In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and robotics, the question of how best to regulate these technologies looms large. A compelling argument emerges for the necessity of federal preemption to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive regulatory framework. This approach can streamline regulations, promote innovation, and provide a clear path forward for industries navigating…
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated an inquiry into the application of its equal-time rule concerning the popular daytime talk show “The View.” The rule, traditionally reserved for news broadcasts, mandates broadcasters to provide equivalent airtime to political candidates of opposing parties if the program is deemed to serve “partisan purposes.” This exploration of…
The Federal Circuit has affirmed most of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board’s (PTAB) decisions that invalidated key claims in two audio technology patents challenged by Samsung. This ruling represents a continuation of Samsung’s success in contesting these intellectual property assertions, cementing its legal strategy in the realm of technology patents. However, the court also…
In a recent legal development, a Texas-based technology research firm has lodged a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) against a Japanese and a South Korean company. The allegations revolve around the importation of memory chips into the United States, purportedly infringing on eight patents held by the Texan entity. This case brings…
Spelman College has appointed Breana M. Ware as its inaugural General Counsel, marking a significant development in the institution’s leadership structure. Ware, who began her tenure on February 16, reports directly to Interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer and joins the senior leadership team. This appointment is a key component of the “Future Ready Spelman” initiative,…
Law schools meticulously prepare students in areas such as civil procedure and the doctrine of stare decisis. However, a critical component of modern legal practice—cross-selling—often remains absent from the curriculum. This omission leaves new attorneys unprepared for the collaborative and business development aspects essential to a law firm’s growth. Cross-selling involves offering additional services to…
While law school meticulously navigates future attorneys through civil procedure and the intricacies of stare decisis, it leaves a gap in preparing them for the real-world demands of legal practice, particularly in the arena of cross-selling. This vital skill, essential for law firms aiming to maximize their client offerings, is not substantially covered in traditional…
Elon Musk has filed an argument against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) actions, claiming that they represent an unconstitutional example of selective enforcement. Musk’s legal team asserts that the SEC’s request for disgorgement is not only punitive but also disproportionately severe in comparison to the alleged violations. They argue that this approach infringes…
Integris Health, a prominent healthcare system based in Oklahoma, is currently navigating two new class action lawsuits stemming from a data breach involving one of its vendors. This legal challenge arises only a few months after the institution reached a settlement in a similar data breach case for $30 million. The recurring legal issues underline…
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has put forward a proposal to rescind a key set of regulations that address disparate impact—a legal doctrine critical in the fight against unintentional discrimination. This change could significantly alter how cases of inequality, particularly those involving tenant screening, lending criteria, and zoning decisions, are adjudicated….
The legal battle surrounding a $113 million jury award is poised for another chapter as the plaintiff’s legal team announces plans to challenge a judge’s decision to overturn the verdict. The move comes after a Georgia jury originally awarded the substantial sum to the plaintiff, who sustained severe injuries. Plaintiff’s counsel expressed disappointment with the…
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has reinstated the Department of Defense’s policy barring individuals living with HIV from enlisting in the military. This decision reverses a 2024 district court ruling that had deemed the ban unconstitutional. In its opinion, the Fourth Circuit acknowledged the military’s concerns that medical conditions like HIV…
A recent survey underscores a growing dichotomy faced by general counsels as artificial intelligence tools become increasingly integral to corporate operations. While these technologies enhance capabilities in data analysis and decision-making, they simultaneously present novel challenges related to compliance and ethics. The study, which gathered insights from top legal officers, highlights that AI’s potential extends…
In an era where global trade dynamics are constantly evolving, businesses are increasingly challenged by the complexities of tariff compliance. The risk of tariff evasion liability is a pressing concern for companies striving to adapt to shifting regulatory landscapes. Understanding the risks and adopting robust compliance strategies can help mitigate potential legal repercussions. Avoiding tariffs…
Linklaters LLP has appointed Maria Zaino as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Americas, a strategic move aligned with the firm’s ongoing expansion in the United States. Zaino transitions to Linklaters from A&O Shearman, where she held the position of Executive Advisor to U.S. Management and COO for three global practice groups. Prior to the…
The potential sale of the Seattle Seahawks has brought additional focus to the growing involvement of major law firms in high-profile sports transactions. Latham & Watkins is reportedly at the forefront of these developments, leveraging its expertise in complex deals to play a critical role in the scrutinized sale process. The firm’s visibility in sports…
In a recent development, United Nations experts have voiced their disapproval over the Irish police’s introduction of “less-lethal” weapons like double-strength pepper spray and tasers for managing crowds. Special Rapporteur Gina Romero and Special Rapporteur Alice Jill Edwards cautioned against the possible human rights infringements associated with these tools, underscoring concerns about violations that could…
For many lawyers, the decision to transition from a law firm to an in-house position is a significant career choice. Lawyers moving in-house often seek a more predictable work-life balance, which can be elusive in the demanding atmosphere of a law firm. This appeal is a strong pull for those hoping to escape the billable…
In-house attorneys occupy a unique position within the legal profession, balancing the demands of corporate objectives with legal compliance. Recent surveys reveal a complex picture of their job satisfaction, highlighting both positive aspects and significant challenges. According to a 2023 Deloitte survey, 85% of in-house lawyers report satisfaction with their roles, a notably higher percentage…
The journey from an associate position to a top in-house role can be challenging but rewarding for attorneys seeking to make a significant impact within a corporation. To not only survive but thrive in this competitive environment, legal professionals might consider implementing key strategies to climb the in-house ladder effectively. Here are four essential tips….
Geoffrey Starks, previously a commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has taken on a new role as a partner at Latham & Watkins LLP’s Washington, D.C. office. His decade-long tenure at the FCC saw him engaged with critical issues in telecommunications policy, cybersecurity, and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Starks’ move to Latham…
Amidst the demanding landscape of corporate law, mid-level in-house legal executives are increasingly facing burnout due to overwhelming workloads. These professionals play a pivotal role in managing complex legal issues within large corporations, yet many find themselves grappling with incessant demands that stretch their capacities. A report highlighted a growing trend among companies where lean…
In the fast-paced corporate world, feedback is a pivotal component of professional development. However, not all feedback is created equal, and dealing with unproductive critiques can be a challenge for legal professionals striving for growth. Understanding how to manage such feedback effectively can transform these experiences into opportunities for improvement. One approach to handling unproductive…
Charles River Laboratories, a prominent player in the life sciences sector, has appointed a seasoned attorney to its executive team, marking an important development in its legal department. The company has chosen Jennifer O’Connor as its new Chief Legal Officer (CLO). With her extensive experience, O’Connor is expected to lead the company’s legal and compliance…
The U.S. Supreme Court has recently announced significant updates to its recusals process, incorporating advanced software to aid in identifying potential conflicts of interest among its justices. According to SCOTUSblog, the newly implemented system is designed to perform automated recusal checks by cross-referencing information about case parties and attorneys with lists uniquely created by each…