As US Vice President Kamala Harris gears up to face off against former President Donald Trump in the high-stakes debate this November, her campaign is being fueled by an unexpected powerhouse: Karen Dunn, a top lawyer with a knack for handling big cases and big names. Dunn, a partner at the elite Paul, Weiss law firm, is not just guiding Harris through the rigors of debate prep—she’s also knee-deep in defending Google in a monumental antitrust trial that had the capability to reshape the tech giant’s future.
Dunn’s dual role has stirred up quite a buzz. As she meticulously prepares Harris for the crucial debate, she’s simultaneously leading Google’s defense in a blockbuster case brought by the Biden administration, which accuses the tech titan of monopolizing the online ad market. The timing of her involvement in both spheres has led to speculation and concern among antitrust experts about potential conflicts of interest.
Matt Stoller from the American Economic Liberties Project didn’t mince words, calling it an “outrageous” conflict of interest. He pointed out that such dual roles would be considered unethical if these were legal cases, highlighting the delicate balance Dunn must maintain.
Dunn, who has a storied career working with Democratic candidates and major corporations, is no stranger to high-profile roles. From her early days on Capitol Hill to working on Hillary Clinton’s campaigns and then with Barack Obama, she’s known for her strategic acumen. Recently, she delivered Google’s opening statement in the landmark trial just days before the anticipated debate, then dashed from the courtroom to Pittsburgh to finalize Harris’s debate strategy.
Hillary Clinton praised Dunn’s unique blend of precision and vision, describing her as someone who combines meticulous legal detail with a broader strategic perspective—a rare and valuable combination. Dunn’s impressive track record includes representing tech giants like Apple and Uber and even prepping Amazon’s Jeff Bezos for congressional grilling. Her 2021 victory in the Charlottesville rally lawsuit further solidified her reputation.
However, Dunn’s current juggling act is perhaps her most high-profile yet. As she fights Google’s corner in court, her strategic input is crucial for Harris’s debate performance, which could significantly impact the 2024 race. With the Department of Justice pushing for a breakup of Google’s ad business, the stakes are incredibly high.
Jeff Hauser from the Revolving Door Project noted that Dunn’s influence in Harris’s campaign might complicate negotiations with the Justice Department, particularly if a settlement is ever on the table. Meanwhile, Republicans have seized on the controversy, accusing Harris of being too cozy with Big Tech, and House Republicans are pressing for clarity from Attorney General Merrick Garland on managing these potential conflicts.
Despite the swirling controversy, neither Google nor the Harris campaign has commented publicly. As Dunn continues to straddle these influential roles, she’s pushing the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable in high-stakes politics and law. One thing’s for sure—her unique position at the intersection of debate preparation and corporate defense makes her one of the most intriguing figures in the current political landscape.
