Simpson Thacher Fallout Sees Run From BigLaw to Ballot Box
Taylor Wettach, a former associate in Simpson Thacher’s National Security Regulatory Practice, has launched a bid for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District after exiting BigLaw over a controversial pro‑Trump settlement.
Wettach, who held a top‑secret clearance and advised both federal agencies and private sector clients on multibillion‑dollar trade & national security matters, was elected a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations in 2024, a rare achievement for a mid‑career attorney.
A native of Muscatine, Wettach grew up steeped in public service — his mother taught preschool, his father and grandfather were family physicians, and his maternal grandfather farmed His decision to leave Simpson Thacher came after the firm agreed to provide pro bono legal work to President Trump amid executive‑order pressure — a move he says violated lawyers’ duty to uphold the rule of law.
Wettach is now campaigning on a platform centered around rural hospital preservation, affordable healthcare, reversing trade‑policy damage, and rebuilding economic resilience in Iowa.
He’s competing in a crowded Democratic primary against Christina Bohannan, Bob Krause and Travis Terrell, aiming to flip a seat held by Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller‑Meeks.
Interesting move by Taylor Wettach, but jumping from BigLaw to politics because of a pro-Trump settlement? Makes me wonder about the motivations and the precedent it sets. What are the legal ethics in play here, and how does it affect public trust in both the legal and political fields?
That’s a good point, Alex. Do you think there’s a possibility that this could encourage more lawyers to transition into politics, or is this an isolated incident?
Isolated incident or not, I’m just here for the drama. Lawyers in politics, what could possibly go wrong?!
i think it’s really brave of taylor to stand up for what they believe in, especially leaving a big firm over ethical concerns. maybe it’s what we need more of in politics. curious to see the impact this will have!
Taylor Wettach’s shift from Simpson Thacher to a congressional run is not without precedent in history. There’ve been numerous instances where individuals have crossed over from professional sectors into politics, often bringing a fresh perspective. It’ll be interesting to monitor how his legal background influences his political stances, especially in an era where legal expertise is increasingly crucial in legislative matters.
John Bowie, can you provide more details on the ‘controversial pro-Trump settlement’ that led to Taylor Wettach’s exit? It’s crucial to understand the specifics of the case to get a full picture of why this move is significant in today’s political climate.
From the courtroom to the campaign trail, sounds like a Netflix series waiting to happen. Wonder if Taylor’s got any skeletons in the closet, or maybe just a lot of legal books.