In a notable divergence from the progressive faction within their party, several Senate Democrats are now breaking ranks to support some of President Trump’s judicial nominees. This shift highlights a pragmatic approach to judicial confirmations, as these Democrats weigh the political and legal implications of such decisions. The recent votes reflect a growing tension within…
On October 20, 2025, Amazon Web Services (AWS) experienced a significant outage originating in its US-EAST-1 region, leading to widespread disruptions across the internet. The incident, which began around 11:49 PM PDT on October 19, was traced to a Domain Name System (DNS) resolution failure affecting DynamoDB API endpoints. This failure cascaded, impairing multiple AWS…
Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law has introduced an AI and Legal Tech Studio, aiming to equip future lawyers with essential skills in artificial intelligence and legal technology. This initiative positions AI as a tool to advance justice and expand access to legal services, aligning with the school’s mission. The studio is…
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has strengthened its real estate practice with the addition of a prominent partner from Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP. Anne Cooney, a seasoned expert in complex real estate transactions, makes this strategic move as Gibson Dunn aims to expand its competitive edge in the New York real estate…
The practice of maintaining profiles for departed attorneys on a law firm’s website, often termed “Website Time,” is increasingly common among large law firms. This approach is intended to assist lawyers in securing new positions after their exit, by essentially keeping their professional credentials visible and active. However, this seemingly benign practice could lead to…
In a striking move illustrating the growing caution corporate employers are exercising regarding the behavior of their employees outside the workplace, ManpowerGroup terminated Associate General Counsel Shannon Kobylarczyk just hours after a video surfaced of a controversial exchange at a baseball game. The incident involved Kobylarczyk making a racially charged comment towards a Latino Los…
OpenAI has taken a decisive step in the legal arena by filing a motion for summary judgment against Elon Musk’s lawsuit targeted at Sam Altman. The case has attracted significant attention since its inception, promising revelations of alleged misrepresentations. OpenAI’s legal team, composed of members from Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Morrison & Foerster,…
In a contentious decision, a divided panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently permitted former President Donald Trump to deploy the National Guard to Portland, Oregon during heightened civil unrest. The ruling underscores the executive’s broad authority under 10 U.S.C. Section 12406, despite objections from city officials and civil rights advocates. The…
In a recent panel hosted by the Federal Bar Association, newly appointed U.S. District Judges Casey Pitts, Eumi Lee, and Noël Wise shared valuable insights for navigating the courtroom landscape in San Jose, California. The discussion, joined by Judges Trina Thompson and Araceli Martínez-Olguín from San Francisco, was a platform for the judges to share…
The path to achieving ambitious climate goals may become more challenging for major technology firms like Amazon and Meta due to proposed updates in carbon accounting rules. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol, a voluntary oversight body that informs guidelines used by entities such as the EU, California, and the International Financial Reporting Standards, has suggested stricter…
Foley Hoag LLP has expanded its legal team in Denver with the recent addition of Mark Fritz, a seasoned attorney from American Express. Fritz, who served as vice president and senior counsel at the financial services giant, brings a wealth of experience in commercial transactions and regulatory matters. His expertise is expected to bolster Foley…
In a notable development within New York’s judicial system, judges have mandated a comprehensive review of the judicial guidance sought by the New York state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). This decision has ignited discussions regarding the balance between judicial discretion and the need for transparent procedural guidance. The catalyst for this…
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has made significant additions to its private equity practice in New York by hiring two partners from Goodwin Procter LLP. The move brings Erik Dahl and Courtney Marcus, both recognized for their expertise in secondary transactions, into Debevoise’s fold as reported by Bloomberg Law. The arrival of Dahl and Marcus is…
In a notable shift within the legal sector, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has enhanced its corporate practice by bringing on board Cooley’s San Francisco partner, Peter Kondracki. Kondracki, known for his expertise in advising high-growth companies and investors in complex transactions, marks a significant acquisition for Wilson Sonsini as it continues to bolster its…
In light of the persistent challenges in the US health-care system, there is growing pressure on Congress to re-evaluate its approach to health-care subsidies and consider comprehensive reforms. The rising costs associated with health care are straining federal budgets and imposing heavy burdens on both taxpayers and patients. Policymakers argue that current subsidy levels are…
Handling high-profile cases presents unique challenges for attorneys, demanding strategic acumen and careful management of both legal issues and public perception. These cases often bring intense scrutiny, making the role of the attorney not only about legal expertise but also about managing reputational risks. Here are ten practical tips for attorneys navigating such complex terrains….
In a notable shift within the legal echelons of the corporate world, GoTo Foods’ head of legal, Joshua Powell, will be joining Planet Fitness as their new General Counsel. Powell is set to bring his extensive experience from the food delivery company to the forefront of the fitness giant’s legal strategies. His move is a…
The debate surrounding birthright citizenship in the United States has once again escalated to the Supreme Court. Former President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at limiting birthright citizenship has reignited the discussion of the 14th Amendment and the interpretation of its citizenship clause. This executive order, signed on Trump’s return to the White House, directs…
In a legal battle reaching the Supreme Court, small businesses and several states are challenging the legitimacy of tariffs imposed by former President Donald J. Trump. These tariffs, enacted via executive orders, apply to a wide range of imported goods, significantly impacting both domestic and international trade. At the heart of this dispute is the…
The landscape for discretionary denials at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) is shifting, and this evolution has significant implications for both patent owners and challengers. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has been increasingly recognizing “settled expectations” in its review processes, altering strategies on both sides of the patent equation. Historically, the…
The Supreme Court has added a new Second Amendment case to its docket, which uniquely references “habitual drunkards.” This case is garnering attention as it focuses on a federal statute prohibiting gun possession by illegal drug users. U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer has argued that drug use represents a “narrow circumstance” allowing the government…
The University of Arizona and Vanderbilt University have recently announced their decision not to sign the Trump administration’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.” This compact, proposed to nine major U.S. universities, outlines policies aimed at redefining several key aspects of higher education, including the admissions criteria and gender definitions. The University of Arizona…
The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has joined forces with the Valvettithurai Citizens’ Committee to lodge a significant reparations claim seeking $15 million for the victims of the 1989 Valvettithurai massacre in Sri Lanka’s Jaffna peninsula. This pursuit of justice, occurring decades after at least 66 civilians were killed and 34 injured by the…
The United Nations Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, expressed grave concerns over Kyrgyzstan’s recent proposal to reinstate the death penalty, saying such a move would violate the nation’s commitments under international law. This proposal emerged as a reaction to the September 2025 rape and murder of a young girl, prompting Kyrgyz authorities to consider withdrawing…
The recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit marks a significant development in the legal battle over the deployment of federal troops to Portland. The court ruled in a 2-1 decision that former President Donald Trump acted within his statutory authority when attempting to federalize 200 members of the Oregon…