January 2026

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Expands Sacramento Office with Strategic Partner Additions to Meet Growing Client Needs

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani (GRSM), a prominent law firm, has significantly bolstered its Sacramento office by welcoming three new partners. This strategic move aims to enhance the firm’s capabilities across various practice areas, underscoring its commitment to growth and service excellence. The newly appointed partners bring a wealth of experience and expertise, particularly in complex…

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Federal Judge Upholds Norfolk’s Use of Automated License Plate Readers Amid Privacy Concerns

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A federal judge has ruled that Norfolk, Virginia’s use of nearly 200 automated license plate readers (ALPRs) can continue, following a legal challenge brought by local residents. The plaintiffs in the case, Schmidt v. City of Norfolk, argued that the city’s implementation of Flock’s ALPR technology amounted to a broad surveillance program that violated their…

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Manhattan DA Seeks July Trial for Ex-Nomura Trader Mangione in Precedence Over DOJ Case

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is advocating for the trial of former Nomura Holdings Inc. trader, Michael Mangione, to commence in July, preceding the Department of Justice’s separate proceedings against him. Prosecutors are pressing for a swift trial, arguing the necessity of resolving the state’s case before the federal one. Mangione faces allegations tied to…

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Trademark Board Rules in Favor of “Danke” Chocolates, Citing Distinctiveness from “Merci”

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a decision that establishes a precedent in trademark law, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) ruled that the proposed trademark for “Danke” chocolates does not infringe upon the existing registration of “Merci” chocolates. The board concluded that despite both words translating to “thank you” in different languages, they are not confusingly similar enough…

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Ropes & Gray Expands in New York with Key Partner Hires from Debevoise, Paul Weiss, and Wachtell Lipton

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Ropes & Gray LLP has strategically advanced its presence in New York by welcoming three distinguished partners from renowned law firms Debevoise, Paul Weiss, and Wachtell Lipton. This expansion aims to bolster the firm’s capabilities in key practice areas and enhance its competitive positioning in the complex legal landscape. The addition of these three partners…

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“Judicial Systems Worldwide Navigate the Integration of AI with Caution and Optimism”

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly permeating various sectors, including the judiciary. Courts are exploring AI’s potential to enhance efficiency and accessibility, while also grappling with the ethical and legal implications of its integration. In Arizona, the Supreme Court has introduced AI-generated avatars named Victoria and Daniel to communicate court rulings to the public. This initiative…

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Judges Weigh the Integration of AI in the Courtroom to Enhance Efficiency and Integrity

Pieter Gunst04 mins

As the legal profession grapples with the technological advances brought forth by artificial intelligence, judges find themselves at the forefront of integrating these tools into the judicial process. The discussion about AI’s role in the courtroom is gaining traction, with a recent analysis exploring whether AI can aid in adjudication and other judicial functions. Judges…

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PTAB Issues Mixed Ruling in Optronic vs. BOE Patent Dispute Impacting Display Technology Sector

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has issued a mixed ruling in the ongoing intellectual property dispute between Optronic Sciences LLC and Chinese electronics giant BOE Technology Group Co. At the heart of the matter are two patents related to pixel structure devices, which are essential components in modern screen technologies used by industry…

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Veteran DOJ Antitrust Lawyer Joins Duane Morris LLP, Strengthening Firm’s Competitive Edge

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A seasoned antitrust litigator from the U.S. Department of Justice has transitioned to a new role as a partner at Duane Morris LLP, a significant move reflecting the firm’s strategic ambitions in the competitive field of antitrust law. This development has garnered attention due to the attorney’s extensive experience and deep understanding of antitrust legislation…

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Federal Circuit Upholds Dismissal of MasterCard’s Trade Secret Claims Against Former Consultants

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Federal Circuit made a significant decision last week, opting not to reinstate trade secret claims brought by MasterCard. The dispute involved two former consultants from McKinsey, who were accused by a MasterCard unit of misappropriating confidential information. The court’s decision aligns with the findings of a lower court, which had determined that MasterCard failed…

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NCAA Eligibility Challenge: 4th Circuit Court Considers Limits on Collegiate Athlete Participation

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals recently heard arguments challenging the NCAA’s restriction on student-athlete eligibility, focusing on a rule that limits participation to four seasons within a five-year period. This challenge originated from four West Virginia University football players who contend that the NCAA’s bylaws unlawfully count junior-college years towards this participation limit, a…

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Florida Bar Exam Fees Challenge: Constitutional Implications for Interstate Legal Practice

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A legal dispute has emerged over the fees charged by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, raising constitutional questions that could impact the way state bars regulate out-of-state attorneys. A New Jersey lawyer has petitioned the Eleventh Circuit to reconsider his case, contending that Florida’s bar fees for non-resident attorneys contravene the dormant commerce clause….

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Massachusetts Attorney Disbarred Following Conviction in Cannabis Dispensary Bribery Case

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A Massachusetts attorney has been officially disbarred following a conviction for attempting to bribe a Boston-area police chief. This disbarment, announced by the state’s bar, marks a significant consequence for actions that sought to improperly influence the licensing of a cannabis dispensary. The lawyer, who represented a client looking to secure a pot shop license,…

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AI Survey Initiative to Standardize Data Collection in the Legal Sector

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Baretz & Brunelle, a prominent strategic communications firm, has announced the launch of a standardized AI survey initiative. This development aims to provide comprehensive insights into how artificial intelligence is being integrated within the legal sector. The initiative seeks to address the increasing reliance on AI technologies by legal professionals and offer a clearer understanding…

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Federal Court Dismisses Class Action Against Mark Cuban Over Voyager Digital Promotion, Citing Lack of Jurisdiction

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A recent federal court decision has dismissed a class action lawsuit against Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks, centering on their promotion of Voyager Digital’s cryptocurrency platform. The ruling, issued by Judge Roy K. Altman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, determined that the plaintiffs failed to establish personal jurisdiction…

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Kelley Drye & Warren LLP Expands Privacy Practice with Key Hires from 23andMe and Facebook

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Law firm Kelley Drye & Warren LLP has recently enhanced its privacy practice by hiring seasoned professionals from 23andMe and Facebook, a strategic move that highlights the growing demand for expertise in data privacy and protection. The additions come as companies face increasing scrutiny from regulators and the public on how they handle personal information….

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Corporate Legal Departments Brace for Succession Wave as Retiring Chiefs Fuel In-House Hiring Surge

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The legal landscape within corporate America is undergoing a significant shift as a wave of retirements among senior legal chiefs sparks an increase in in-house hiring. With over 130 top legal executives from Fortune 500 companies reaching the age of 60, companies are being pushed to implement robust succession plans to ensure stability and continuity…

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