Lawyers frequently refer cases to other attorneys due to a lack of experience in a particular legal field or when the case arises in a jurisdiction in which they are not qualified to practice. Despite the fact that receiving referrals is a crucial part of growing a law practice, there are times when lawyers use…
In the ongoing E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, Judge Lewis Kaplan recently denied Trump’s plea to stay the judgment while he prepares for pretrial actions. Trump had called for such a stay less than a fortnight earlier, stating that a bond of $91.5 million should not have to be posted…
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) new climate disclosure rule, although expected, presents various implications for publicly listed companies and other registrants. The rule, released on March 6, mandates these entities to disclose climate-related risks, transition plans, and governance. In some cases, they must also reveal greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, this rule is a significantly…
FirstEnergy Corp., a prominent power plant operator, is fronting the legal costs for its former executive involved in an Ohio racketeering case. The prosecution alleges that the case includes instances of bribing the state’s top utilities regulator. The executive, Michael Dowling, served as the senior vice president of external affairs for the Akron-based utility firm….
Reports indicating a rise in bias incidents within New Jersey have shown an increase of 22 percent between 2022 and 2023, according to preliminary data released recently by the attorney general of the state. The data reveal that New Jersey law enforcement agencies received reports of 2,699 bias incidents in 2023. Consistent with previous years,…
Discussions about the “end of billable hour” in law firms, the fundamental measure for calculating attorney’s work output and subsequent client billing, began circulating as early as the mid-1990s. Central to these debates were issues around transparency, thorough documentation, and demonstrating the value chain. This discourse stemmed from a growing reluctance among clients to pay…
Gang Chen, a partner at Crowell & Moring, has shared his journey and views on gaining partnership status. He made the role by recognizing the importance of communication, curiosity, and humility in the legal profession. A key message from Chen’s experience is to understand that asking questions is not indicative of weakness, but an important…
SCOTUSblog, a well-regarded source of everyday news items, commentary, and other important links concerning the Supreme Court, offers a concise morning read to start the day. Ellena Erskine’s post on March 8, 2024 draws attention to a choice selection of news articles and other links essential for legal professionals and enthusiasts alike. A notable inclusion…
In response to the growing prominence of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently put forth new guidelines to clarify the determinants of patent inventorship when AI is involved. The move forms part of the broader government efforts to regulate AI development in a safe, secure, and trustworthy manner. The…
GEICO, one of America’s leading insurance companies, announced the appointment of Tangela Richter as its new Chief Legal Officer on March 8, 2024. The details of the appointment were made public on a company press release which was subsequently covered by Bloomberg Law Automation. In her new position, Richter, a former Executive Vice President, Deputy…
Recently, President Joe Biden publicly criticized Supreme Court jurisprudence, a move that in part seemed directed at Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. As reported by the Huffington Post, Biden’s bold stance offers a striking critique of the current High Court’s decision-making processes. In other judicial news, modern law office culture faces major changes. According to…
The way law enforcement attempts to recruit new officers has often raised eyebrows, and the recent attempt by the police department in Peoria, Illinois is no exception. The department attempted to attract young recruits through a social media campaign inspired by the popular first-person shooter video game, “Call of Duty”. The poster portrayed three white…
Female representation in senior roles within the legal industry has made steady progress over the past decade, yet the industry still contends with enduring criticism related to concerns about work-life balance and adequate support. According to a 2023 survey by Law.com, 36% of partners in law firms are now women, a substantial increase from 27%…
Launched just four months ago by engineers who previously worked for Uber, Google, and Amazon, Traact, a SaaS platform that integrates various corporate functions in one place, announced its recent strategic partnership with Klea, a Belgium-based provider of AI-enabled legal entity management. The partnership will allow both companies to provide enhanced services to corporate legal…
A trend has been spotted in private credit funds, they’ve developed a bullish sentiment for fast-growing software companies that are consuming substantial cash reserves. With a new strategy in play, they are converting these investments into outstanding bonds, attracting an influx of eager bond buyers to cover their risks. This new approach is a nuanced…
A year has passed since the downfall of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank. The two notable bank crashes sparked a national outcry leading to prompt inquiries into the matter, with efforts to hold culprits accountable and revamp banking legislations. As reactions ensued, the Federal Reserve put forward a proposal for rule changes that…
At ALM’s Women in Power and Law event this week, an important matter was addressed during a panel discussion involving prominent in-house lawyers: the structure and management of their internal legal teams. The topic, which many considered absolutely vital, was largely informed by the recent and tragic loss of Pinsent Masons partner Vanessa Ford. The…
In a notable turn of events, Big Law firms have seen a significant drop in the hiring of ethnic minority candidates in 2023, compared to the prior year. These declines are largely a result of difficulties faced regarding diversity initiatives, which have become increasingly contentious within both legal and political spheres. According to a report…
In a recent turn of events, Rite Aid, the drugstore giant, settled litigations surrounding its involvement in the American opioid crisis, dishing out millions of dollars. Nonetheless, the final victims in this sequence – those who were directly and adversely affected by the company’s role in advancing the drug epidemic – may not see any…
Beijing-based Han Kun Law Offices is said to be eyeing further international growth, with possible plans to establish a foothold in London, according to a recent report by Law.com International. If the move comes to fruition, a London office would become Han Kun’s third location outside China. The firm marked its first international venture with…
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, a law firm with footprint in all 50 US states, saw a 15% increase in its gross revenue in 2023. This growth could be ascribed to its rapid expansion, which included the addition of close to 170 attorneys and four new office locations. The firm reported its gross revenue standing at…
In light of the changes in office utilization brought about by the pandemic, a significant trend has emerged in law firms rethinking workspace strategies. In particular, firms have been cutting down on the space allocated per attorney to accommodate the shift towards hybrid work environments. Yet, 42% of law firms revealed that they foresee no…
The accounting industry, as we know it, has grown from its history of male-dominated days to a present where women comprise 62% of the professional workforce. This remarkable shift, highlighted recently during International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, is a testament to women’s resilience and drive for excellence. However, while these strides paint a…
In a recent discussion on the approach taken by the Biden administration towards combatting illegal and unfair pricing, Michael S. Wise, a partner in the Antitrust and Competition division of law firm, Paul Hastings, expressed skepticism over the effectiveness of the new initiative. Called the pricing strike force, it aims to tackle prices in key…
In recent years, the geopolitical environment has become highly volatile and unpredictable. From international trade wars to political instability, businesses are dealing with a wide range of challenges that require an agile and robust legal strategy. According to a published discourse by Jane Allen, a PwC US consulting principal, such a strategy is crucial for…