Lawyers practicing before the First Circuit have a unique opportunity this week, as they find themselves arguing cases with the distinguished presence of a former Supreme Court justice, Stephen Breyer. This event introduces an additional level of gravitas to the proceedings, posing an intriguing challenge for advocates accustomed to standard judicial panels. The visit is…
Former President Donald Trump’s request to delay his sentencing in a case involving false business records has been denied by Justice Juan Merchan. Trump based his appeal on claims of retroactive presidential immunity. In recent legal proceedings, Trump’s counsel, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, were strongly criticized for employing language that was deemed inappropriate for…
In the competitive realm of Biglaw, the recruitment of top lateral partner talent has evolved from a makeshift process to a structured, professional operation. A recent report by Leopard Solutions highlights the significant resources law firms are channeling into this endeavor, noting that firms are now dedicating entire teams to the task of identifying and…
In a surprising turn of events amidst widespread adoption of hybrid work arrangements, the prestigious law firm Sullivan & Cromwell has announced that associates are now required to work from the office five days a week. This decision diverges from the prevailing trend among major law firms, which have largely embraced flexible working conditions, allowing…
A recent article titled “In Defense Of Intelligence” published by Above the Law, delves into the ongoing clash between segments of society often exemplified by tech billionaires and the followers of the “Make America Great Again” movement. This article raises pertinent questions regarding which faction is likely to prevail in the broader cultural and intellectual…
As intellectual property licensing continues to evolve, several trends that emerged in 2024 warrant attention from legal professionals. Themes such as the influence of artificial intelligence, strategies for enhanced risk management, and considerations around name, image, and likeness rights have been identified as key areas of focus. Attorneys at Ballard Spahr have highlighted these developments…
On January 6, 2025, marking the fourth anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a significant update concerning the prosecutions related to the event. Over 1,500 individuals have been charged with federal crimes connected to the insurrection. This announcement coincides with the day President-elect Donald Trump’s victory was…
A conservative talk radio show host is currently challenging OpenAI’s efforts to dismiss a defamation lawsuit in Georgia. The host has publicly equated OpenAI to “the high-tech equivalent of the neighborhood gossip” in response to OpenAI’s attempt to secure a summary judgment in the case. This analogy underscores the host’s position on the impact that…
As the automotive and transportation industry braces for the complex landscape of 2025, there are numerous legal challenges that general counsel must contend with. These challenges are largely driven by the need to adapt to new technologies, navigate evolving regulations, and engage with global markets. These dynamics are shaping a critical time for industry leaders…
The New York City Bar Association announced the formation of a joint task force with the county bar associations to address concerns surrounding the NYC Assigned Counsel Plan (ACP). This initiative, led by attorneys David Patton, Philip Desgranges, and Justine Olderman, seeks to evaluate the plan that appoints lawyers for indigent individuals in criminal and…
In an ongoing legal battle, former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner and law professor Joshua Wright criticized an attempt by two former students to exclude evidence of damages in an impending defamation trial. The case involves a hefty $108 million lawsuit filed by Wright, who accused the students of defamation. Wright argued that their request…
In a strategic move to enhance its healthcare industry practice, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP has announced the addition of two seasoned attorneys who previously served as in-house counsel at the University of California. This recruitment aims to deepen the firm’s expertise and capabilities within the healthcare sector. For further details on this development,…
In a recent shift in corporate policy, McDonald’s Corporation has announced the retirement of certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals, signaling a broader rethink of its DEI strategies. This decision places McDonald’s among a growing list of major firms modifying their DEI commitments amid mounting pressures from conservative groups. The company disclosed that it…
Sam Butler, who served as the presiding partner of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP throughout the 1980s and 1990s, died on Saturday at the age of 94. Butler’s leadership during a pivotal time for the firm is remembered by colleagues for fostering an environment that balanced tradition with strategic innovation. His tenure saw Cravath solidify…
Cyrus Y. Chung, previously serving as an assistant U.S. attorney, has been officially sworn in as a federal magistrate judge for the District of Colorado. This appointment fills the vacancy left by the recent retirement of a longstanding magistrate judge in the district. Details surrounding Chung’s career and the implications of his move to the…
The California State Bar is seeking to bolster its legal defense budget by $100,000 amid ongoing class action litigation involving disgraced attorney Tom Girardi. This increase would bring the total allocated defense budget to $300,000, as per discussions scheduled for the Board of Trustees meeting. The bar’s legal contracts with Orbach Huff & Henderson LLP…
Two companies specializing in robot lawn mowers have announced the resolution of their legal dispute in North Carolina’s business court. This conflict arose from the aftermath of their previous business partnership. The parties have now agreed to settle their differences, following a recent motion acknowledging their settlement agreement. For more details on this case, further…
Sam Butler, a pivotal figure at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, passed away at the age of 94. Butler’s tenure as the firm’s presiding partner spanned from 1980 to 1998, a period during which Cravath further cemented its stature as a leading force in the legal sector. Under Butler’s leadership, the firm became synonymous with…
In a notable conclusion, Samsung has successfully defended itself against a class action lawsuit related to a data breach. The judge in the case concluded that the data compromised was “too mundane” or could be easily found online, thus not significantly heightening the risk of identity theft for the affected individuals. This ruling underscores the…
In a notable move within the legal community, McDermott Will & Emery LLP has expanded its team by hiring a former deputy general counsel from the Biden administration’s Department of Homeland Security. The attorney has taken on a partner role at McDermott after a previous stint as an associate at Covington & Burling LLP. This…
In a recent development, insurance executives who were dismissed following allegations of asset misappropriation have taken legal action seeking defense costs. These executives were accused of embezzling company assets to establish a competing enterprise. Now, the former executives have approached their new firm’s insurer, petitioning for coverage of the legal expenses related to this dispute…
In a recent incident that highlights the complexities of self-driving technology, a Waymo autonomous vehicle engaged in unintended circular routing, causing a minor delay for its passenger. The incident, captured on video and described by the passenger Mike Johns as dizzying, occurred on December 9 near the pickup location, according to Ars Technica. Waymo, a…
The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) is embroiled in a legal challenge following allegations of antitrust violations. As reported by Law360, the lawsuit, filed in New Jersey federal court, accuses the NCRA of exploiting its dominant position in the stenographic certification market. The allegations suggest that the organization is leveraging this position to impose inflated…
Radio frequency filter company Akoustis Technologies Inc. has raised concerns against judgment creditor Qorvo Inc., alleging that Qorvo is attempting to undermine Akoustis’ Chapter 11 stalking-horse sale in Delaware. Akoustis claims that Qorvo’s intentions are not solely based on a $38 million patent infringement judgment but are motivated by competitive interests. This legal maneuvering involves…
In a strategic move, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP has welcomed back Chad Jennings to its defense litigation group as a partner based in Belleville, Illinois. Jennings, whose legal expertise spans insurance defense litigation, risk management, coverage analysis, and regulatory compliance, rejoined the firm as announced Monday. Jennings brings with him a wealth of experience, having…