February 2025

King & Spalding Expands Finance and Restructuring Expertise with Addition of Eric Wise and Matt Kelsey as Partners in New York

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In a significant addition to its finance and restructuring practice, King & Spalding has welcomed Eric Wise and Matt Kelsey as partners to its New York office. Both attorneys bring substantial experience in restructuring and special situations finance. Eric Wise has a well-established focus on restructuring and special situations finance. He has represented diverse stakeholders,…

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NetChoice Challenges Maryland’s Children’s Online Safety Law in Federal Court

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In a recent legal move signaling ongoing tensions between tech industry groups and regulatory authorities, NetChoice has initiated a lawsuit to challenge Maryland’s newly enacted children’s online safety legislation. Filed in the US District Court for the District of Maryland, the suit argues against the Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, which came into effect in…

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Houston Law Firm Pursues Breach of Contract Suit Against Departed Attorneys Joining Rival Practice

Pieter Gunst01 mins

In Houston, Stephen S. Toeppich & Associates, an established midsize oil and gas law firm, has initiated a lawsuit against former firm lawyers Aaron Nielsen and Keaton Mayfield. The firm claims these individuals violated their independent contractor agreements by encouraging others within the firm to leave and transition to a competing practice. Nielsen and Mayfield…

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Buchalter Strengthens Sacramento Office with the Addition of Former Federal Prosecutor Sherry Haus

Pieter Gunst01 mins

In a strategic enhancement to its white-collar practice group, Buchalter has brought Sherry Haus on board as a shareholder. Joining the firm’s Sacramento, California, office, Haus’s expertise is set to bolster Buchalter’s capabilities in handling both civil and criminal matters. Her practice, comprehensively dealing with government investigations, also includes counsel on compliance with anti-money laundering…

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Legal Industry Trends: Class Action and Mass Tort Settlements Surpass $40 Billion for Third Year

Pieter Gunst01 mins

In the legal industry, data trends continue to make significant shifts, particularly with the sustained high dollar values in class action and mass tort settlements. For the third consecutive year, these settlements have exceeded $40 billion. Detailed analysis and insights into these developments are available, highlighting what factors are driving this continued trend. Those interested…

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Morgan Lewis Expands Tokyo Office with Key Real Estate Sector Hires

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a strategic expansion of its real estate capabilities, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP has successfully recruited two seasoned partners, Jerry Fujii and Naoki Ueyama, to its Tokyo office. This development, announced Monday, underscores the firm’s commitment to bolstering its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly within the competitive real estate sector. Jerry Fujii, a…

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Squire Patton Boggs Strengthens Public Policy Team with Karyn Schmidt Hire

Pieter Gunst01 mins

Squire Patton Boggs has announced the recruitment of Karyn Schmidt as a principal in their public policy practice located in Washington, D.C. Schmidt brings a substantial background in chemicals management, environmental law, and sustainability. Her expertise is underlined by her extensive experience with the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), particularly the implementation of its…

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Fox Corporation Pursues Court Order to Unveil Reid Hoffman’s Litigation Funding in Smartmatic Defamation Case

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Fox Corporation has initiated legal proceedings to obtain documents from Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn, concerning his involvement in financing a defamation lawsuit against the media giant. This legal maneuver underscores the continuing complexities and challenges of litigation funding, particularly in high-stakes defamation cases. Last July, Reid Hoffman publicly disclosed his financial backing of…

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Texas Attorney Ordered to Undergo Ethics Training Over Missteps in Patent Cases Against Valve Corporation

Pieter Gunst02 mins

A Texas federal judge has ordered attorney Randall Garteiser to fulfill 60 hours of continuing legal education focusing on ethics and federal civil procedure. This directive stems from his representation in two patent infringement cases against the tech giant, Valve Corporation. Garteiser, who practices at Garteiser Honea PLLC, was found to have filed arguments in…

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Willkie Farr Expands Munich Office with Key Private Equity Hire, Reinforcing German Market Presence

