October 2025

Boston Attorney’s Smartphone Seizure Sparks Debate on Privacy and Attorney-Client Privilege at U.S. Border

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A Boston immigration attorney is requesting the return of her smartphone from federal authorities, reigniting discussions surrounding attorney-client privilege and privacy rights. The issue arose when border officials confiscated the phone at a U.S. airport, citing routine security procedures. Such actions have, however, provoked concerns about the potential breach of confidential communications between lawyers and…

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Meta Platforms Settles Patent Dispute with VideoLabs, Resolving Delaware Case

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Meta Platforms Inc. and VideoLabs Inc. have reached a settlement in their patent litigation concerning video technology, effectively concluding the case filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The lawsuit, initiated by VideoLabs in May 2022, accused Meta of infringing on multiple patents related to video streaming and processing technologies. VideoLabs,…

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Meta’s New AI Data Strategy Introduces Privacy Concerns Amid Opt-Out Absence

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In the latest shift within the digital advertising landscape, Meta has declared its decision to integrate data collected from user interactions with its AI features into personalized content and advertisement algorithms. This change comes without offering users an opt-out option, a move that some privacy advocates are already scrutinizing. As highlighted in a recent report,…

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Trump Administration’s Proposal to Universities Raises Concerns About Academic Autonomy

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Trump administration’s recent proposal to nine universities has sparked significant debate in the higher education sector. The offer, reported by The Wall Street Journal, stipulates that these institutions align their operations with the administration’s priorities in exchange for “substantial and meaningful federal grants.” This proposal includes detailed oversight over diverse aspects of university management,…

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Germany Faces Renewed Demands for Reparations Over Early 20th Century Genocide in Namibia

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Amnesty International has recently renewed its call for Germany to provide reparations for the genocide committed against Namibia’s Ovaherero and Nama peoples between 1904 and 1908. This appeal coincides with the 121st anniversary of the extermination order issued by Lieutenant General Lothar von Trotha against the Ovaherero people on October 2, 1904, followed by a…

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Nexstar Media Settles Trademark Dispute Over “Cruisin’ CT” With Former Executive

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Nexstar Media Inc., a prominent player in the broadcasting industry, has reached a settlement in a legal dispute involving a former sales executive from its Connecticut branch. The conflict arose after the executive, upon leaving Nexstar, launched her own media company and sought to trademark the phrase “Cruisin’ CT.” Nexstar claimed this was confusingly similar…

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Wide Support for Corporate Accountability as EU Weighs Softening Sustainability Rules

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A recent Ipsos survey reveals that three-quarters of Europeans support holding large companies accountable for human rights and environmental violations across global supply chains. This sentiment surfaces as the European Union considers softening corporate sustainability laws. Amnesty International highlights that the poll included over 10,000 respondents from ten European countries. In addition to the 75%…

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Former U.S. Attorney Bart Davis Joins Holland & Hart as Litigation Partner, Enhancing Firm’s Legal Expertise in Boise

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Holland & Hart, a prominent law firm, has announced the addition of Bart M. Davis, the former U.S. Attorney for Idaho, to its team in Boise. Davis, who served as the state’s chief federal prosecutor from 2017 to 2021, will join the firm as a litigation partner, bringing his extensive experience in federal prosecution and…

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New Orleans Litigator Katie Lasky Joins Jones Walker, Strengthening Firm’s Litigation Expertise

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a move that has garnered attention within legal circles, New Orleans litigator Katie Lasky has transitioned her practice to Jones Walker. Lasky, known for her adept handling of complex commercial litigation, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. This development is expected to enhance Jones Walker’s litigation capabilities, especially in the realm…

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Apple Faces Patent Infringement Lawsuit in Texas, Highlighting Tech Industry’s Ongoing IP Challenges

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Apple has recently found itself entangled in legal proceedings in a Texas federal court, where it faces allegations of infringing six patents related to video encoding and decoding technologies. The complaint suggests that Apple’s products, potentially including popular devices like the iPhone and iPad, unlawfully utilize patented methods for handling data. The lawsuit highlights ongoing…

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Rising Tide of Pregnancy Discrimination Lawsuits Signals Shift in EEOC Agenda for 2025

