Sebastian Rice, the Partner-in-Charge of Akin’s London office, is set to depart the firm to assume the role of General Counsel at VEON Ltd., a global digital operator headquartered in Dubai. This transition is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. Rice’s move follows a 24-year tenure at Akin, during which he held significant…
Visa Inc. and Consolidated Edison Inc. (Con Ed) have been recognized for their exemplary transparency in political spending, each achieving a perfect score of 100% on the 2023 CPA-Zicklin Index of Corporate Political Disclosure and Accountability. This index evaluates the political disclosure and accountability practices of S&P 500 companies, highlighting leaders in corporate transparency. Con…
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has officially called on a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit from a disbarred attorney, arguing that the suspension was driven by retaliation against his public criticisms of the justices and the state bar. Central to their argument is the invocation of sovereign immunity, as noted in the Eleventh Amendment, which…
In a striking legal maneuver, defense attorney Nicole Leet managed to reduce a plaintiff’s demand from $30 million to less than $150,000 in a personal injury case that initially appeared unwinnable. The lawsuit, filed by a guardian and conservator, involved claims supported by two treating physicians and a life care plan projecting future expenses ranging…
In a strategic shift that underscores the evolving landscape of university administrations, Florida Polytechnic University has decided to eliminate its internal legal team in favor of outsourcing legal services. University President Devin Stephenson stated that the decision aligns with his objectives to “manage resources wisely and ensure long-term sustainability,” highlighting the growing trend among academic…
In a startling development, a prominent personal injury attorney in Atlanta has resigned from his position as chair of a legal committee amid growing scrutiny over his handling of unethical practices known as “case running.” Darl Champion, who has become a vocal critic of the disciplinary system, stated in a revealing interview that disciplining attorneys…
In a strategic move reflecting its ongoing efforts to stabilize and strengthen its operations, Hertz Global Holdings has appointed Piero Bussani as its new General Counsel. With a career spanning significant roles as the chief legal officer across diverse sectors—two hotel chains, two homebuilding companies, and two investment firms—Bussani brings a wealth of experience to…
The practice of electronic filing in the legal system, hailed for its efficiency, has recently underscored how a simple error can have significant legal consequences. During a recent session of the Georgia Appellate Court, a particularly everyday mishap—a misfiled document—came under scrutiny as the court deliberated its implications on a default judgment. In a picturesque…
The advent of the white-collar gig economy marks a significant shift in how professional services are structured and delivered. This evolution in the corporate world is noticeable as companies increasingly turn to freelance and contract-based professionals to fill roles that traditionally belonged to full-time employees. This transformation is driven by various factors including advances in…
In a significant ruling that may influence future toxic tort litigation, the Georgia Court of Appeals has aligned itself with the standard set by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit regarding the admissibility of expert testimony on general causation. Judge Anne Barnes articulated this decision in a recent opinion, noting the…
In a recent development that underscores the ongoing debate about attorney solicitation practices, a case popularly dubbed “Literally Ambulance Chasing” has been dismissed on appeal. The lawsuit, which centered on accusations of unethical client solicitation by a legal practitioner, was adjudicated by Judge Elizabeth Gobeil, who emphasized the broader implications of maintaining ethical standards within…
The Georgia appellate court has made a pivotal ruling, deciding not to ‘open the floodgates’ for litigation against physicians concerning their communication of potential complications during medical procedures. This decision has significant implications for the discourse around medical transparency and legal protections for healthcare providers. During the proceedings, Erin Coia of the Weathington Firm highlighted…
The defamation dispute involving the so-called “Lien Doctor” is set to return to trial court following a decision by the Georgia Court of Appeals. The case will now re-enter the State Court of Fulton County. Key to this development is whether Dr. Kamran Oskouei’s claims can withstand an anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) motion…
In a legal landscape where competition continues to intensify, concerns over “case-running” practices have become increasingly significant. Darl Champion, who recently stepped down as chair of the State Bar of Georgia’s Committee on Attorney-Client Solicitation, has been vocal about these concerns. His arguments resonate with both sides of the legal aisle, capturing the attention of…
Recent data indicates a significant rise in case filings across courts in Metro Atlanta. The double-digit increase is expected to persist throughout the year, presenting challenges in court operations. According to the latest figures, this surge has already contributed to extended court processing times, with median motion resolution times showing notable delays. The backlog in…
The Federal Circuit recently rejected petitions from tech giants including Motorola, Google, Samsung, and SAP America. These companies contended that the deputy director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) violated their due process rights by altering institution practices at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) without proper authority. This decision upheld Deputy…
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has instructed a district judge to reassess Donald Trump’s bid to transfer his New York hush money conviction to federal court. This decision aligns with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling on presidential immunity, which could potentially impact the evaluation of the case. This latest development underscores the ongoing…
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has delivered a significant ruling by remanding former President Donald Trump’s conviction appeal back to the U.S. District Court. This decision involves revisiting an earlier denial by Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who, in 2024, refused to move the state case to federal court. The Appeals Court noted the lower court’s…
Husch Blackwell has strengthened its litigation team by appointing Ryan Burke as a partner in its Southeast office. Burke’s extensive experience in complex commercial litigation is set to enhance the firm’s capabilities in the region. He will be based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he will contribute significantly to handling high-stakes cases, particularly in the areas…
Covington & Burling LLP, a prominent international law firm, has announced the addition of Michael Kirby, a key player in the financial services sector, to their team. Kirby transitions from Goodwin Procter LLP, where he held a significant leadership role. This strategic move underscores Covington’s ongoing efforts to bolster its financial services capabilities and enhance…
Troutman Pepper has made a strategic addition to its energy practice by bringing Thomas Heffernan on board as a partner. This move underscores the firm’s commitment to bolstering its capabilities in the energy sector, reflecting the growing demand for legal expertise in this area. Heffernan, who has an impressive track record in the industry, joins…
In a significant shift within the legal landscape, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has added intellectual property litigator Brian Cohen to its Washington, D.C., office. Cohen, a veteran IP litigator, transitions from Latham & Watkins LLP, where he played a pivotal role in numerous high-profile cases. This move underscores Weil’s strategic expansion efforts in IP…
The confirmation votes for former President Donald Trump’s judicial nominees in Mississippi have faced another postponement, complicating the judicial landscape in the region. This delay adds to the ongoing legal and political discussions surrounding these appointments. Earlier this week, the Senate opted to delay votes for three judicial candidates, despite ongoing calls for swift confirmations….
The practice of mindfulness meditation is gaining traction among legal professionals who seek not only personal balance but also enhanced professional capabilities. Incorporating moments of mindful meditation into their daily routine allows lawyers to improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance their decision-making processes—skills that are crucial in the high-pressure environment of law. By centering their…
In a notable case spotlighting the intersection of legal doctrine and executive clemency, a former Ohio councilman who received a gubernatorial pardon is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to further absolve him of his crimes. The legal question at hand centers on whether a pardon should not only restore rights but also wipe the slate…