In an extraordinary feat, Jeff Hammel, co-leader of Latham & Watkins’ New York Litigation & Trial Department, won three separate legal battles in a single day. This rare accomplishment came as decisions were handed down on March 19 across different courts, highlighting Hammel’s prowess in managing and securing victories in complex cases simultaneously. Attorneys frequently…
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has made a public call for the release of Uyghur activist Valijon Kalonov, who has been detained in a psychiatric hospital in Uzbekistan since 2021. Kalonov’s detention originated from charges related to his online activities, specifically using social media in a way deemed threatening to public safety, alongside accusations of insulting…
Amnesty International recently issued a statement condemning an executive order by President Donald Trump that substantially cuts funding for US-backed media outlets, notably Radio Free Asia (RFA). This order represents a significant reduction in support and is perceived by Amnesty as the effective closure of a mechanism considered crucial for US soft power abroad. The…
In Texas, two new legislative proposals are targeting the reduction of so-called “nuclear verdicts,” which are substantial jury awards exceeding $10 million. This legal movement is particularly focused on narrowing the liability of trucking companies, which are often the defendants in such high-stakes cases. A recent study highlights the financial repercussion of these colossal verdicts,…
Solo practitioners often face the challenge of time management and client load. For CJ Grisham, a solo civil rights attorney in Temple, Texas, artificial intelligence has become a game-changer. Initially skeptical, Grisham now considers AI indispensable, estimating a 50-to-1 return on investment. He highlights the efficiency gained through the use of Lexis+ AI, which allows…
The United States Supreme Court conducted oral arguments on Monday focusing on a contentious request by the Catholic Charities Bureau, a Wisconsin-based organization, seeking an exemption from federal unemployment insurance tax on religious grounds. The case delves into the nuanced application of religious exemptions under federal tax obligations. The petitioners argue that the current Wisconsin…
In a legal move attracting attention within the Denver legal community, Colorado’s Franklin D. Azar & Associates, a well-established personal injury firm, has initiated a lawsuit against a former attorney under claims of trademark infringement. The lawsuit alleges that the lawyer strategically leveraged Google Ads to redirect potential clients searching for Franklin D. Azar &…
A Colorado-based personal injury law firm, Franklin D. Azar & Associates, has initiated legal proceedings against a former attorney, alleging trademark infringement. The firm accuses the ex-employee of deceptively purchasing Google ads that divert potential clients away from Franklin D. Azar & Associates to a different contact number and website associated with the attorney’s lesser-known…
The Supreme Court recently ruled in the case of United States v. Miller that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has the right to retain certain tax payments made under fraudulent circumstances prior to a company’s bankruptcy filing. This ruling has significant implications for creditors and the application of the Bankruptcy Code. The case involved a…
DLA Piper has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $4 billion in revenue for 2024. The firm’s gross revenue increased by 10.7%, reaching $4.2 billion, marking its eighth consecutive year of revenue growth. This performance reflects double-digit growth in both net income and profit per equity partner (PEP). Driving profitable revenue in “white hot” markets…
Paul Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is leading the charge on Rocket Companies Inc.’s ambitious acquisition of Mr. Cooper Group Inc., a transaction valued at $9.4 billion. This all-stock deal underscores Rocket’s strategic expansion in the mortgage sector, as it seeks to consolidate its market position. This reported deal is part of Rocket’s broader strategy…
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to deliberate on a contentious case concerning the jurisdictional reach of U.S. courts over international entities. The crux of the matter lies in whether U.S. victims of terrorism, or their families, can pursue legal action against the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for attacks that…
Super Micro Computer Inc., a prominent name in the information technology sector, has announced the appointment of a new general counsel as part of a broader effort to restructure its legal department. The company’s decision follows an internal investigation conducted last year, which has now led to the elevation of Yitai Hu to this pivotal…
Carlton Fields, a noted law firm, currently faces a disqualification bid due to an alleged conflict of interest in a critical legal battle. The suit in question involves a staggering $500 million claim regarding the ownership of the company responsible for running the Miss America pageant. This legal challenge underscores the complexities of conflicts of…
In a strategic career move, former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona has joined the global law firm Hogan Lovells as a senior adviser. Sinema, having shifted her political affiliation to independent in 2022, will bring her expertise to the firm’s global regulatory and intellectual property practice groups in Washington, D.C. Her transition into this…
The legal industry stands on the cusp of significant change as it confronts increasing pressure to modernize its billing practices. Traditionally, law firms have adhered to the billable hour model, a formula deeply embedded in the sector’s economic fabric. However, as noted by attorney William Brewer in a recent analysis, the confluence of technological advancements—specifically…
The traditional billable hour model has long been a staple of legal firms, but the evolving landscape suggests it may be time for a shift. As advancements in artificial intelligence streamline processes, and the Big Four accounting firms make their foray into the legal sector, the need for adaptation is becoming increasingly apparent. Law firms…
In a recent legal development, a federal judge in Missouri has greenlighted a lawsuit from Coy’s Honey Farm against Bayer and BASF, concerning the alleged destruction of bee habitats. This decision stems from accusations that dicamba-based herbicides used by the defendants, including products such as XtendiMax and Engenia, led to damage of critical vegetation around…
The U.S. Department of Justice is advancing efforts to implement President Donald Trump’s strategy to impose significant financial burdens on litigants who challenge his policies but ultimately do not succeed. This initiative, as reflected in court records, is seen as a move to deter potential challengers and mitigate legal resistance to the administration’s agenda.
The legal community is closely monitoring a defamation dispute in Miami, where a city general counsel is standing firm against calls for a retraction following an article that alleged an affair involving the mayor. The article in question was published by Political Cortadito, with Elaine M. De Valle as the reporter. David Winker, representing Political…
The Detroit Lions have been dismissed from a lawsuit alleging improper use of a copyrighted photo to create a statue of Barry Sanders. A New York judge made the ruling on jurisdictional grounds, marking the team’s exit from the ongoing legal proceedings. This development is part of a broader legal controversy involving multiple defendants who…
A recent ruling by US District Judge J. Paul Oetken has temporarily halted a proposed shutdown of Voice of America (VOA). Judge Oetken issued a restraining order blocking the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) from executing a directive by President Donald Trump. This directive aimed to terminate employees under the Reporters Without Borders…
In a decisive move to retain its chief legal officer during a pivotal merger phase, specialty-vehicle manufacturer Shyft Group has significantly increased the compensation package of its legal chief, Joshua Sherbin. The company awarded Sherbin a $1.6 million retention bonus and $3.2 million in stock in 2024, marking a considerable rise from the previous year’s…
The U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to potentially expand the tax exemptions available to religious charities, as evidenced by its recent deliberations over a case involving the Wisconsin chapter of Catholic Charities. On Monday, the justices probed the constitutionality of Wisconsin’s decision to withhold an unemployment tax exemption from the organization. This exemption is typically…
A recent study highlights the evolving landscape within legal departments as Artificial Intelligence (AI) begins to significantly influence hiring processes. Conducted by Major, Lindsey & Africa, the 2025 General Counsel AI Hiring Survey reveals that 39% of legal departments have already updated their hiring criteria due to AI advances. Furthermore, over 20% of these departments…