In a sign of further consolidation within the legal field, global law firm Baker McKenzie and Clayton Utz, a leading Australian firm, have recently expanded their commercial real estate teams with the addition of new partners. Emily Peverill, former executive counsel at Herbert Smith Freehills, has become a part of Baker McKenzie’s Melbourne office. With…
A recent university report suggests that female lawyers in Australia are threatened by the increasing automation of legal tasks. The study, conducted by the University of Sydney Business School and Australian National University, indicates the potential for these women to not only lose their jobs to technology, but to also be subjected to tech-enabled overwork….
On Wednesday, a ruling was delivered in a high-profile legal spat centred around patent infringement accusations. Tech giant, Google LLC, was the subject of the lawsuit, brought forth by Brazos Licensing & Development. The major point of contention: the alleged infringement of patents related to location tracking technology, which Brazos claimed Google had unlawfully utilised….
Strengthening its foothold in the European market, “Big Four” Japanese law firm Anderson Mori & Tomotsune is set to open an office in Brussels. Following the launch of its London office in September last year, the new Brussels branch signifies the firm’s second European location and only the second outside of Asia. Expected to begin…
In an effort to shield U.S. research institutions from undue foreign influences, the Department of Defense (DoD) has introduced a policy aimed at monitoring DoD-funded studies. The directive released recently targets unwanted overseas impact on research and innovation within our nation’s higher education establishments. This move by the DoD necessitates that risk-based security appraisals be…
Those following American immigration news will want to take note of some recent changes from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), particularly regarding the Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). Specifically, USCIS has increased the validity period of these documents for certain classes of applicants, according to a report from Gibney Anthony & Flaherty, LLP…
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its definitive reporting regulation, which orders manufacturers and importers of PFAS and PFAS-containing articles to submit thorough PFAS data dating back till 2011. This directive, issued on September 28, 2023, introduces a remarkable twelve-year reporting requirement for PFAS records. Jenner & Block reports on the aspect…
Effective January 1, 2024, corporate legal professionals around the world will be faced with the far-reaching implications of a new law – the Corporate Transparency Act. This wide-ranging anti-financial crime legislation will impact every small business, even those owned by a solitary member according to Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL. The Act is intended to…
In the complex landscape of real estate law, a critical yet often overlooked area involves understanding the concept of nuisance. Nuisance is a legal term referring to any substantial, recurrent activity or condition that significantly harms the quality of life or use of property. The spectrum of nuisances ranges from disruptive noises to environmental pollution….
Florida’s legal framework underwent a significant reform in 2023 with respect to comparative fault. This specific change looks set to reverberate through the field of personal injury law, with the potential for the highest impact to be felt in cases pertaining to motorcycle accidents. Such incidents typically involve severe injuries, and the allocation of blame…
In the energy transition era, lithium occupies a significant position as a key mineral. Lately, Latin America, with its extensive lithium reserves, has become focal point for governments and corporations alike, who are seeking to ensure their supply chain for critical batteries. Interest is primarily concentrated in three countries: Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. This rush…
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently proposed a rule that could have significant implications for labor unions across the United States. As detailed in a piece from JD Supra, the change would allow unions, along with certain other groups, to participate in OSHA inspections. The move, announced on August 30, is expected…
On September 12, 2023, an important meeting was held by the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law to discuss potential new legislation centered around AI models. This event marked the third of a series of hearings conducted by this subcommittee to determine the best course of action in addressing issues related to…
On the forefront of data privacy legislation, the California Legislature has passed a bill that will introduce new duties for data brokers, continuing a wave of privacy laws within the state. The new bill, Senate Bill 362, branded as the Delete Act, aims to amend the existing laws concerning data brokers by mandating compulsory registration…
One area of business that has shown consistent lucrative returns over the years is the investment in North American sports franchises. Research indicates that had you committed funds to this sector between 1991 and 2022, your returns would be a minimum seven-fold. This financial performance surpasses the S&P 500 over the same time frame, with…
The recent move by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to propose changes in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) has required a quick reaction from legal professionals and corporate bodies. The Bureau’s proposals tackle a range of FCRA concerns, from brokers to data security and targeted marketing. The proposal, also referred to as the…
It seems a fresh wave of regulatory intervention is on the horizon, and it potentially carries a strong financial punch. On September 26, 2023, the Departments of Health & Human Services (HHS), Labor, and the Treasury, put forward a joint proposal to update the administrative fee and Certified Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) entity fee ranges…
In a recent development, judges on the Federal Circuit displayed their frustration during the deliberation on Wednesday over whether U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff of Manhattan had sufficient evidence to outright dismiss the patent claims levied by IBM against pet goods retailer, Chewy. The gravity of the situation was significantly highlighted when the top judge…
During renowned attorney John Eastman’s disbarment trial in California, a pivotal witness came forward to share some startling revelations. This witness, a former government intelligence analyst, had data that Eastman utilized when disputing the legitimacy of the 2020 U.S. presidential elections. Interestingly, this very individual had previously written online, alleging that the U.S. Capital riot…
Albemarle Corporation, a foremost global chemical manufacturer, has agreed to a $218 million settlement following investigations by both the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The agreement, reached on September 29, 2023, aimed to resolve investigations related to potential contraventions of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The…
The past week has seen considerable action on the 340B front, as promising cases make their way through the courts across the nation. This information holds vital import for corporate legal experts who are invested in observing the unfolding litigation surrounding this key issue. The legal firm McDermott Will & Emery maintains a vigil over…
In an era where digital presence is paramount, leveraging social media has become an integral strategy for law firms aiming to cultivate their online footprint. This shift into the digital realm comes packed with distinctive benefits, which are often accessible without heavy investments. The key to unlocking the potential of social media for law firms…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released its seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment report. The document, officially known as EPA 810R23001, strives to identify pressing needs concerning the upgrade and repair of our nation’s drinking water infrastructure. The aim of this assessment is to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable…
Legal professionals worldwide have been closely monitoring the development of cannabis regulation, which has seen significant changes in the past few years. As recent as October this year, we’ve seen various debates and legislative movements that could potentially mold the future of cannabis law. An interesting development unfolds in the United States, where the Cannabis…
This month, the Cleveland City Council received an exciting proposal known as the “Residents First Legislative Package”. The proposal, nicknamed “Residents First”, is tackling a significant urban issue; vacant and dilapidated buildings within Cleveland’s boundaries. Initiated by local law firm Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP, the proposal also hopes to enforce stricter regulations regarding the…