The Federal Circuit has delivered a significant ruling on patent eligibility in the case of US Synthetic Corp. v. ITC, reversing the International Trade Commission’s previous decision. This ruling tackles essential issues within patent eligibility jurisprudence, specifically concerning composition-of-matter claims and challenges under Section 101 of Title 35 of the U.S. Code. Legal professionals and…
WilmerHale, a prominent law firm, has decided to increase the number of mandatory in-office days for its lawyers from three to four days each week, as confirmed by a spokesperson on Monday. This move aligns with trends seen in other major law firms, signaling a shift in workplace expectations within the legal industry [Bloomberg Law](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/wilmerhale-tells-lawyers-to-hit-office-four-days-a-week){:target=”_blank”}….
Senate Democrats have expressed significant concern over the Justice Department’s policy shift to prioritize immigration enforcement, a move they argue could undermine other critical prosecutions and national security. In a letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats warned that such reallocations might lead to a “leadership vacuum,” potentially diminishing the…
Smoothie King Franchises Inc. recently secured a significant legal victory, obtaining a $374,000 judgment against ex-franchisees in a case heard in a Georgia federal court. This outcome follows a bench trial held last December, where the ex-franchisees were accused of emulating Smoothie King’s product offerings after launching their own business in a former Gwinnett County…
Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff has reported a remarkable revenue increase of 30%, reaching approximately $348 million, attributed to an expansion in attorney head count and realization, even as the firm increased billing rates by about 10%. This growth also led to a rise in average profits per equity partner by more than 17%, totaling…
In a strategic enhancement of its investigations and white-collar practice, McGuireWoods has announced the addition of three prominent former U.S. attorneys, each bringing significant legal expertise to the firm’s local offices. Ryan K. Buchanan, formerly of the Northern District of Georgia, will join McGuireWoods in Atlanta. Michael F. Easley Jr., from the Eastern District of…
The legal industry is closely following the recent allegations made by a litigation trustee for the creditors of the bankrupt GWG Holdings Inc., claiming that a partner at the law firm Holland & Knight LLP, William “Bill” Banowsky, played a significant role in a fraudulent scheme designed to strip the bond seller of its assets….
On Monday, the United Nations and multiple Arab states expressed strong disapproval over Israel’s decision to halt the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. This move has been criticized as a breach of human rights and international law. Tom Fletcher, the UN Relief Chief, described the situation as “alarming” due to the reversal…
In a notable legal dispute, Orthofix, a company known for its orthopedic medical devices, terminated its chief legal officer, chief financial officer, and CEO approximately 18 months ago, citing “offensive conduct.” The details behind these dismissals have been unclear, sparking conversations about corporate governance and ethics within public companies. Recently, former Orthofix board chair Catherine…
The Georgia State Senate recently advanced Senate Bill 69, a significant piece of legislation poised to regulate the litigation financing industry within the state. Sponsored by state Senator John F. Kennedy, R-Bolingbroke, this bill mandates third-party litigation financiers to register with the state and compels them to publicly disclose their financing agreements. This initiative aims…
In a pursuit to foster robust attorney-client relationships, understanding the balance between professional expertise and personal connection is crucial. According to Deb Feder of Feder Development, attorneys often emphasize their expertise, but forging stronger bonds with clients and prospects involves sharing select personal details that lay the groundwork for a deeper, more trusted business relationship….
In the pursuit of healthier law practices, the integration of professional expertise with personal connection remains pivotal for fostering stronger attorney-client relationships. Deb Feder of Feder Development emphasizes that while showcasing legal acumen is essential, bridging the personal-professional divide through relatable personal disclosures can cultivate trust and deepen business ties. This approach not only strengthens…
The United Nations recently highlighted potential challenges in Ukraine, where approximately 640,000 women and girls might experience disruptions in essential services. This development follows the United States’ decision to halt nearly all financial contributions to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This freeze will significantly impede crucial services including psychosocial support, gender-based violence assistance, safe…
February proved to be a month of notable movement within the in-house legal sector, particularly within the sports industry. This month saw significant appointments with the NBA players union, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners all mobilizing to name new legal chiefs. These changes mark a critical evolution within their respective legal teams, reflecting a broader…
Jones Day has announced a strategic expansion of its intellectual property team in California, with the addition of two seasoned litigators from Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP. The pair will join as partners in the northern part of the state, signaling Jones Day’s commitment to bolstering its presence in this critical area of practice. This…
In a move to bolster its intellectual property capabilities, Jones Day has announced the hiring of two partners from Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP. The addition is aimed at augmenting the firm’s presence in California, particularly in the northern region. These hires reflect Jones Day’s ongoing strategy to enhance its IP team amidst growing demand…
In a recent address to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, articulated concerns about the growing intensity of global conflicts and societal discord, which are contributing to a landscape of “turbulence and unpredictability.” Türk emphasized the critical necessity for reaffirmed commitments to international law and…
In a recent development, Coinbase has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to acquire documents related to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) expenditures on cryptocurrency-related activities. In light of Coinbase’s efforts, Charlyn Ho, managing member at Rikka Law, commented on the broader implications of this action. Citing the lack of a definitive…
Blank Rome LLP has announced an enhancement of its intellectual property litigation group by adding a new patent litigator to its ranks. This attorney, who has a history of significant contributions in the field, previously assisted in establishing a Houston-based IP, corporate, and business law boutique. The strategic hiring is aimed at strengthening Blank Rome’s…
In 2024, Blackstone, a major private equity firm, paid Kirkland & Ellis a substantial $101.3 million in legal fees, according to a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing. This fee is significantly higher than the $41.6 million Kirkland & Ellis received from Blackstone in the previous year, 2023. These numbers illustrate a trend of increasing…
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has appointed Jonathan Waclawski as its new general counsel. This move marks Waclawski’s return to the organization, having previously served at the nation’s largest trade group. With a background steeped in Republican politics and the intricacies of Washington, D.C., Waclawski announced his new role through LinkedIn, while the NAR…
The recent shift in law firm partnership structures is becoming increasingly evident as more firms opt for nonequity expansion. Among a sampling of 19 Am Law 200 firms that have already reported their 2024 financials, a significant number are showing a marked growth in nonequity positions compared to their equity counterparts. Nine firms, in particular,…
In a move that could have far-reaching implications on federal policy, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating English as the national language of the United States. The decision cites the historical significance that both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were composed in English, highlighting a desire to unify citizens through…
McGuireWoods reported a significant increase in revenue for 2024, attributing the growth to rising demand and improved productivity. The firm’s gross revenue rose by 9% to reach $1.1 billion. Despite a nearly 3% rise in its equity partner count, now totaling 206 partners, McGuireWoods enhanced its profitability. Net income increased by 15%, amounting to $474…
Edward Kim, former Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has transitioned back into the private sector by rejoining Krieger, Kim & Lewin, the law firm he co-founded in 2017 with fellow ex-federal prosecutors Paul Krieger and Nicholas Lewin. The firm has now rebranded itself as KKL.