In a noteworthy shift within Big Law, Latham & Watkins has surpassed Kirkland & Ellis to become the leading M&A adviser for 2025. This change comes as Latham capitalized on an upswing in deals within the tech, telecommunications, and energy sectors during the second quarter of the year. The firm has advised on global mergers…
The U.S. Copyright Office has recently taken a significant step in shaping the legal landscape regarding artificial intelligence and copyright with the release of the third part of its report. This segment, published on May 9, delves into essential aspects of the unauthorized use of copyrighted material by AI systems. The report provides legal professionals…
“`html DLA Piper and Campos Mello Advogados have decided to terminate their exclusive cooperation agreement, marking a shift in their collaborative strategy. This development comes a little over a year after DLA Piper inaugurated a foreign legal consultancy office in São Paulo, a significant move aimed at tapping into cross-border work. Previously, Campos Mello Advogados…
In the realm of corporate legal departments, June saw several notable in-house legal appointments, with key hires taking place at renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Guess, and U.S. Steel. These strategic appointments highlight the ongoing demand for skilled legal leadership within major corporations, as they navigate complex legal landscapes. Law360 Pulse recently reviewed these significant…
Medtronic has announced that Michelle Quinn will become its new general counsel, joining from Becton, Dickinson and Co. (BD) where she currently holds the same position. Quinn, who brings a wealth of legal experience in the medical technology sector, has been with BD since 2019. Her appointment is particularly timely as Medtronic prepares for a…
The Supreme Court’s October Term 2024 offers a compass for understanding judicial trends and their potential implications for legal professionals. As reported in an article by Erwin Chemerinsky on SCOTUSblog, the court’s recent activities reveal critical insights into its operation and focus areas. Merits Docket and Judicial Opinions With 56 cases decided with signed opinions…
The Supreme Court’s recent decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor reframed the discourse on religious freedom and educational content by delving into the nuanced intersection of pluralism and compulsory public education. This case centers around Montgomery County Public Schools’ decision to include LGBTQ+-inclusive materials in its K–5 curriculum without allowing opt-outs for parents with religious objections….
The U.S. Senate has passed a budget reconciliation bill with a narrow vote of 51-50, introducing significant provisions aimed at restricting the use of nationwide injunctions. This legal tactic has been a point of contention, particularly among Republicans, following its use by district courts to temporarily block elements of former President Donald Trump’s policy initiatives….
Law firms Gellert Seitz Busenkell & Brown LLC and Meland Budwick PA are seeking to terminate their representation of Eduardo Albor, the former CEO of a bankrupt, dolphin-themed animal park operator, in light of both financial and professional conflicts. The attorneys have filed motions in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, citing…
Heather Gerken, Yale Law School’s first female dean, is set to step down from her position in early August, two years prior to the conclusion of her second five-year term, to take on a new role as president of the Ford Foundation. Serving as dean since 2017, Gerken has been recognized for her substantial contributions…
In the Kansas City metropolitan legal scene, a significant group of more than 30 attorneys is appealing to the Missouri Supreme Court to revisit a recent decision that has sparked substantial debate. The court’s ruling on June 10 altered the landscape of sex discrimination protections under the Missouri Human Rights Act. Legal professionals from various…
A notable shift is underway within the progressive legal community, as the Democracy Forward Foundation bolsters its team with distinguished legal experts known for their work in Supreme Court and appellate litigation. Recently, the Foundation secured the services of Nathaniel Zelinsky, a former lawyer at Milbank, who joins as a senior counsel. Zelinsky’s career trajectory…
A federal judge in Chicago is currently presiding over a patent dispute involving General Motors Co. The controversy now extends beyond the patent’s specifics, potentially affecting the legal representation of GM itself. The conflict arose after GM’s attorneys, a prominent NLJ 500 law firm, were accused of hiring a paralegal, Ms. Rios, with sensitive knowledge…
The recent decision by an appellate court to uphold a ban on inactive attorneys serving as neutrals has significant implications for over 70,000 inactive licensees in California. The court reasoned that the existing Rule 2.30 does not involve any suspect class or impinge on any fundamental constitutional rights, which would have otherwise necessitated a strict…
The adoption of artificial intelligence is accelerating within organizations, yet many dive into AI integration without a clear roadmap for return on investment (ROI). A recent report by Thomson Reuters has highlighted this trend, indicating that while 64% of legal professionals report experiencing ROI from AI, 43% have incorporated it lacking any concrete ROI strategy….
In a significant strategic move, a 22-lawyer group has departed Morris, Manning & Martin for Seyfarth Shaw, further compelling Morris Manning to explore merger discussions with a prominent Am Law 100 firm. Among those joining Seyfarth are key leaders from Morris Manning’s corporate and real estate sectors, such as Matt Peurach, Justin Barry, and Ed…
In a notable move within the sports industry, Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and owner of Major League Baseball’s LA Dodgers, has entered into an agreement to purchase a majority stake in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, valuing the storied franchise at $10 billion. This acquisition highlights a trend of high-value transactions in the…
Donald “Donny” English Jr., an accomplished labor and employment litigator, has returned to Morgan, Lewis & Bockius from Jackson Lewis, where he spent eight years in leadership roles, including as co-head of the trials and appeals practice group. English, who initially started his legal career at Morgan Lewis in 2000, is now rejoining as a…
The U.S. Department of Justice has negotiated a divestiture remedy to permit the $14 billion merger between Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Juniper Networks. The agreement involves a divestiture and software licensing settlement, allowing both companies to move forward with the merger. While the details of the divestiture are not fully disclosed, HPE’s President and…
In a notable financial milestone, Ashurst LLP has successfully reached the £1 billion mark in annual revenue, defying challenging economic conditions worldwide. For the fiscal year ending April 30, 2025, the firm’s revenue rose by 8% to £1 billion ($1.37 billion), up from £961 million ($1.32 billion) in the previous year, according to the firm’s…
In a significant ruling on June 26, the US Supreme Court affirmed that states have the discretion to determine which healthcare providers qualify for Medicaid funding, enabling them to prioritize health care over abortion politics. This decision supports states that wish to redirect taxpayer dollars from organizations such as Planned Parenthood to other providers that…
In a notable trend within the U.K. legal market, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and HFW have increased the salaries of their newly-qualified lawyers in London. This development follows a series of similar pay adjustments by several mid-market U.K.-based firms, marking a period of upward salary revisions for junior lawyers in the sector. These adjustments reflect…
On this Tuesday, legal professionals and enthusiasts alike turn their attention to the latest updates from the nation’s highest court through SCOTUSblog’s morning read. As part of their ongoing coverage, SCOTUSblog provides a curated selection of articles and commentary pertaining to recent Supreme Court activities and related legal developments. A highlight of today’s reading is…
The legal market in India is undergoing a transformative phase as the nation continues efforts to liberalize the sector, inviting foreign participation under new rules. This development has sparked a confrontation between key industry bodies, namely the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) and the Bar Council of India (BCI). Legal professionals, both domestic and…
In a notable restructuring move, Jenner & Block has expanded its legal capacity in mass torts and product liability by hiring a team of five lawyers from Mayer Brown, led by Richard Bulger and Daniel Ring. This team is distinguished by its involvement in significant PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) litigation, particularly for notable client…