The American Bar Association (ABA) is adjusting the language of its diversity standards for law schools following its prior decision in August to omit references to race, ethnicity, and other identities. This change comes in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision, which struck down affirmative action in higher education, sparking opposition from legal…
In a recent legal development, a settlement has been reached approving $795,000 to resolve class action claims brought under the Massachusetts Wage Act. This result addresses allegations pertaining to the misclassification of delivery drivers as independent contractors by a delivery company. The settlement provides substantial relief for the 47 class members involved in the case,…
As the 2024 election season approaches, a number of prominent law firms are actively participating in efforts to ensure the integrity and smooth functioning of the voting process. Firms such as Proskauer, Gibson Dunn, Cooley, Stinson, Reed Smith, Davis Polk, Lowenstein, Mayer Brown, Manatt, Baker McKenzie, and Dechert are deploying legal professionals to assist with…
Wiley Rein LLP has announced the addition of Stacey Sutton and Amanda Jesteadt as partners within its Telecom, Media, and Technology practice. This move aims to bolster the firm’s capability to protect its clients in sectors such as telecommunications and technology from emerging threats like fraud, including imposter schemes and SIM swap fraud. According to…
Leslie Berland, former Chief Marketing Officer at Twitter, has initiated legal action against the company’s owner, Elon Musk, citing a “petty form of retribution” as the reason for her dismissal. The lawsuit stems from an incident in October 2022 when Berland reportedly left Musk embarrassed during a meeting with advertisers, leading him to seek someone…
The outcome of the upcoming elections could significantly impact the employment landscape, particularly through potential shifts in policy. A major focus for a potential Trump administration, as discussed during a roundtable event, would likely involve a supply-side approach to enforcement. This approach emphasizes workplace removals of unauthorized workers, a topic addressed by Littler Mendelson shareholder…
In the ongoing legal battle against Rudy Giuliani, recent developments have shifted focus back to the courtroom following a defamation suit brought by Atlanta poll workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. Giuliani, already slapped with a default judgment and a $148 million penalty, continues to evade financial collections enforced by Judge Lewis Liman of the…
Amid rising inflationary pressures impacting corporate operating costs, key players in the credit market are bracing for a potential influx of ‘fallen angels’—companies that may lose their prized investment-grade status and be relegated to junk-bond ratings. This scenario could inject as much as $60 billion into the U.S. junk-bond market, marking the highest volume of…
As foreign actors increasingly use deepfake technology to spread misinformation concerning U.S. elections, legal experts find it improbable that Congress will pass legislation regulating deceptive AI content in the near future. Deepfakes, which are artificially created or altered videos and images, pose a significant challenge in the realm of election integrity. This issue has brought…
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has announced the addition of Adam Cromie and Matthew Fisher as partners in its mergers and acquisitions practice. This strategic move is expected to enhance the firm’s capabilities in handling complex transactional matters. Adam Cromie, previously affiliated with Jones Day, will focus his practice on advising public and private companies, as…
As the United States approaches yet another contentious election period in 2024, the legal community faces an unsettling reminder from a group of former presidents of state, local, and national bar associations. These legal veterans have issued a public letter imploring attorneys to adhere strictly to their ethical obligations, emphasizing that they are “duty-bound to…
The 2024 presidential election is poised to set the course of the United States for the next four years and beyond. As it stands, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, appears to be heavily relying on legal experts from prominent Biglaw firms to shape her presidential transition team, should she emerge victorious. The legal…
In a development that underscores the contentious nature of federal oversight in state elections, Texas has reached an agreement with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the presence of federal poll monitors during elections. This accord comes on the heels of attempts by Texas authorities to bar federal observers from election sites, igniting debates…
A Black female attorney, specializing in insurance and construction law, is advocating for the continuation of her discrimination lawsuit against Fabiani Cohen & Hall LLP. She is requesting that a Manhattan federal judge reject any dismissal motions. Despite her position as an equity owner at the firm, she asserts her status as an employee entitles…
In a recent announcement, McDermott Will & Emery revealed that Michael Sitzman has joined the firm’s intellectual property practice as a partner in their San Francisco office. Sitzman is expected to play a significant role in augmenting McDermott’s robust capabilities within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, focusing on high-stakes biologic and drug patent litigation. This…
In the run-up to the 2024 presidential election, a notable trend has emerged within the Biglaw community: fewer firms are offering paid time off to their employees to participate in voting and volunteering efforts. This represents a shift from the 2020 election, where many firms within the Am Law 100 and 200 actively encouraged civic…
The US Supreme Court is currently deliberating on a case that could significantly impact the criteria employers must meet to classify workers as exempt from overtime pay. During a recent session, the Court seemed inclined to dismiss the need for a heightened standard of proof, a move that businesses may welcome. At the heart of…
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has announced that it is closing its Beijing office, marking a significant shift in its strategic approach in Asia. This move follows a comprehensive review of the firm’s operations in the region. As part of this strategic realignment, Eversheds is planning a return to Singapore, a decision aimed at consolidating its…
After a protracted negotiation process, more than 33,000 Boeing workers have voted in favor of a tentative agreement, effectively ending one of the costliest strikes in recent history. The employees, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Districts 751 and W24, had been striking in response to previous inadequate offers by…
Seladore Legal, a British disputes boutique, has made a strategic move by hiring Lian-Ying Tan from Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) as a partner. This hiring marks a significant step as the firm plans to establish a presence in Singapore. Tan, currently based in New York, will eventually relocate to Singapore to lead the firm’s expansion…
In the evolving landscape of healthcare procurement, employers are increasingly being held accountable for ensuring optimal medical benefits for their employees, while grappling with data accessibility challenges. Elizabeth Mitchell, president and CEO of the Purchaser Business Group on Health (PBGH), stressed in a recent discussion that transparency in healthcare data is now a fundamental expectation…
In a recent episode of The Jabot podcast, hosted by Kathryn Rubino, Mary Anne Franks, a prominent voice in intellectual property and civil rights law, delves into the complexities of free speech and its evolving legal interpretations. The conversation is particularly timely, considering the ongoing debates surrounding the First Amendment and the role it plays…
In the ever-evolving landscape of employment law, legal professionals are continually seeking tools and resources that can streamline their workload and enhance their practice. Thomson Reuters Practical Law aims to address these needs by offering a suite of resources tailored for employment lawyers. This platform provides a comprehensive collection of expertly curated how-to guides, templates,…
In a significant ruling, the Federal Circuit recently addressed a crucial patent appeal in AlexSam Inc. v. Aetna Inc. The court determined that Aetna’s licensing agreement with AlexSam concerning credit card technology did not provide the insurer with immunity against patent infringement claims. This decision underscores the necessity for licensees to meticulously review their contractual…
“`html Offices of streaming giant Netflix in Paris and Amsterdam were recently raided by authorities, according to a French judicial source. The operations were conducted as part of an ongoing preliminary investigation that commenced in November 2022. This investigation revolves around allegations of ‘aggravated tax fraud and concealed work in an organized gang’. Details of…