Servants of the Damned

David Enrich's groundbreaking book, Servants of the Damned, takes readers on an eye-opening journey through the corridors of power, exposing the formidable influence wielded by some of the world's largest law firms. Through meticulous research and gripping narrative, Enrich unearths the shadowy operations and ethically questionable practices that have come to define these legal juggernauts.

No law firm epitomises this transformation more than Jones Day. Founded in the United States in 1893, Jones Day has grown from its humble beginnings into a global corporate titan, inextricably linked to conservative politics and major corporate interests. With a presence in numerous countries, it is one of the world’s largest law firms, playing pivotal roles in major legal battles and shaping policies behind the scenes.

Jones Day has been involved in some of the most controversial and high-stakes cases of recent years. It’s been a staunch defender of Big Tobacco, relentlessly advocating for opioid manufacturers, and playing a significant role in downplaying and mitigating the Catholic Church's sexual-abuse scandals. The firm's influence extends to international affairs as well, including its advisory role to Russian oligarchs in their global expansion attempts.

The book delves deeply into the firm’s entanglement with the Trump administration, revealing the intricacies of how Jones Day lawyers facilitated some of the most contentious policies and decisions during Trump's tenure. Enrich uncovers how 'Big Law' firms like Jones Day have become powerful entities unto themselves, making decisions that impact millions while often evading public scrutiny and accountability.

Enrich's narrative captures the essence of this transformation in the legal profession, providing readers with a thorough understanding of how these firms manoeuvre to protect the rich and powerful, often at the expense of ethical integrity. His storytelling is as compelling as it is revealing, making Servants of the Damned both an informative and engaging read for anyone interested in law, politics, and corporate influence.

Esteemed voices have praised the book for its detailed and compassionate exploration of the subject. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ronan Farrow remarks, " Servants of the Damned is a feat of thoughtful, detailed research, rendering with clarity and even compassion the moral drift of 'big law.' As an attorney, I found it illuminating - but this is important reading for anyone concerned about law and policy."

Carol Leonnig, also a Pulitzer Prize-winner and co-author of A Very Stable Genius, adds, "This fascinating book is somehow both devastating and rollicking all at the same time. Enrich brings us into the room to watch how a modest law firm built on honourable service gradually becomes an uber-shield for the worst of American greed and abuse - all in the quest for enormous billable profits and outsized power. From handling a fatal gas explosion to terrorising a tobacco whistleblower to aiding Donald Trump, it's all in here."

Furthermore, the Financial Times acknowledges the book’s comprehensive exploration of ethical declines within prominent American law firms, particularly highlighting Jones Day's significant role in Donald Trump's rise to power and presidency.

In Servants of the Damned, David Enrich masterfully illuminates the disturbing realities of ‘Big Law’, offering readers an unsettling yet crucial examination of the power dynamics that shape our modern world.