Financial institutions are increasingly becoming targets of patent infringement lawsuits initiated by non-practicing entities (NPEs), commonly referred to as “patent trolls.” These entities, which do not manufacture products or offer services, acquire patents primarily to generate revenue through licensing or litigation. Recent data indicates a significant uptick in such legal actions. For instance, in the…
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP has reported a notable increase in its profits per equity partner, reaching an impressive $9 million on average in 2025. This figure represents a 10% rise from the previous year, reflecting a robust performance amid a bustling litigation market. The firm’s spokesperson confirmed these figures earlier this week, underscoring…
In a significant leadership change, Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox PLLC, a reputable intellectual property boutique, has announced the appointment of its first new managing director in nearly two decades. The decision marks a pivotal moment for the Washington, D.C.-based firm, which has not seen a shift in this executive role since 2007. The newly…
The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) has announced the appointment of new leadership, including a Kirkland & Ellis alumnus as General Counsel. This strategic move aims to bolster the organization’s legal capabilities and reinforce its commitment to civil rights advocacy. The new General Counsel brings a wealth of experience from their tenure at Kirkland & Ellis,…
In a significant move within the tech industry, Hossein Nowbar, the former Chief Legal Officer of Microsoft, has been appointed to ServiceNow’s C-suite. This transition comes amid a reshuffle at Microsoft, where Nowbar’s departure was noted without public explanation in the fall. His shift to ServiceNow, a prominent player in enterprise cloud computing, marks a…
Invitation Homes, the Dallas-based real estate investment company specializing in single-family rental homes, is in the process of searching for a new chief legal officer as its current CLO prepares to exit the role. This transition comes as a strategic maneuver in response to the evolving demands of the company’s expanding portfolio and operational complexities….
The landscape of law firm mergers and acquisitions is set for significant activity in 2026, reflecting an uptick that began in the latter half of 2025. As firms navigate a highly competitive legal marketplace, the pursuit of scale through mergers has become a prevalent strategy. This trend is particularly notable in the United States, where…
Andre Monette, an experienced federal lobbyist, recently joined Barnes & Thornburg, enhancing the firm’s public policy expertise. Monette brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous role at Best Best & Krieger LLP, where he specialized in water policy, vital for a diverse array of industries ranging from agriculture to city planning. The…
Sammons Enterprises has announced that it has appointed a veteran member of its legal team to the position of Chief Legal Officer. The choice highlights a preference for promoting from within, entrusting leadership to those with a deep understanding of the company’s intricate legal landscape. This strategic move aligns with a broader trend in corporate…
In a significant move to reimagine the judicial landscape of New York City, civil rights attorney Ali Najmi has been appointed to lead a revamped Mayoral Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. This strategic selection, made by Mayor Mamdani, underscores a commitment to fostering greater legal and demographic diversity within the city’s judicial system. Najmi, who…
Morrison Foerster has announced the promotion of 17 attorneys to its partnership, effective January 1, 2026. This year’s cohort spans 13 practice groups, with a significant emphasis on the firm’s U.S. offices. Eric McCrath, chair of Morrison Foerster, highlighted the new partners’ dedication to client service and professional excellence, expressing confidence in their future contributions…
The final month of 2025 witnessed notable shifts in the legal landscape as several prominent corporations enhanced their in-house legal teams with strategic appointments. Among these were significant hires by Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, and LPL Financial. These developments reflect the broader industry trend of strengthening internal legal expertise to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment….
December has proven to be an active month for in-house legal departments as several prominent companies have announced high-profile hires to bolster their legal teams. These appointments reflect strategic emphasis on compliance, international expansion, and diversity. Among the notable transitions, Nike has appointed Hilary Krane, a seasoned expert in corporate governance, as their new Chief…
Vinson & Elkins LLP (V&E) is enhancing its intellectual property (IP) litigation practice by bringing in an influential legal professional from Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP. The new hire, who previously played a crucial role in guiding Kilpatrick Townsend’s patent litigation team, has been appointed to co-lead V&E’s IP litigation division. This strategic move is…
In a notable legal achievement, Norton Rose Fulbright has billed the state of Texas a staggering $156 million following a successful representation in an antitrust lawsuit involving Google. The case, which has drawn significant attention, underscores the substantial financial stakes in litigation involving major technology companies. Texas engaged Norton Rose Fulbright’s expertise in a lawsuit…
ServiceNow has recently announced the appointment of former Microsoft legal chief, which comes on the heels of a period characterized by significant deal activities. As reported by Bloomberg Law, the technology giant has recruited Dev Stahlkopf, who brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at Microsoft, where she played a key role in managing…
The ongoing bankruptcy proceedings of a Manhattan hotel have encountered a significant hurdle as creditors have raised objections to the employment of law firm DLA Piper. This legal battle reflects the complexities inherent in managing distressed assets and the strategic choices stakeholders must navigate. Creditors argue that DLA Piper’s employment by the hotel aligns with…
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, a prominent player in the global legal landscape, is set to broaden its presence in Northern California with the opening of a new office in San Francisco. This strategic expansion underscores the firm’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in a region known for its dynamic tech industry and significant deal-making…
In a dramatic court appearance in Manhattan, the embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro stood before a federal judge, pleading not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy. Accompanied by his defense attorney, Barry Pollack, Maduro made emphatic statements regarding the conditions of his apprehension. He described himself as “kidnapped” and stressed his continued status as the…
In the wake of mounting criticism over its AI chatbot Grok generating sexualized images of minors, X has opted to hold users accountable for such content, rather than implementing immediate technical safeguards. On Saturday, X Safety issued a statement emphasizing that users prompting Grok to produce illegal material, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM), would…
Winston & Strawn along with Arnold & Porter have emerged as the top legal billers for the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), according to recent reports from Bloomberg Law. The data reveals these firms are leading in legal expenditures by the union, providing insights into the complex legal landscape surrounding professional basketball. The NBPA’s legal…
Blank Rome LLP, a prominent law firm, has expanded its footprint by opening an office in West Palm Beach, Florida. This strategic move includes the addition of technology and intellectual property specialists Craig Rasile and Eric Hermanson. This expansion marks the firm’s first office in Florida, reflecting a growing trend among law firms to establish…
“`html White & Case, a prominent international law firm, has bolstered its Global Capital Markets practice by adding a new partner in its New York office. The strategic move underscores the firm’s commitment to expanding its capital markets footprint in a competitive landscape. The newly appointed partner brings a wealth of experience from prior senior…
In a strategic expansion of its asset management capabilities, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has announced the addition of two experienced partners to its team, further strengthening its practice in both Washington, D.C., and New York. David Sweeney joins the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, bringing with him extensive experience in the financial services industry. Previously…
Spencer Fane LLP, a Kansas City-based law firm, has announced its merger with Washington, D.C.-based intellectual property boutique Global IP Counselors LLP, effective January 5, 2026. This strategic move brings over a dozen patent and trademark attorneys and patent agents into Spencer Fane’s intellectual property practice, expanding the firm’s capabilities to meet the increasingly complex…