Pieter Gunst01 mins

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP bolsters its Munich office with the addition of David Huthmacher as a private equity partner. The firm shared news on Monday about Huthmacher’s new role, which involves advising private equity funds, corporations, and investors on German and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, as well as private equity transactions. Huthmacher, who also…

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Eleventh Circuit Court to Address Transgender Health Coverage Exclusion in Workplace Anti-Discrimination Law Analysis

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a critical examination poised to clarify the boundaries of workplace anti-discrimination laws for transgender individuals, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals will engage in oral arguments regarding whether a public employer’s health plan can lawfully exclude coverage for gender-affirming surgeries and related care. This case arises from a legal challenge initiated by Anna Lange,…

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Strategic Partner Integration Fuels Revenue Growth for Elite Law Firms

Pieter Gunst01 mins

Elite law firms are strategically expanding their equity partner ranks by targeting lateral partner groups capable of boosting the firm’s share of client wallets. These firms focus on integrating partners who bring established relationships with significant clients, thereby enhancing the firm’s revenue streams and client retention capabilities. By prioritizing partners that align with their client…

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LSU Leadership Shifts Amid First Amendment Controversy and Academic Freedom Debate

Pieter Gunst01 mins

Louisiana State University is undergoing significant changes following a controversy surrounding First Amendment rights. Winston DeCuir Jr., the university’s first Black general counsel, has resigned after five years in his position. His departure coincides with the university’s controversial action of sidelining tenured law professor Ken Levy, who vocalized opposition to President Donald Trump and Louisiana…

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Exploring the Intersection of Storytelling and Law: How Documentary Filmmaking Enhances Legal Practice

Pieter Gunst01 mins

In a captivating piece for Law360, Robert Darwell from Sheppard Mullin shares how his venture into documentary filmmaking has significantly enriched his legal practice. By intertwining the narrative aspects of filmmaking with legal professionalism, Darwell reveals how this pursuit has sharpened his skills in negotiation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These are competencies that are not…

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How Documentary Filmmaking Enriches Legal Practice: Insights from Attorney Robert Darwell

Pieter Gunst01 mins

In a recent piece for Law360, Robert Darwell from Sheppard Mullin explores the intersection of his legal work with his passion for documentary filmmaking. Darwell shares how storytelling in film has refined his legal skills in negotiation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These are crucial competencies that benefit his practice both in and outside the courtroom….

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Weil, Gotshal & Manges Fortifies Securities Litigation Team with Former SEC Enforcement Leader

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its securities litigation and regulatory capabilities, Weil, Gotshal & Manges has announced the recruitment of Sanjay Wadhwa as a partner in their New York office. Previously, Wadhwa served as the acting director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement, an experience that underscores his expertise…

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Troutman Pepper Seeks Dismissal of Racial Discrimination Suit, Citing Lack of Evidence

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP has mounted a robust defense in response to a lawsuit from a former Black associate, urging the court to dismiss her claims of racial discrimination and retaliatory firing. According to the firm, the associate’s allegations fail to present sufficient evidence to warrant a trial. Troutman Pepper contends that the associate’s…

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John Fitzgerald Strengthens Schulte Roth & Zabel’s Investment Management Expertise

Pieter Gunst02 mins

John Fitzgerald has joined Schulte Roth & Zabel as a partner within its investment management group in New York, as announced by the firm. Fitzgerald’s expertise includes advising clients on registered investment funds, a category that encompasses mutual funds, closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), business development companies, and private wealth platforms. His work primarily involves…

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Gibson Dunn Strengthens Media and Entertainment Practice with Return of Esteemed First Amendment Litigator Katie Townsend

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In an announcement that underscores its commitment to bolstering its media, entertainment, and technology practice, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has brought back First Amendment litigator Katie Townsend as a partner in its Los Angeles and Washington offices. Townsend’s return is considered a strategic move, as she is recognized for her effective representation of news…

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