June 2024

Former CPSC Chair Elliot Kaye Joins Cooley LLP to Strengthen Product Safety and Compliance Practice Amid Regulatory Challenges

Pieter Gunst01 mins

Cooley LLP is enhancing its product safety and compliance capabilities by adding former Chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Elliot Kaye, to its litigation practice. This strategic hire aims to bolster Cooley’s expertise amid growing regulatory challenges, particularly in AI and other emerging technologies. You can read more about this development on FeedBlitz.

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Sanofi Seeks Initial Bids for $20 Billion Consumer Health Division Amid Listing Preparations

Pieter Gunst01 mins

Sanofi SA has initiated the process of seeking initial bids for its $20 billion consumer health division as preparations for a potential listing of the business also progress. The Paris-based pharmaceutical company has solicited first-round bids from interested parties by mid-July, according to individuals familiar with the matter who requested anonymity due to the private…

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In-House Attorneys: Share Your Insights in the Annual Outside Counsel Survey to Influence Top Law Firm Rankings

Pieter Gunst02 mins

If you are an in-house attorney and have yet to participate in the Outside Counsel Survey, now is your chance to have your voice heard. The survey aims to identify the top outside counsel relied upon by legal departments, leveraging invaluable feedback from the clients themselves. This annual exercise is a critical touchpoint for understanding…

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Diverse Law School Applications Surge Despite Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The legal education landscape has seen a significant shift this year, with an upward trend in diverse law school applications. This increase comes despite the recent Supreme Court decision in SFFA v. Harvard, which ruled against affirmative action in college admissions. Data from the Law School Admission Council highlights an increase in minority applicants, reaffirming…

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Venezuela’s Defaulted Bondholders Select New Legal Counsel for Imminent Debt Restructuring

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In a significant move for stakeholders in the ongoing economic crisis in Venezuela, a group of bondholders has engaged Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP to serve as their new legal adviser. This decision comes as the Venezuela Creditor Committee prepares for a comprehensive debt restructuring dialogue with the Venezuelan government. This committee holds over $10…

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Julian Assange Reaches Plea Deal with U.S. Justice Department, Avoids Imprisonment

Pieter Gunst01 mins

Julian Assange, the controversial co-founder of Wikileaks, has managed to avert imprisonment in the United States after a lengthy legal battle spanning nearly 15 years. Known for his role in leaking sensitive state information, Assange has been a polarizing figure. Supporters hail him as a martyr for transparency and accountability, while critics condemn his actions…

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“Vault 2025 Rankings: Top Biglaw Firms Leading in California’s Legal Arena”

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The legal landscape of California has been illuminated by Vault’s recently released regional rankings for 2025, showcasing the dominant Biglaw firms in the Golden State. These rankings are derived from the ratings given by associates who evaluated the firms based on their regional prestige. Above the Law has detailed both the Northern and Southern California…

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Paul Singer Takes the Long View Against Carlyle Group in Strategic Investment Play

Pieter Gunst01 mins

“`html Paul Singer, the influential hedge fund manager and activist investor, is noted for his strategic patience in financial maneuvers. In the current corporate landscape, he appears to be placing a significant wager against the timeline and strategies employed by the Carlyle Group. This approach aligns with Singer’s history of waiting out his competition, betting…

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Norton Rose Fulbright Expands Investigations Practice with Former Federal Prosecutor Andrey Spektor

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Norton Rose Fulbright is picking up former New York federal prosecutor Andrey Spektor as it continues a vigorous expansion of its investigations practice. Spektor, former assistant United States attorney in the Eastern District of New York, joins the firm as a partner in its regulatory, investigations, securities, and compliance practice, the firm announced on Tuesday….

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Sidley Austin Strengthens Antitrust Practice with Key Hire Amid Increased Regulatory Scrutiny

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Sidley Austin is making a significant move to broaden its antitrust practice by hiring Corey Roush, the global co-leader of Akin Gump’s antitrust division. This strategic decision is in line with the increasing demand for antitrust counsel as the Biden administration intensifies its regulatory enforcement. Roush, who joins as a partner in Washington, has an…

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Former CPSC Chair Joins Cooley LLP, Strengthening Firm’s Expertise in Consumer Safety

Pieter Gunst01 mins

The former chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has re-entered private practice by joining Cooley LLP. This career move comes after a series of life events including a health crisis, and missions to Ukraine, which ultimately instigated a period of personal reflection and refocus. This transition highlights a significant addition to Cooley’s product…

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Supreme Court Takes on Gender-Affirming Care Bans; Legal Industry Awaits Firms’ Response to Summer Bonuses

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The legal landscape observed several pivotal developments on June 25, 2024, touching on critical issues from Supreme Court deliberations to debates over associate bonuses in major law firms. In a move that will be closely monitored by advocates and critics alike, the Supreme Court has decided to take up cases involving gender-affirming care bans. The…

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Former US Consumer Product Safety Chief Elliot Kaye Joins Cooley LLP to Bolster Litigation Team

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Elliot Kaye, the former chair of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, has joined Cooley LLP’s litigation practice in Washington, D.C. Kaye’s appointment strengthens Cooley’s strategy to bolster their litigation capabilities, particularly in dealing with federal agencies and state attorneys general. Kaye, who served as a commissioner from 2014 and spent nearly three years as…

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Gavel Unveils AI-Powered PDF Workflow Automation Tool for Legal Professionals

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Attorneys who often handle PDF forms will find notable efficiency gains through Gavel’s latest generative AI tool, Gavel Blueprint for PDF. This new feature aims to streamline the process by automatically converting PDF forms into automated document-generation workflows. The tool identifies and extracts key fields from the document, proposing relevant questions needed to complete these…

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Boeing Shifts Strategy to Stock-Driven Acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems for $4.1 Billion

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In a strategic shift, Boeing Co. has proposed to acquire Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. for approximately $35 per share, with the deal being primarily funded in stock. Initially, Boeing’s plan was to finance the acquisition with cash, but the company altered its approach following months of negotiations. The revised offer places Spirit AeroSystems’ equity valuation…

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OpenAI to Restrict Access to AI Tools for Chinese Users, Prompting Local Alternatives to Step Up

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant move that could impact developers and businesses across China, OpenAI has announced plans to restrict access to its artificial intelligence tools and software for Chinese users starting in July. This decision, reported by local media outlets, stems from OpenAI’s strategy to limit access in regions where it does not formally offer services….

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Microsoft Faces EU Antitrust Fine for Bundling Teams with Office Software

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Microsoft Corp. faces potential financial penalties from the European Union (EU) following allegations that the tech giant has abused its market dominance by bundling its Teams video-conferencing app with other business software offerings. The EU regulators have issued an antitrust warning, suggesting that Microsoft’s integration of Teams into its Office suite may stifle competition and…

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Uber Driver Classification Trial: Implications for the Gig Economy and Employment Law

Pieter Gunst02 mins

A worker classification trial involving three former drivers for Uber Black’s luxury car service is drawing significant attention, with potential consequences that extend far beyond its immediate outcome. The trial, held in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, revolves around whether these drivers were misclassified as independent contractors rather than employees,…

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Spotify’s Royalty Reclassification Sparks Industry-Wide Dispute Over Songwriter Payments

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Musicians and streaming services’ compromise over songwriters’ royalties is under significant strain just six years after the enactment of legislation designed to redefine music copyright law and the licensing regime. Spotify Technology SA’s decision earlier this year to reclassify its premium subscription service has ignited a multifaceted dispute that resonates throughout the music industry. In…

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