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has reported a significant increase in pregnancy-discrimination lawsuits, placing them at the forefront of its litigation agenda for the fiscal year 2025. This trend marks a shift from previous years when age-discrimination suits often held prominence. More details can be found here. This development indicates a growing recognition…

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Gabriel A. Andolina Rejoins Faegre Drinker as Partner in Strategic Philadelphia Move

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP has announced the return of Gabriel A. Andolina as a partner in the firm’s Philadelphia office. Andolina’s return marks a notable move in the legal sector, particularly given his expertise in complex commercial litigation and commitment to serving clients with tailored legal strategies. His previous experience at the firm…

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Supreme Court to Review Free Speech Implications of Colorado’s Conversion Therapy Ban

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The United States Supreme Court is preparing to hear oral arguments in the case of Chiles v. Salazar, a significant examination of Colorado’s prohibition on “conversion therapy” for minors. This contentious law, enacted in 2019, prevents licensed mental health professionals from administering conversion therapy, a controversial treatment aimed at altering a client’s sexual orientation or…

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FedEx Faces Renewed Legal Challenge Over Delivery Driver Classification Practices

Pieter Gunst03 mins

FedEx Corporation is facing a lawsuit from a group of current and former delivery drivers who allege that the company has misclassified them as employees of “independent service providers” (ISPs) while maintaining significant control over their work. This legal action challenges FedEx’s business model, which the plaintiffs claim circumvents labor laws by designating drivers as…

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Constellation Brands Names Jeff LaBarge Chief Legal Officer Amidst Industry Expansion and Regulatory Challenges

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Constellation Brands, a prominent player in the beverage industry, has announced the appointment of Jeff LaBarge as its new Chief Legal Officer. This decision signifies a strategic move by the company as LaBarge brings extensive legal expertise and experience to the role. He is expected to lead the legal team in navigating complex regulatory landscapes…

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Revised H-1B Visa Rules Pose Challenges and Opportunities for U.S. Legal Industry

Pieter Gunst05 mins

The recent overhaul of the H-1B visa program introduces significant changes that are poised to impact the legal industry, particularly in the recruitment of foreign-trained lawyers. The introduction of a $100,000 application fee, coupled with a weighted selection process favoring higher-paid positions, presents both challenges and opportunities for law firms. Historically, the H-1B visa has…

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Enhancing Legal Acumen Through Figure Skating Judging: Bridging Disciplines for a Competitive Edge

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Judging figure skating may seem worlds apart from the legal profession, yet there are unexpected parallels that can enhance one’s legal skills. An attorney who engages in the meticulous task of evaluating figure skating performances often gains a richer understanding of critical thinking, objective assessment, and ethical standards that are highly applicable in the legal…

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The Intersection of Figure Skating and Law: How Judging Sports Can Enhance Legal Skills

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Balancing on the thin edge between art and science, figure skating judging shares surprising parallels with legal practice. A recent analysis on Law360 highlights how the precision and impartiality required in adjudicating athletic performances can refine a lawyer’s skills in analysis and decision-making. Figure skating judging necessitates acute attention to detail and an understanding of…

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Spotify Embraces Co-CEO Model: A Strategy for Enhanced Leadership and Innovation

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The business world has long debated the efficacy of a dual-CEO model. Companies like Netflix and Oracle have experimented with it, but the concept remains contentious. However, Spotify’s recent move may offer fresh insights into this leadership structure. As detailed in a report by Bloomberg Law, Spotify has appointed Alex Norström and Gustav Söderström as…

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Supreme Court to Deliberate Double Jeopardy in Federal Firearm Case with Barrett v. United States

Pieter Gunst03 mins

On October 7, the Supreme Court will consider whether Sections 924(c) and 924(j) of the Federal Firearm Statute create separate offenses with separate punishments. This case, Barrett v. United States, involves Dwayne Barrett, who was convicted for his involvement in a fatal robbery. Barrett was convicted under both sections but argues that sentencing under both…

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Supreme Court to Hear Case Potentially Redefining Executive Powers Over Independent Agencies

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Last week, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case of Trump v. Slaughter, which challenges whether the President has the constitutional authority to dismiss heads of independent agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) without just cause. This challenge circumvents the constraints established by the seminal 1936 decision in Humphrey’s Executor v. United States,…

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