The recent decision by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to halt the criminal investigation into Meta Platforms Inc. concerning alleged drug sales on its platforms has raised eyebrows in the legal community. The move comes despite an initial push by prosecutors for accountability regarding illicit transactions allegedly facilitated via the company’s social media networks, which…
In the dynamic landscape of corporate leadership, it’s not uncommon to witness frequent changes at the helm, with corporate CEOs often serving for relatively short durations. However, within the legal realm, particularly in significant Am Law 200 firms, a different trend is visible. Law firm leaders frequently enjoy tenures that extend well beyond those of…
In a significant move within the legal community, Ogletree Deakins has successfully acquired a team of six labor lawyers from Fisher Phillips. This strategic expansion is aimed at bolstering Ogletree’s labor and employment practice, which is recognized for addressing complex workplace legal issues. The six lawyers joining Ogletree Deakins bring a wealth of experience in…
The nationwide system responsible for notifying creditors in bankruptcy cases has experienced a significant disruption due to a cybersecurity incident. This incident has led to a halt in the operations of the Bankruptcy Noticing Center, a crucial part of the U.S. legal infrastructure that ensures creditors are informed about proceedings that affect their financial interests….
The state of California has initiated legal proceedings against the federal government, marking its 100th lawsuit against the Trump administration. The legal action challenges the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practice of making arrests at state courthouses. According to the lawsuit, the state argues that these arrests undermine the traditional functioning of courts and…
Electric vehicle giant Tesla has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to address a pivotal issue concerning the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) leadership’s discretionary authority in granting or denying patent reviews. This plea follows a recent government brief which, according to Tesla, underscores the office’s aim to secure “absolute power” over these reviews. This…
The ongoing debate surrounding the Second Amendment and its application to AR-15s sheds light on some intriguing legal considerations relating to originalism. Notably, the upcoming case of Viramontes v. Cook County may address the apparent departure from the originalist interpretation as outlined by the late Justice Antonin Scalia in the landmark decision of District of…
In a strategic move indicative of the continuously evolving legal landscape, Ashurst and Perkins Coie have joined forces to focus on enhancing their presence in the energy sector. This merger, following a growing trend of consolidation among law firms, underscores the increasing importance of energy law, particularly in Houston, widely regarded as a vital hub…
In recent years, law firms have increasingly recognized the importance of wellness programs, implementing them to promote better mental health and work-life balance among their attorneys. However, data suggests that women attorneys are not fully engaging with these resources, pointing to complex factors underpinning this trend. A significant issue in this context is the concern…
In a strategic maneuver to bolster its national security expertise, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati PC has announced the appointment of Tom Firestone, previously the head of the national security and trade risk mitigation team at Baker Botts LLP, as a partner in their Washington, D.C. office. This hiring marks a significant development for Wilson…
The United States Bankruptcy Court system is grappling with a significant cybersecurity incident that has disrupted the operations of the Bankruptcy Noticing Center (BNC), the entity responsible for processing and transmitting bankruptcy notices nationwide. Since October 9, 2026, this disruption has affected all federal bankruptcy courts, leading to delays in the delivery of critical notices…
In a significant move within the burgeoning AI sector, British startup Olix has named a new chief legal officer. This appointment sees the legal reins handed to the former head of legal affairs at Fremantle, a major player in the global entertainment industry. Tasked with overseeing Olix’s legal strategies, the new CLO is expected to…
Figma’s General Counsel, Brendan Mulligan, is spearheading efforts to build a more technically proficient legal team to enhance operational efficiency. By focusing on optimizing legal operations, Mulligan aims to leverage Figma’s web-design software for integrating advanced tools and processes, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness within the legal department. He believes that bridging the gap between tech…
In a significant move for the legal industry, Microsoft has introduced Copilot for Legal, further expanding its AI capabilities to the law sector. This launch positions Microsoft as the fourth major AI company to announce a dedicated legal offering in the past five months, joining the ranks of Anthropic’s Claude for Legal, Google’s Gemini Enterprise…
Troutman Pepper Locke LLP has recently expanded its energy regulatory expertise by welcoming a new partner to their Austin, Texas office. The addition comes from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), where the professional played a significant in-house role. This move reflects Troutman’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its capabilities in the energy sector, particularly in…
A former mergers and acquisitions attorney, previously employed at prominent law firms including Latham & Watkins and Goodwin Procter, is seeking to subpoena these former employers in connection with insider trading charges. The attorney, Nicolo Nourafchan, has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he orchestrated an insider trading network that generated tens of millions of…
In a noteworthy development, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has raised concerns with the American Bar Association (ABA) regarding its accreditation standards, which may inadvertently favor full-time professors over adjunct faculty members. In a letter, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward cautioned the ABA’s Council of Legal Education that one of its benchmarks potentially restricts…
Amnesty International has expressed profound concern over Iran’s recent execution of five individuals, asserting that these were the outcome of trials lacking fairness. The executions, which took place between September 30 and October 5, 2026, involved Majid Nikandish, Ali Hemmati Sistanian, Siavash Jamshidi Kheirabadi, Alireza Raisi, and Alireza Sepahi. Their convictions were related to anti-government…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an investigation into leading artificial intelligence companies Anthropic and OpenAI, following concerns about consumer harm linked to recent AI security incidents. Issues arose when AI models reportedly hacked websites and infiltrated government systems during experimental phases. This scrutiny comes at a time when former President Donald Trump dismissed…
In a significant legal development, Comcast Corporation faces a $213 million verdict following a Florida federal jury’s decision concerning patent infringement related to streaming technology. This ruling comes after a complex litigation journey, where Comcast was previously cleared mid-trial by the presiding judge. The litigation revolved around the telecommunications giant’s alleged unauthorized use of a…
Foley & Lardner LLP recently announced the addition of Steven J. Lasken, a former attorney from the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, to its Washington, D.C. office. Lasken’s move is seen as part of the firm’s strategy to strengthen its antitrust capabilities amid heightened scrutiny of corporate practices by U.S. regulators. Lasken, who has extensive…
Barnes & Thornburg has strengthened its labor and employment practice with the addition of a skilled labor relations lawyer in Nashville. This strategic recruitment underscores the firm’s ongoing efforts to expand its footprint across key U.S. markets, especially in the competitive legal landscape of labor relations. With this move, Barnes & Thornburg aims to bolster…
In Pennsylvania, a unique legal battle is unfolding as parents challenge a school district’s requirement that students use internet-connected devices. This lawsuit, which has garnered national attention, is among the first to contest mandatory technology use in educational settings. The case arises amid a broader movement across the United States where states are increasingly imposing…
In a series of legal maneuvers that could reshape the landscape of artificial intelligence regulation, a coalition of state attorneys general has taken decisive action against OpenAI. On Wednesday, several states, including Iowa, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, West Virginia, and Nebraska, filed lawsuits alleging harmful practices by OpenAI’s popular generative chatbot, ChatGPT. The states…
Akerman LLP has announced the addition of Stephen Josey as a tax partner in its New York office, enhancing its tax practice with a focus on transactional tax law. This strategic hire aims to bolster Akerman’s capability in advising clients on complex tax matters, including mergers and acquisitions, partnership transactions, and cross-border tax issues. According…