In a recent decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld a lower court’s ruling that Uber Technologies, Inc. must litigate a driver’s pay claims in court, rather than through arbitration. This case centers on driver Zurek, who had opted out of Uber’s 2022 arbitration agreement, leading the court to determine that…
GE Vernova has announced the appointment of a new Chief Legal Officer, selecting their candidate from Howmet Aerospace. The new hire comes as the company continues to strengthen its legal and compliance team amid increased regulatory scrutiny. Lisa John, an experienced legal professional, has been named the Chief Legal Officer of GE Vernova. Prior to…
The Trump administration recently intensified its oversight in Washington, D.C., by seizing control of the iconic Union Station from Amtrak, a move announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. This federal intervention echoes the administration’s broader strategy to exert greater influence over the nation’s capital, which has already seen the deployment of National Guard troops on…
In a significant move within the realm of commercial mediation, FedArb has announced the appointment of Richard Hill, the former legal chief of RTX Corporation, as its new commercial mediator. Hill’s transition from aerospace and defense giant RTX, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies, signals FedArb’s strategy to strengthen its roster with experienced legal professionals who…
As the international trade landscape fluctuated dramatically under the Trump administration, several major U.S. law firms, including Squire Patton Boggs, K&L Gates, Akin Gump, Ballard Partners, and Arnold & Porter, found themselves reaping substantial financial rewards. These firms have collectively earned six and seven-figure sums, thanks in large part to their efforts in advising foreign…
Recent legal scrutiny has emerged over a potentially unforeseen issue involving law firms that provide services to Donald Trump. At the center of the debate is whether law firms offering free legal assistance to government agencies under their agreements with Trump might trigger compliance with an obscure federal statute. While the statute does not directly…
As law firms increasingly mandate four days of in-office work per week, many are introducing flexible arrangements to ease this transition. A notable example is the “Work From Anywhere August” initiative, allowing employees to work remotely during the last two weeks of August. This approach aims to balance the firms’ operational needs with employees’ desires…
Proskauer Rose LLP continues to bolster its structured credit team with the recent addition of a seasoned attorney from Dechert LLP. This strategic move enhances Proskauer’s capabilities in handling complex financial instruments, particularly within the realm of collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), a key area in the structured finance sector. The newly recruited attorney brings a…
In a legal battle that underscores the complex nature of fee disputes between law firms and their clients, Rennova Health Inc. and several related healthcare companies have made a formal request for a Florida state judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Akerman LLP over allegedly unpaid fees. The defendants assert that Akerman’s claims are…
As major pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies confront the approaching expiration of pivotal patents, anticipated to culminate in a loss of $180 billion in revenue between 2027 and 2028, the focus has increasingly shifted towards strategic acquisitions and collaborations to stabilize pipelines. The structuring of noncompete clauses in such licensing and collaboration deals has become a…
Hudson Global has announced a new Chief Legal Officer (CLO) following its recent merger, underscoring its strategic intent to strengthen its legal and compliance framework during a critical period of expansion. The recruitment firm, known for its comprehensive human capital solutions, appointed this leader to oversee its legal functions amid a dynamic post-merger environment. This…
When summoned to testify before Congress, individuals or corporate representatives face a process fraught with unique challenges and potential public exposure. It is crucial to approach this situation with meticulous preparation to minimize risks and uphold integrity. The first step is understanding why you’ve been summoned. Congressional hearings may be investigative or informational, addressing matters…
James Donald Smith, the first chief judge of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), passed away this spring, leaving behind a legacy marked by industrious leadership and profound dedication to the intellectual property community. Colleagues and friends gathered for a memorial service, highlighting his many contributions not only as a leader but also as…
Despite recent layoffs, the University of Wisconsin Law School has announced that its Public Defender Project will continue to operate. This assurance comes even as the project’s director faces termination. The law school emphasized its commitment to offering practical legal experience to its students and serving community needs through the project, which is designed to…
The legal community recently gathered to honor James Donald Smith, who served as the first chief judge of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), at a memorial service held on Saturday. Smith, who passed away this spring, was remembered as an industrious and visionary leader, deeply admired by his peers and loved ones. His…
Renowned labor attorney is rejoining McGuireWoods LLP after serving as an in-house counsel for a major food company. This transition marks a significant return to the legal landscape for the lawyer, who has a longstanding reputation for excellence in labor and employment law. The attorney’s time with the food company involved navigating complex labor regulations,…
The legal profession, often associated with persuasive oration, has a new representative at the helm of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) who champions a slightly different approach. Jason Brown, newly appointed CEO of ACC, asserts that effective communication for a lawyer is rooted in the ability to listen. He emphasizes that many lawyers are…
The rapid development of advanced artificial intelligence poses significant challenges and uncertainties. Benjamin Prud’homme, vice president of Mila, a Quebec-based AI research institute, emphasizes that we should question the prevailing narrative that AI is the domain of a select few. His assertion underscores the need for broader participation in the AI landscape and greater transparency…
The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) has reached its highest national mean scaled score since 2013, signaling a significant development in the testing landscape for aspiring attorneys. According to an announcement from the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), the mean score for July stood at 142.4. This marks an increase of 0.6 points compared to…
In a significant legal decision, Judge Timothy Savage of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania dismissed discrimination claims made by University of Pennsylvania Law School professor Amy Wax against the institution. The court found a lack of substantive evidence that Wax faced discrimination for advocating for any protected class, nor did…
In a significant legal move, Tim Cook has initiated a lawsuit against Donald Trump, highlighting concerns over the potential economic repercussions of Trump’s firing from his role. Cook argues that dismissing Trump could jeopardize the stability of the United States economy. This legal battle sheds light on the broader implications of leadership changes within major…
The legal landscape is witnessing a notable transformation as major players make strategic moves to adapt to evolving market demands. A recent example is the investment by Fortress Investment Group in the personal injury sector. This maneuver reflects broader shifts within the legal industry, driven by both economic pressures and technological advancements. The dynamics outlined…
In the evolving landscape of legal practices, the integration of artificial intelligence has become more central than peripheral. Lara Heckman, an associate at Blackstone Law, exemplifies this shift, having transitioned from skepticism to advocacy for AI after experiencing its benefits firsthand. During a discussion featured in a law.com podcast, Heckman detailed how AI tools have…
The New Jersey Legal Awards 2025 has announced the finalists for their highly anticipated accolades, celebrating excellence within the legal community. Recognized as some of the most prestigious awards by the Law Journal, the two main categories are Attorney of the Year and Law Firm of the Year, highlighting individual and collective achievements across New…
The controversy surrounding a reported “smear campaign” by officials from the Trump administration against federal judges is intensifying, with growing resistance from the judiciary. Allegations have emerged that these officials attempted to undermine the judiciary’s independence and credibility, sparking a heated debate about the limits of executive influence on federal courts. According to reports, judges…