The recent financial disclosures reveal that Houlihan Lokey, the global investment bank and advisory firm, granted its General Counsel a substantial pay increase last year. The General Counsel’s compensation package rose by $500,000, reflecting significant shifts within the legal team’s remuneration structure at the firm. This notable salary adjustment has garnered attention as companies continue…
The Delaware Chancery Court, known for its pivotal role in corporate law, continues to be a focal point for significant legal developments. Recently, the court addressed an array of issues including restrictive covenants, corporate governance, trade secrets, real estate investments, receiverships, and demands for books and records, highlighting its central role in shaping corporate legal…
NASCAR has initiated a legal offensive to combat what it describes as an overwhelming issue of counterfeit merchandise. On Monday, the organization filed a federal lawsuit in North Carolina targeting an alleged network of foreign retailers. These entities are accused of distributing counterfeit NASCAR clothing and collectibles through online marketplaces, social media, and search engines…
In a significant move within the legal and antitrust landscape, a prominent DOJ antitrust lawyer has rejoined Sullivan & Cromwell as a partner, according to Bloomberg Law. This transition signals a reinforcement of Sullivan & Cromwell’s capabilities in handling complex antitrust matters. Historically, Sullivan & Cromwell has been a critical player in providing counsel on…
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is poised to see a significant change in its leadership with the departure of Coke Stewart, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump. As Chief of Staff, Stewart played a key role in the operational and strategic management of the USPTO. Her tenure at the office…
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has made a significant move by recruiting Anthony Scavone, a former partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, to strengthen its funds group. Scavone joins Gibson Dunn in New York, bringing extensive expertise in the private funds sector, which is crucial at a time when the industry faces increasing regulatory…
Deputy Director Coke Morgan Stewart is set to leave the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) this week, marking a significant shift in the agency’s leadership. As reported, Stewart will transition back to the private sector, a decision she shared with USPTO executive staff in a recent message. Her departure comes amidst ongoing discussions about…
In a decision that underscores the complexities of professional liability coverage, a Berkley unit has successfully defended against breach of contract claims in a legal malpractice lawsuit. The dispute involved accusations of malpractice lodged by a lawyer against his former insurer, asserting that the insurer unfairly denied coverage under a professional liability policy. The ruling…
Ryan Walker, former Chief Technology Officer of Casetext, has embarked on a new venture with the founding of General Legal, an AI-native law firm. As Walker assisted in the development of CoCounsel, a pivotal generative AI legal assistant that contributed to Casetext’s $650 million acquisition by Thomson Reuters, he envisioned a more transformative application of…
Theo Ai has made a strategic decision to bolster its board by appointing former Bristol Myers Squibb General Counsel, Sandra Leung. This addition is expected to provide crucial insights for the company’s ongoing efforts in the legal tech industry. Leung, who spent over two decades at Bristol Myers Squibb, brings vast experience in navigating complex…
In a significant move within the legal industry, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison has successfully brought on board a seasoned capital markets partner from Ropes & Gray. This lateral hire underscores the firm’s strategic expansion of its capital markets practice, aligning with ongoing demand for expertise in securities offerings and financial regulations. The acquisition…
A Florida federal magistrate judge has recommended dropping a defamation claim against a Baker Botts LLP patent attorney, a move that comes as a significant judicial interpretation in legal circles. The attorney was accused of making defamatory statements to a reporter, but the judge concluded that the statements did not meet the legal threshold for…
Kirkland & Ellis has made a significant addition to its New York office by bringing on board Daniel Baumberger from Milbank LLP, enhancing its debt finance practice. Baumberger has earned recognition for his expertise in leveraged finance transactions, particularly with private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies. This move is part of Kirkland’s strategic plan…
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP has bolstered its intellectual property practice by bringing on a seasoned attorney from King & Spalding LLP. Based in Washington, D.C., the new hire specializes in handling complex cross-border technology and life sciences disputes. This strategic move reflects Arnold & Porter’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its capabilities in international…
In a recent move highlighting the competitive climate of legal industry remuneration, Milbank LLP has announced that it will be disbursing bonuses up to $25,000 to its associates. The decision reflects the ongoing efforts of major law firms to retain top talent amidst a challenging labor market. Details on Milbank’s bonus scheme were disclosed in…
Milbank LLP has recently announced a new round of special bonuses, confirming its position as a leader in associate compensation within the legal industry. The bonuses range from $6,000 for the most junior associates from the class of 2026 and 2025 to $25,000 for more experienced associates from the class of 2021 and earlier. This…
Since its inception in October 2025, Clio Work AI has experienced rapid adoption, marking it as the fastest-adopted product within Clio’s 18-year timeline. However, until recently, the product was conspicuously absent from the Canadian market—a noteworthy gap considering Clio is headquartered in Canada. The scenario changed when Clio launched Clio Work in Canada on July…
In a recent court motion, former FBI Director James Comey has called for the dismissal of an indictment related to a social media post he made last year, arguing that it does not constitute a “true threat” to former President Donald Trump. The motion was filed in a North Carolina federal court, and it revolves…
In the landscape of bankruptcy proceedings, the definition of who qualifies as an “insider” plays a crucial role in the approval of professional retention. A recent case has shed new light on this topic, particularly concerning familial relationships. In this instance, a Chapter 11 debtor sought to retain an accounting firm under section 327(a) of…
Baker McKenzie has taken a strategic step to bolster its presence in the competitive Silicon Valley market by hiring executive compensation expert Wendy Conklin. Conklin brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, adding significant depth to Baker McKenzie’s capabilities in handling complex compensation matters in the tech…
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has strengthened its liability management practice by hiring a lawyer from the renowned firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. This strategic move underscores Simpson Thacher’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in addressing complex corporate finance transactions. The new addition to the team, known for expertise in liability management transactions, brings…
Milbank’s recent announcement of special bonuses for their associates marks the third consecutive year of such distributions, reflecting a continued effort to remain competitive in the talent wars among elite law firms. These bonuses were disclosed just weeks after the firm implemented a raise in associate salaries, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. This increase signals…
The integration of artificial intelligence into the legal profession is expanding beyond the executive level, with major law firms now embedding AI expertise within their ranks. Most notably, firms are assigning AI-focused roles to associates and partners. This shift reflects a broader trend of instilling technological proficiency into legal practice, recognizing the transformative potential AI…
State antitrust enforcement in the United States is undergoing significant transformation as states move to assume a more prominent role. Historically, the federal government has been the primary actor in antitrust matters, while state governments played a more modest role. However, states are now laying the groundwork for a more vigorous and proactive stance, which…
The New Jersey Supreme Court has outlined new guidelines concerning third-party funding in criminal cases, a decision that impacts how financial support from outside entities can be utilized by defendants. This development holds significant implications for legal professionals navigating the complexities of funding arrangements within the criminal justice system. According to the court, third-party funding…