Thomas Sipp

For much of my early childhood, I was not a good student.

I struggled to focus in class and take anything seriously.

But even then, there was one subject I loved, history.

I thought it was so wonderful to learn about all that came before me, about the triumphs and tragedies, about the moments of individual bravery and collective complacency.

I would often imagine myself faced with the same dilemmas.

What would I do if I was there?

Would I do the right thing?

It always felt like there was no way to know.

I believe, as I know many of you do, that what the current presidential administration is doing is wrong.

That we are sliding into an autocracy where those in power are above the rule of law.

Skadden's agreement with the Trump administration sent our country deeper down this descent.

And then I finish, Skadden is on the wrong side of history.

I can no longer stay knowing that someday I would have to explain why I stayed.

Yeah.

If you heard my breath, it felt like that.

Maybe 100 times more though, because I knew that, you know, that was a pivotal moment in my life.

Maybe just as pivotal as coming to the United States in the first place.

I knew that I was closing some doors and

You know, a place like Skadden, I'm grateful for that experience.

I think it's only possible in a country like the United States.