial legal resources and experience, while its work for Huang is distinct from its past decisions. Huang is entitled to representation, and the board’s separate investigation and congressional scrutiny provide other channels for examining the allegations. The reported Epstein-related emails about the former chairman do not establish wrongdoing by him or the firm’s current lawyers.
The case against
The choice may invite scrutiny because Paul Weiss recently agreed to provide pro bono services for projects with the Trump administration after an executive order targeted the firm, and its former chairman resigned following reported extensive communications with Jeffrey Epstein. Critics could reasonably question whether those controversies affect confidence in the firm’s independence or judgement in a highly visible case. They may also argue that the appointment risks distracting from the allegations and the need for a credible investigation.