Amnesty International has released a report alleging that Pegasus spyware has been used to target prominent Indian journalists. This claim has renewed concerns about government surveillance and press freedom in India, stirring memories of the 2021 Pegasus project disclosures that rocked the nation. The report specifically highlights the cases of Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of…
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, heir to the L’Oreal fortune, has become the first woman in history to accumulate a fortune valued at $100 billion. This monumental achievement marks a significant milestone not only for Bettencourt Meyers herself, but also for France’s rapidly growing fashion and cosmetic industries. Her wealth increased to a staggering $100.2 billion this…
In a recent development at Bridgewater Associates, the global hedge fund giant, allegations of favoritism have emerged linked to CEO Nir Bar Dea. An office romance from Bar Dea’s past has come to light, raising questions within the organization. Soon after Bar Dea’s ascension to the role of sole chief executive officer of Bridgewater Associates,…
It would seem that 2023 was yet another year filled with peculiar incidents involving the CEOs of global corporations. These events ranged from embarrassing gaffes to outright odd behaviors, showcasing some unusual aspects of the corporate world. These moments play out in the public eye, often amplified by the power and reach of social media….
On Tuesday, the Tokyo High Court ruled the Japanese government not liable for the damages related to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster and subsequent mass evacuations. The sole responsibility was placed upon the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO). The court also decreased the damage amounts of a former order from $414,400 to $165,000…
Attorneys Joe Fried and Michael Goldberg of Fried Goldberg, along with Karina Deochand and Romi Jayswal of Karma Injury Law, recently secured a sizeable $16.6 million verdict in DeKalb County. This verdict is connected to a case where a truck’s automated emergency braking system failed, leading to a sudden stop that caused their client to…
Miami-Dade Administrative Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey, who is slated to resign after servitude spanning three decades, identified an impending problem that lawyers may face in the years ahead. In a recent interview, she stated, “Lawyers are less confident in their jury-trial experience because people just don’t try as many cases as they used to.” This…
Texas law firm Jackson Walker is pushing back against a hand sanitizer company’s efforts to recoup fees the law firm earned. The company alleges that Jackson Walker did not voluntarily disclose a relationship between one of its attorneys and a bankruptcy judge. This dispute emerged amidst the proceedings of the 4E Brands North America bankruptcy…
In a recent turn of events, The New York Times Co. has taken legal action against renowned tech giants OpenAI and Microsoft. The central allegation in the lawsuit is that the defendants have been using the Times’ copyrighted content to train their generative AI programs without obtaining necessary permissions. The proceedings were unveiled through Law.com…
With the deadline for voting in Startup Alley fast approaching on Friday, Dec. 29, this article focuses on the current rankings among the selected startups. For those unfamiliar with the event, Startup Alley forms a critical part of the ABA TECHSHOW, set to be held in February 2024 in Chicago. From an initial selection of…
AI startups, Cerebras Systems Inc. and Glean Technologies Inc., have appointed new top legal executives. Cerebras, a chipmaker specialising in artificial intelligence processors, has hired Shirley Li as General Counsel. Li, a former associate at Goodwin Procter, most recently served as Chief Legal and People Officer for Snapdocs Inc. Her predecessor at Cerebras was Rebecca…
New Year’s resolutions may often prove futile, but reflection on the past year and anticipation for the upcoming one is a common ritual for many. This includes legal professionals as well, who might consider transformative career moves or seek ways to improve their workflow. One of the most recurring reflections among lawyers, especially those at…
In 2023, law firm hiring in Washington, D.C. concentrated specifically on key regulatory and enforcement practices. According to several legal recruiters in the area, practices including antitrust, white collar, government contracts, health care, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act were mainly targeted. These hiring trends were reflective of the federal government’s priorities. Nonetheless, caution was exhibited…
As we approach 2024, legal professionals working in the field of data privacy are carefully observing a collection of state laws scheduled to come into effect. It’s a nuanced landscape, with some laws bearing close resemblance to their predecessors, while others are forging a new path. With some parties looking to the European General Data…
Walt Disney Co. has announced changes for General Counsel Horacio Gutierrez, including a contract extension and new professional title. According to a securities filing last week, Gutierrez will have his role expanded and his term extended until December 31, 2026. Previously known as the general counsel at Disney, Gutierrez was appointed two years ago to…
In a recent shift of precedents, a California jury has sided with Monsanto, now a subsidiary of Bayer, in a Roundup trial, marking the first defense verdict in recent months. The verdict has been rendered on Dec. 22 in the San Benito County Superior Court, interrupting a chain of five plaintiffs’ victories. This decision has…
Looking back at 2023, several renowned law firms shuttered their operations. Undeniably, high-profile closures, like that of Am Law 200 firm Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, grabbed the maximum attention. However, the legal fraternity saw an equal impact with the forced discontinuation of various midsize firms and boutiques. Two notable firms, each harnessing the expertise…
Hew Kian Heong, previously head of construction and infrastructure disputes at Kewei Law Firm — the Shanghai-based joint operation firm of Herbert Smith Freehills, has been appointed as a partner of the Singapore Big Four firm Rajah & Tann. Heong will join Rajah & Tann in the capacity of International Arbitration partner from January 1,…
Lawyers representing Colorado’s Republican Party have appealed to the Supreme Court, challenging a ruling from the state’s highest court that results in keeping former President Donald Trump off Colorado’s primary ballot in 2024 for his perceived role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attacks on the U.S. Capitol. This decision, according to Attorney Jay Sekulow, situates…
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights recently published a report detailing the accelerated decline of human rights in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since October 7. This report underscores the escalating violence, primarily initiated by Israeli military and settlers, endangering civilian populations. It calls upon Israel and other authorities to…
The IP boutique firm Hsuanyeh Law Group has launched a lawsuit against Winston & Strawn, claiming copyright violation over a brief. The issue arose after both firms represented different parties in patent infringement actions against the same entity in the Eastern District of Texas. In the course of these proceedings, Hsuanyeh filed a Rule 12…
The US Department of Defense (DOD) recently announced a crucial shift in its protocol for prosecuting serious crimes within the military branches, including sexual assaults. This responsibility has been transferred from individual commanders to the newly established Offices of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC). Prior to the establishment of the OSTC, according to Chapter 3 of…
The legal education sphere in 2023 has been marked by significant decisions and changes, impacting both the established rankings systems and the admission processes implemented in the country’s law schools. Perhaps one of the most noteworthy occurrences this year has been a growing number of law schools choosing to withdraw from the U.S. News &…
Poland’s Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz, recently ordered the liquidation of three major state-owned media entities: Telewizja Polska (TVP), Polskie Radio, and Polska Agencja Prasowa (PAP). As per the ministerial directive, the move aims to ensure the continued operation of these companies, facilitate restructuring, and avoid potential layoffs due to financial constraints….
Over the past summer, I embarked on a personal journey to construct a treehouse for my children. This project was not just about assembling a recreational structure; it necessitated strategic planning, examination of the tree’s structure, and reinforcement of safety measures. This endeavor became a strong metaphor when I embraced the challenging task of formulating…