On Friday, the Justice Department settled a long-standing privacy suit with Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, two former FBI officials at the center of controversy in 2018 due to their involvement in the Mueller investigation. While Strzok’s wrongful termination claims are still pending, the settlement concludes a contentious episode from the Trump administration, one that…
In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision in Moyle v. United States, Idaho v. United States, the people of Idaho may still access emergency abortive care, though it falls short of a clear victory for bodily autonomy. The decision—issued without a formal byline—was the result of a compromise, shedding light on the complex dynamics…
Think Like A Lawyer: Dance The Legal Standard Two-Step From rookie brief writers to Chief Justice John Roberts, lawyers should master the legal standard two-step — framing the governing standard at the outset, and clarifying why they meet that standard — which has benefits for both the drafter and reader, says Luke Andrews at Poole…
Think Like A Lawyer: Dance The Legal Standard Two-Step Misconceptions about what it means to “think like a lawyer” often start in law school and continue to hinder many attorneys throughout their practice. In a monthly column, Luke Andrews discusses an alternative method of organizing and sequencing legal arguments. This latest installment introduces a two-step…
A recent analysis by Jonathan Tuminaro at Sterne Kessler highlights emerging trends in the judicial application of Step 2 of the Alice framework. Established by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2014 decision in Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank International, this framework addresses patent eligibility. Over the past decade, district courts have increasingly relied on extrinsic evidence…
Davis Saperstein & Salomon PC faces two lawsuits in New Jersey state court, with claims that the Bergen County-based personal injury firm failed to pay overtime wages, compensated female employees less than their male counterparts, and subjected a pregnant woman to a hostile work environment. These allegations come from eight former employees who are challenging…
In a notable decision on Monday, a Manhattan judge dismissed the New York Attorney General’s request to appoint a compliance monitor for the National Rifle Association (NRA). The judge concluded that such an arrangement could lead to extended governmental involvement in a political entity, potentially stifling its speech. This ruling marks a significant development in…
Despite the U.S. Department of Justice’s decision to terminate its China Initiative in February 2022, recent legal actions suggest the principles behind the initiative remain active. A recent settlement under the False Claims Act with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation underscores this ongoing enforcement. The settlement indicates that prosecutors continue to target research institutions linked to…
Five Big Law firms have contributed to investment firm Sixth Street’s acquisition of Enstar, a significant deal that has taken the insurance company private for a hefty sum of $5.1 billion. The transaction was supported by a strong roster of legal talent from both sides. The firms guiding Bermuda-based Enstar in this strategic shift include…
A Washington-based immigration law firm has brought a trade secret dispute to court, alleging that a former Colombian employee facilitated the poaching of its offshore workforce by a Houston immigration law firm. The firm asserts that this employee’s actions have allowed their business model for scaling a large firm to be copied, leading to a…
In an evolving litigation strategy, plaintiffs in nine separate cases against major pharmaceutical companies over alleged Zantac injuries are opting to keep their claims unconsolidated within Connecticut state court by naming fewer than 100 people per case. This tactic has been designed to prevent the cases from being grouped into a single trial, which could…
The American Bar Association (ABA) ethics committee released its first formal opinion concerning the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools by attorneys. This new guidance emphasizes that lawyers must consider their ethical obligations, particularly those outlined in model rules related to competency, confidentiality, and fees. The formal opinion suggests that attorneys need to be…
Litigation tied to billionaire Elon Musk has recently led to multiple filings in Delaware’s Court of Chancery, including a call for sanctions and discussions about a proposed multibillion-dollar attorney fee. The court has also seen activity surrounding Paramount’s planned $4.5 billion stock-and-cash merger with Skydance Media, as well as transactions involving Silver Lake Capital. New…
Nixon Peabody LLP has expanded its intellectual property team with the addition of an associate from Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP. The new hire brings a comprehensive practice that includes handling patent, trademark, and trade secret disputes. This move is part of Nixon Peabody’s strategic growth in the IP sector, aimed at enhancing the firm’s…
Merger prospects for Burns & Levinson, a 64-year-old law firm based in Boston, appear to be alive yet dwindling. The firm, known for its prominent office at 125 High Street in the heart of Boston’s financial district, faces several significant challenges. An aging partnership, low leverage, rate-constrained practices, and a substantial lease obligation make Burns…
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is currently facing legal challenges concerning the stalled implementation of a congestion pricing plan. The Traffic Mobility Act, enacted in 2019, mandated the introduction of a tolling program aimed at reducing traffic congestion and pollution by charging drivers $15 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. The program, which had broad…
AI companies are booming, and legal technology is riding the wave as investors search for new sectors where generative AI, the latest breakthrough, will have a significant impact. This burgeoning interest in legal tech is positive news for both lawyers and consumers of legal services. According to a recent article, investor enthusiasm in legal tech…
A legal advocacy group of defense-side attorneys has voiced opposition to a proposal by several plaintiffs’ firms advocating for live virtual testimony in civil trials. The group has called this initiative a “thinly veiled attempt” to compel CEOs and other high-ranking executives to testify in every federal trial, raising concerns about the potential impact on…
Foley Hoag LLP has announced the elevation of a longtime senior partner from its Boston-based intellectual property department to the role of co-managing partner, effective Monday. This strategic leadership decision underscores the firm’s commitment to leveraging extensive internal expertise within its IP practice. For more detailed information, visit Law360.
White-collar attorneys are monitoring several key trends in the latter half of 2024. The U.S. Department of Justice has set its sights on curbing deceptive practices in artificial intelligence, often referred to as “snake oil.” Furthermore, there is an expected increase in aggressive prosecutions related to pandemic-relief fraud. Notably, the DOJ is preparing initiatives to…
Foley Hoag LLP has elevated a longtime Boston-based senior partner in the intellectual property department to the position of co-managing partner. The firm made the announcement on Monday, marking a significant leadership shift within its ranks. The decision underscores Foley Hoag’s commitment to strengthening its intellectual property practice and ensuring robust leadership as the firm…
Article Summary The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are creating a complex and evolving dialogue around what are termed “Frontier” models. These highly capable AI systems could potentially pose significant risks to public safety. According to a report from Anderljung et al., Frontier AI Regulation is focused on managing these emerging risks. The White House…
Legal News Article A law firm that represented National Football League players in a multidistrict litigation over the league’s handling of concussions can’t avoid a litigation funding agency’s $2.9 million judgment against it, after a Pennsylvania federal judge shot down Mitnick Law Office’s arguments that the fees being garnished fell under various exceptions. The judgment…
Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University, has recently voiced his concerns over what he sees as a threat to free speech principles. His criticism centers on NewsGuard, a company that rates websites for misinformation. In an article for The Hill, Turley describes an encounter with NewsGuard, suggesting that the organization’s ratings system…
In a recent decision, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Seattle narrowed the scope of a biometric data privacy case involving Amazon and Starbucks. Judge Marsha Pechman dismissed the majority of the claims brought under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 22-1201(a) and 22-1201(b). As a result of the ruling, Starbucks has…