Elon Musk and Sam Altman are engaged in a legal battle over OpenAI's business strategy. Musk alleges that OpenAI was founded as a non-profit to benefit humanity but abandoned its promise, pivoting to a for-profit organization influenced by Microsoft. OpenAI's lawyers counter that Musk is motivated by envy after failing to take control of the company and leaving in 2018.
William Savitt: The Lawyer Who Defeated Musk Before
To face Musk in federal court, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman turned to William Savitt, a top litigator at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. Savitt is known for his 2022 victory representing Twitter, where he sued Musk to force him to complete the $44 billion acquisition after Musk attempted to back out, citing spam and bot account issues. After a series of courtroom losses, Musk conceded and bought the company just before trial. Musk later sued Wachtell for a refund, accusing the firm of institutionalized corruption.
Savitt previously represented Tesla's board, including Musk, in a lawsuit regarding the SolarCity acquisition, a case Musk won.
Savitt's Unconventional Path to Legal Stardom
Before attending Columbia Law School, Savitt spent his 20s in New York City playing in rock bands and driving a cab. He later clerked for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whom he credits for teaching him the remarkable capacity to reserve judgment and keep an open mind.
Savitt's connection to Altman predates the current lawsuit. He worked with OpenAI during Altman's brief ouster from the board in 2023 and has since assisted with restructuring and fundraising. He has also represented high-profile clients like Brad Pitt and defended major corporate mergers.
