In a recent ruling, the U.S. District Court of Maryland addressed the ongoing struggle faced by legal and subrogation professionals when it comes to damages related to real property. The issue at the center is whether a plaintiff should receive full repair costs for property damage or a lesser amount. The verdict has emphatic consequences,…
The debate on how much the federal government will regulate artificial intelligence (AI) is heating up in Washington, DC. In a recent development, the US Senate held a confidential forum in September 2023, with a subsequent forum in the following month, involving important AI tech leaders (JD Supra). In addition to these engaging dialogs, the…
In an extraordinary development that has caught the attention of global law firms and multinational corporations alike, software company SolarWinds Corporation and its Chief Information Security Officer, Timothy G. Brown, have been charged with fraud and internal controls charges by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). At the crux of this case is a large-scale…
In the continuously evolving legal landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining prominence as a tool in various sectors, and the world of contract drafting is no exception. Legal professionals are exploring the potential use of AI in drafting construction contracts, provoking a spectrum of opinions within the industry. Recently, attorney Mario R. Nicholas authored an…
Alberta’s flourishing renewable energy sector has had robust growth in recent years, fuelled by the enactment of the Renewable Electricity Act in 2016. This extended legislation underscores the province’s dedication to enhancing the production of green energy in Alberta, aiming for 30 percent of Alberta’s electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2030. The…
The U.S. House of Representatives is currently considering two legislative measures and an administrative item that will significantly impact the legal landscape of the cannabis industry. The proposed bills and administrative items, while not taking center stage in public debate like the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict or issues surrounding Russia’s dispute with Ukraine, could play a…
In an update of an ongoing legal dispute, longtime employees of a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan Inc. have recently gained the right to compel an outside attorney for the company to take part in a deposition. The involved lawsuit claims that several corporate acquisitions have led to reductions in their pension benefits. Magistrate Judge Dena…
In the complex realm of legal process, an emerging topic of discussion is the necessity of “due diligence” when performing “affix and mail” service (or “nail and mail” as it’s colloquially known). This unconventional method of service under CPLR § 308(4) has recently sparked some dispute, particularly regarding what constitutes adequate diligence. The burden of…
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration in Poland has recently announced that they will be extending border checks with Slovakia until November 22. This action was initially taken on October 4 in response to the substantial flow of migrants attempting to enter Poland from Slovakia. Deputy Interior Minister, Maciej Wasik, highlighted the effectiveness of…
Human clinical trials – a crucial step in the life sciences sector – inevitably come with certain liabilities. Companies embarking on this complex journey must navigate unique exposures that are significantly amplified during such trials. Understanding and managing these associated risks is paramount not just for regulatory compliance, but also for the overall company health….
Corporate dispute resolution often represents an intricate layer of the legal landscape. Conflicts involving a company’s top brass—its directors and officers—can add further levels of complexity. Primarily, these complications arise due to the nature of the claims, more often, derivative claims brought on behalf of the corporation or Limited Liability Company(LLC). Ostensibly, the corporation seems…
On October 30, 2023, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) granted relief for fixed-income securities sold pursuant to Rule 144A, exempting them from the public disclosure obligations of Rule 15c2-11. The exemption arrived against a backdrop of continued legislative pressure, industry lobbying, and a recently filed lawsuit. Sourced from a report by legal news…
In a pivotal move, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the issuance of an Executive Order (EO) on October 30, 2023, that instructs various Executive Agencies to commence an in-depth study and subsequent drafting of regulations in relation to Artificial Intelligence (AI). The aim is to address the growing concerns surrounding AI’s burgeoning influence in the realm…
In a recent brief, it has been detailed that the Ohio Division of Liquor Control (ODLC), which comes under the purview of the Ohio Department of Commerce, retains authority over issuing and regulating liquor permits in Ohio. For legal professionals working in corporations and law firms related to the alcoholic beverage industry, understanding the nature…
As legal professionals looking into the intricacies of the financial world, it is important to stay updated with regulatory changes affecting our practice. One such proposed change has been recently announced by the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”), potentially impacting Regulation II (Debit Card Interchange Fees and Routing). This regulation is the implementing regulation of the…
November 2023 has seen significant developments in energy and sustainability litigation, primarily in response to federal regulatory amendments. The main regulation that made headlines was the “Names Rule” amendment by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). On September 20, 2023, the SEC approved changes to the “Names Rule”. Initially proposed in May 2022, this rule…
In an era of economic fluctuations, political uncertainty, and global crises, it’s astounding to observe the prevailing sense of calm among many professionals within the legal sector. An article published on JD Supra, authored by Dechert LLP, makes a notable examination of this phenomenon, asking: Why Are We So Calm? The author posits that the…
Last month, a noteworthy decision came from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Munoz v. Intercontinental Terminals Company. This case aimed to resolve a long-standing legal grey area involving the intersection of oil pollution and hazardous substances. For a long time, it wasn’t clear if the liability provisions of the Comprehensive…
The US Department of Treasury has recently reported imposing sanctions on 130 firms and individuals from Türkiye, China, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The move targets to limit Russia’s access to essential tools and equipment supporting their invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions address the production of technology, equipment, and other critical dual-use components Russia…
Government contractors should be increasingly vigilant about their cybersecurity practices following two years of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil-Cyber Fraud Initiative. Following the institution of this initiative, there has been a noticeable rise in both enforcement and regulatory activities concerning cybersecurity. An example of this heightened activity was evident in September, with the unveiling…
In recent legal news, three powerhouse law firms, Ketchmark & McCreight PC, Williams Dirks Dameron LLC, and Boulware Law LLC, have notably led an edition of Law360’s Legal Lions following significant monetary awards. Specifically, a jury from a federal court in Missouri has issued a directive for the National Association of Realtors and two brokerage…
On November 2, 2023, significant hearings took place in the U.S. Senate and House Committees that could have wide-ranging impacts on legal affairs in financial industries. The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs convened with an agenda that centred around providing financial protection for one of the nation’s most valued cohort –…
In a recent development, the Office of Inspector General in the Department of Health and Human Services (“OIG”) published Advisory Opinion 23-08 providing an unfavorable stance on the provision of free gifts in exchange for purchases of reimbursable devices. This advisory opinion specifically tackled a proposed arrangement involving a supplier’s durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics…
In an increasingly volatile global landscape, the role and responsibilities of professional services firms are shifting. These firms are not only expected to provide top-notch services to their clients but they’re also being prompted to voice their position on pressing societal issues. As highlighted by a notable incident during a pan-European excursion experienced by a…
On November 1, 2023, the city of Baltimore marked an important achievement in the realms of the gig economy and technology, being selected as a Federal Tech Hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology. The move, according to a news article from JD Supra, holds immense potential for economic growth and job creation in the…