Contracts are integral to commercial activity, yet they often lead to delays and added costs. Jake Stein, co-founder and CEO of Common Paper, in an episode of “Notes to My (Legal) Self,” discussed the potential of standard contracts to alter business negotiations and obligations management. Stein’s journey from a tech entrepreneur to a legal innovator…
The recent wave of pardons by Presidents Biden and Trump has sparked a complex legal and ethical discourse. President Biden’s pardons, notably involving his son Hunter Biden and several members of the January 6 Committee, have raised eyebrows in legal circles. Critics argue that these pardons set a precarious precedent by extending clemency to individuals…
The significance of proofreading extends beyond mere surface-level editing; it serves as a crucial aspect of constructing a credible and professional image for any organization, particularly those in the legal profession. An article titled “This Is Why You Need Proofreaders — See Also” highlights several pressing topics which underscore this necessity. Although the article itself…
In a notable legislative move, Senator Mike Crapo has put forward a proposal to divide the Ninth Circuit into two separate appellate courts. This proposition echoes the historic establishment of the Eleventh Circuit, which was created in 1981 following a division of the Fifth Circuit. The Eleventh Circuit came into existence a year prior to…
In the complex landscape of running a law firm, an unconventional approach to management might just offer the competitive edge needed for success. This is precisely what An Ruda, the managing partner at Bartko, a midsize San Francisco law firm, demonstrates through her unique management style. Her philosophy draws intriguing parallels between law firm management…
As the Trump administration amplifies its opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts throughout various industries, Biglaw firms are strategically reviewing their DEI initiatives to navigate this charged political climate. According to legal strategist Kent Zimmermann from the Zeughauser Group, law firms are carefully selecting the language and framing of their DEI programs in…
An attorney associated with the MAGA movement recently faced a legal defeat in a case against the January 6th Committee. The lawsuit centered around allegations of harm to the attorney’s reputation stemming from the committee’s activities. The case was particularly noted for its unusual basis—claiming “tortious making me look bad.” The allegations were that Cassidy…
LexisNexis has announced the launch of its new agentic AI assistant, Protégé, marking a significant development in the realm of legal technology. The introduction of Protégé follows a collaborative effort with over 50 customers during its preview phase. Unlike earlier generative AI tools, which merely responded to specific prompts, Protégé autonomously completes tasks based on…
The legal profession often extends beyond mere jurisprudence, encompassing a sense of vocation for many students. For those who prioritize faith in their professional journey, selecting a law school that integrates spirituality with legal education can be paramount. Recent findings from preLaw Magazine’s ranking in the National Jurist highlight the top law schools where religious…
The ongoing debate surrounding academic tenure has recently intensified, raising significant concerns about its potential impact on the teaching practices of law professors. Tenure, a crucial element in the academic landscape, traditionally provides educators with the freedom to conduct research and teach without the fear of undue dismissal. However, recent discussions suggest that attacks on…
The legal industry is navigating a complex financial landscape where the push for growth often sidesteps critical financial fundamentals. In 2025, a staggering 86% of firms plan to hike rates, yet 75% predict increased write-offs as discounts are deployed to maintain client relations. This scenario creates a concerning “doom loop,” where any rate increases risk…
Doug Emhoff, known to the public as America’s inaugural Second Gentleman, is stepping back into the legal arena, rejoining the ranks of Biglaw after his time associated with the White House. Exiting his previous role at DLA Piper in November 2020, Emhoff has now affiliated himself with Willkie Farr & Gallagher. This firm not only…
Ransomware attacks on healthcare systems have sharply increased, presenting significant challenges for these organizations. With the healthcare sector reporting 280 cyber incidents by mid-2024, this accounts for nearly a quarter of all cyber events in the United States, according to IT Governance USA. The digitization of healthcare operations, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, has left…
Even the most esteemed institutions are not immune to the occasional typographical error, as recently demonstrated by the Department of Justice (DOJ). In a keenly observed blunder, the DOJ made what many are calling an embarrassing typographical mistake, drawing attention not just for its content but also for its comedic value. While the DOJ is…
The legal landscape is ever-evolving, and recent developments offer substantial insights into the current trajectory of legislation and judiciary interpretations. In the aftermath of the January 6 riots, judges have been vocal in their warnings to convicted participants. They have stressed that presidential pardons should not be perceived as an automatic escape mechanism that could…
In a recent article published by Above the Law, a former partner at Jones Day acknowledged an error in their professional journey, signifying the importance of foresight in legal careers. The article, titled “Former Jones Day Partner Realizes They Were Barking Up The Wrong Tree — See Also,” highlights instances where reassessment of career paths…
Cybersecurity continues to pose a significant risk to the healthcare sector, with a substantial increase in attacks and their ensuing consequences. Recent findings reveal that 84% of healthcare organizations experienced a cyberattack in the past year, highlighting the pervasive nature of this threat. This data, drawn from a comprehensive survey of over 1,300 IT and…
The Trump administration’s proposed return-to-office mandate is poised to challenge the operational structure of a federal agency that has long been a pioneer in remote work. This agency, which initiated its telework program back in 1997, has established a fully remote workforce with employees dispersed across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. However,…
Stewart Rhodes, the figurehead of the Oath Keepers militia known for his eye patch—an emblem of a mishap involving a loaded handgun in 1993—was seen indulging in doughnuts within the Longworth House Office Building. Accompanying him was Ivan Raiklin, who has self-branded as Trump’s “Secretary of Retribution.” The two were reportedly present to lobby Republican…
Legal professionals are gradually finding themselves buried under an ever-increasing deluge of work, with expanding workloads flagged as their primary challenge. The eye-catching statistic comes from a recent piece titled “Stat(s) Of The Week: Under Pressure” by Above the Law, which delves into the mounting administrative and legal tasks that lawyers and legal professionals need…
Elizabeth Prelogar, former Solicitor General, is returning to academia as a visiting professor at Harvard Law School. Following her tenure during which she faced the complexities of arguing cases before a Supreme Court increasingly influenced by conservative judicial appointments, Prelogar is set to impart her insights on these evolving dynamics to law students. This next…
Within the complex landscape of legal procedures, the treatment of pro se parties versus those represented by lawyers presents an enduring conundrum. While courts aim to ensure justice, the practical execution often reveals disparities that suggest preferential behavior towards those with legal representation. A recent article on Above the Law unpacks these distinctions and contemplates…
In an evolving industry landscape, Biglaw firms are exploring various tactics to address partner mobility. One such method, colloquially termed “golden handcuffs,” has become a point of discussion. This approach involves tying financial incentives, like bonuses, to extended tenure, thereby discouraging lateral movements among partners. Blane Prescott, a managing shareholder at MesaFive who advises on…
In the midst of an increasingly unpredictable world, some investors might feel tempted to adjust their retirement investment strategies. However, such inclinations might not be justified, according to an analysis published by Above the Law. The report highlights that market timing attempts, often influenced by global instability, typically do not yield favorable results. Rather, the…
In a recent study, researchers examine the differences between judges appointed by former President Donald Trump and those appointed by President Joe Biden to the federal circuit courts. The analysis by Professors Stephen Choi and Mitu Gulati indicates notable distinctions in the judicial approaches, backgrounds, and early impacts of appointees from both administrations. Trump-appointed judges,…