H.R. 4859: Disclosure of Engagements with Attorney Law Firms Act of 2025

The bill titled the Disclosure of Engagements with Attorney Law Firms Act of 2025, or the DEAL Act of 2025, proposes a requirement for the U.S. Comptroller General to produce a report regarding certain settlements made between law firms and the Executive Branch of the U.S. government. The key points of the bill include:

Purpose of the Bill

The primary goal of this legislation is to ensure transparency in the engagement of law firms by the Executive Branch. It specifically focuses on settlements that may involve significant legal services delivered by these firms.

Timeline for Reporting

Within 180 days after the bill is enacted, the Comptroller General must submit a report that assesses any settlements made with covered law firms. This aims to identify potential violations of existing laws regarding the handling of federal funds and engagements.

Definition of Covered Law Firms and Settlements

The bill defines a settlement made with a covered law firm as any agreement with a law firm that:

• Involves the delivery of legal services, which can include services offered for free (pro bono) representation.
• Indicates that the legal services are aimed at causes or initiatives chosen in collaboration with the Executive Branch.
• Is connected to the withdrawal or non-enforcement of an executive action or regulatory stance against the law firm.
• Encompasses legal services valued at over $1,000,000 throughout the term of the engagement.
• Was entered into between February 1, 2025, and April 30, 2025.

These criteria are designed to capture significant engagements that could have implications regarding how law firms interact with the government and the potential influence of such interactions.

Oversight and Compliance

By requiring this report, the bill aims to improve oversight of how settlements with law firms are conducted and whether they comply with legal standards. It seeks to prevent any misuse of governmental authority or inappropriate influence by law firms on government actions.

Overall Intent

The underlying intention of the bill is to promote accountability in the legal engagements of the Executive Branch to ensure that the rights and interests of the public are safeguarded in the processes of governmental legal representation.

Relevant Companies

None found