A new book co-authored by Robert MacCoun, James and Patricia Kowal Professor of Law, argues that we need to embrace scientific methods in order to advance “third millennium thinking.” Awash in a tsunami of often-conflicting information, people tend to look to experts for guidance on what to believe and what to do. If an expert…
The US Supreme Court has set Monday as a new opinion day, extending the current term to resolve pivotal cases, including the high-profile bid from former President Donald Trump seeking criminal immunity. This decision comes amidst a busy schedule for the justices, who were already set to issue rulings on Friday. Besides Trump’s case, the…
Two Sidley Austin private equity partners are set to depart the firm’s London office to join Covington & Burling, highlighting a continued trend of active lateral moves within the legal market in the city. Lyndsey Laverack, a partner at Sidley since 2019, and Jade Williams-Adedeji, promoted to partner in 2021, will commence their new roles…
The booming private credit market is causing growing concern for Gurbir Grewal, the top enforcement official at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In a recent interview, Grewal highlighted a range of potential risks that the $1.7 trillion private-lending industry poses, with particular attention to market concentration and asset valuation. Valuation issues are at…
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) disclosed in its latest tax filing that it spent nearly $35.6 million in legal fees during the most recent fiscal year, with a significant portion going to Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. Orrick, a long-time legal advisor to the NCAA, topped the list with earnings of more than $16.7 million…
Despite the ever-evolving landscape of workplace accommodations, confusion and lack of clarity continue to plague breastfeeding standards for bar exam takers. A recent investigation carried out by three law school students, corroborated by data from the ACLU and MothersEsquire, reveals the fragmented nature of state policies concerning lactation accommodations during bar examinations. While the 1990…
With the recruitment season for the next batch of summer associates already on the horizon, Vault has released its much-anticipated rankings for the best summer associate programs in Biglaw for 2025. This year’s list, based on feedback from junior associates who evaluated their summer experiences, encompasses three key categories: Attorney Interactions, Career Development, and Social…
Amnesty International has called for an immediate investigation into the death of Malay Muslim human rights defender Roning Dolah, who was fatally shot in Thailand on Tuesday night. Roning, who was stationed in Pattani, worked with the Duay Jai Group, providing rehabilitation support for torture survivors. According to Amnesty International, Roning was shot by two…
The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California has ruled in favor of Cher regarding the royalty rights from Sonny Bono’s song interests. The court decided that the termination of grants made by Sonny Bono, executed by his widow Mary Bono under the copyright-assignment termination provision of the Copyright Act, did not affect…
This week, the American Hospital Association (AHA) sent letters to the Senate and House urging them to support legislation that would prevent the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from enforcing its final rule on minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities. The organization argued that the establishment of minimum staffing requirements would stifle…
The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday convicted Al-Qaida-linked militant leader Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud, commonly known as Al Hassan, of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges stem from Al Hassan’s role in imposing terror on the civilian population of Timbuktu during the 2012-2013 northern Mali conflict. This conflict began…
The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily allowed emergency abortions in Idaho, reversing a previous decision that fully enforced the state’s near-total abortion ban. This development came to light after an inadvertent online post on Wednesday and was later made official. The ruling, which reinstates a federal trial court order, permits hospitals to perform emergency abortions…
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has made a significant move in its ongoing effort to bolster its U.S. presence by hiring Steven Matays, the former head of Skadden’s New York tax group. This strategic hire highlights Freshfields’ intention to expand its transactional services in a competitive market. For more detailed information, you can access the original article…
The US Supreme Court has significantly narrowed the application of a federal anti-corruption law, known as 17 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(B), which previously prohibited public officials from accepting gratuities or gifts valued over $5,000 related to official business. This 6-3 decision, as outlined in the majority opinion written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, distinguishes between bribes promised…
The US Supreme Court has significantly curtailed the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) use of in-house judges in fraud cases. In a landmark 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that defendants have a constitutional right to a jury trial in federal court when facing financial penalties imposed by the SEC. This decision directly addresses the constitutionality…
The US Supreme Court has nullified Purdue Pharma LP’s $6 billion opioid settlement, raising further uncertainties for the OxyContin manufacturer by concluding that the agreement improperly protected the Sackler family, who owns the company. The 5-4 verdict disrupts a plan aimed at resolving extensive civil litigation against Purdue Pharma and directing billions towards combatting the…
The US Supreme Court has put a temporary halt on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s “good neighbor” rule, a measure from the Biden administration aimed at curbing ozone emissions. The rule’s intent is to impose more stringent emissions requirements on power plants and pipelines to mitigate ozone pollution that crosses state lines. In a 5-4…
In a notably divided decision, the US Supreme Court has overturned the bribery conviction of former Portage, Indiana mayor James Snyder, underscoring the partisan lines that define the current Court’s landscape. Snyder was initially convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(b) for allegedly accepting $13,000 related to the city’s purchase of garbage trucks from Great Lakes…
The latest “Morning Docket” on Above the Law offers a concise rundown of recent legal developments affecting practitioners across the nation. Among the headlines is the intriguing decision by Chief Justice John Roberts to not respond to the Senate regarding questions of ethics, a move that’s been characterized as delightful by some commentators. For more…
Legal News A former equities lawyer at BNP Paribas SA has lost a legal battle to claim a €1.5 million payout after his dismissal for using racially offensive language towards a colleague. The court ruled against his claim, upholding his termination for the derogatory comments, according to a report by Bloomberg Law. The lawyer reportedly…
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) Chamber has announced the transfer of jurisdiction to the Grand Chamber regarding a case involving 32 Afghan refugees at the Poland-Belarus border. These individuals allege that they were unlawfully pushed back by Polish border authorities after attempting to enter Poland from Belarus. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan…
On Thursday, June 27, legal professionals are closely monitoring the U.S. Supreme Court as it prepares to release opinions from the current term. SCOTUSblog will be providing live coverage starting at 9:30 a.m. EDT. These sessions are anticipated not only for their immediate legal impact but also for the broader implications for ongoing and future…
The New Zealand government has reintroduced the three-strikes sentencing law, raising significant human rights concerns. The legislation first came into effect with the passing of the Sentencing and Parole Reform Act 2010. This law sets a framework for mandatory sentencing that escalates penalties for repeat offenders of serious violent and sexual crimes. The law has…
The Supreme Court of the United States is scheduled to release opinions in one or more argued cases from the current term on Thursday, June 27. The court’s practice of releasing opinions towards the end of its term often garners significant attention, given that high-profile cases are typically decided during this period. This Thursday is…
In the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency exchanges, Dubai-based Bybit Fintech Ltd. is making significant strides, filling the gap left by the downfall of FTX. As reported by Bloomberg Law, Bybit has surged to the second spot globally by trading volume. Following the bankruptcy of the once-popular FTX platform, Bybit has strategically targeted former FTX clients…