The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has named a new president, following its recent leadership transition. The announcement marks a significant moment in the legal education sector, as the council plays a pivotal role in the administration of the LSAT and other aspects of legal education admissions. The new president, whose career includes substantial experience…
The legal profession is often lauded for its unwavering commitment to upholding ethical standards, yet ensuring these standards are consistently applied can sometimes be a challenging endeavor. This tension is starkly illustrated in the recent case of Rob Kearney, a barrister who has faced disbarment not once, but twice, over allegations of sexual harassment. Such…
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…
The promise of artificial intelligence revolutionizing the legal industry hit an unexpected roadblock with the recent filing in Sokolowski et al v. Digital Currency Group, Inc. et al in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Promoted as the first fully AI-drafted federal complaint, the lawsuit unfortunately showcased the limitations and flaws…
In today’s legal environment, where high-stakes corporate cases dominate the headlines, quantifying a case’s significance is more than just an art; it’s a science backed by data and analysis. One such comprehensive examination is provided by the latest offering from Legalytics, highlighting major cases decided over December 2024, focusing on measurable factors such as involved…
In an era where rapid innovation is a key driver for corporate success, the involvement of legal counsel is often seen as a necessary, albeit restrictive, checkpoint. Traditional responses of “No, we can’t” from legal teams have historically put the brakes on promising initiatives. However, a new perspective is challenging this status quo, encouraging a…
CES 2025 has once again served as a formidable stage for innovations that will likely influence various sectors, including the legal industry. While traditionally grounded in consumer electronics, many technologies showcased have the potential to transform legal practice significantly. These advancements offer both opportunities and challenges, compelling legal professionals to stay updated on technological trends…
In the competitive landscape of Biglaw compensation, firms are always on the lookout to incentivize top performance and retain talent. This year, Dechert has announced a series of exceptional bonuses for its most dedicated associates. Traditionally known for aligning with the industry-standard bonuses set by Milbank, Dechert is making headlines with its decision to reward…
The impending expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced tax credits poses significant challenges to both hospitals and patients across the United States. These tax credits, which have been enhancing healthcare affordability since their introduction during the pandemic, are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress extends them. For millions of…
The latest edition of “Morning Docket” from Above the Law highlights key legal developments and ongoing cases that are likely to pique the interest of legal professionals. Private equity is reportedly “rewriting the rules of legal practice,” reflecting a trend that has historically led to significant industry changes. There’s debate around its long-term effects, with…
In a year marked by remarkable activity in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), a prominent Biglaw firm has reportedly achieved significant success, advising on transactions amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars. As the competitive landscape of M&A continues to evolve, this firm’s accomplishments highlight the ongoing demand for expertise in navigating complex financial arrangements. The…
The article, titled New Year, Same Clarence Thomas — See Also, featured on Above the Law, discusses ongoing controversies surrounding Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. As the title suggests, the new year does not seem to bring changes in Justice Thomas’s approach to disclosures. In particular, “More failure to disclose stuff” hints at continued scrutiny…
The legal landscape of 2024 witnessed several significant, albeit controversial, decisions from the United States Supreme Court. Among these, the worst decision arguably came in the case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson. The Court’s ruling effectively sanctioned the criminalization of homelessness by deeming it permissible to arrest individuals for sleeping outside when they…
In the legal profession, career milestones often serve as important benchmarks of a lawyer’s journey. However, there are growing concerns about the attention given to certain accolades that may not quite live up to their perceived esteem. An article from Above the Law delves into this phenomenon, observing how some awards and recognitions may cater…
In a controversial decision that has drawn comparisons to a comedic excuse from the TV show Seinfeld, the Judicial Conference decided not to refer Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to the Department of Justice for an inquiry into alleged ethics violations. The matter revolves around Justice Thomas’s failure to disclose significant luxury gifts and travel,…
As the legal industry embraces digital innovation, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and strategic partnerships has become a priority for law firms aiming to enhance efficiency and client service. Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC provides a compelling case study in how one firm is successfully navigating this transformation. More details can be found…
The landscape of law firm mergers is poised to remain active in 2025, with notable activity anticipated despite a trend towards increased selectivity among firms. Recent analysis by American Lawyer addresses this dynamic, attributing the continual pace of mergers to the robust performance currently being observed across the legal sector. Firms are navigating this period…
In a surprising turn for the legal community, law clerks have become pivotal figures in 2024’s Lawyer of the Year competition. Capturing more than half of the votes, Ryan Protter, a recent graduate serving as a law clerk in the New Jersey Appellate Division, emerged as the winner. This reflects an unexpected shift in how…
The telecommunications industry in the United States has long resisted federal oversight, relying heavily on lobbying efforts to thwart regulatory measures. For the past three decades, telecom giants—and the entities financially backed by them—have continuously opposed various forms of regulation, from modest privacy protections to essential pricing transparency measures. The prevailing argument leaned on the…
In the latest development in the transatlantic legal market, U.K.-based Clyde & Co. has announced a merger with American firm Tillman Batchelor LLC. This move comes in the wake of the recent A&O Shearman merger, another significant U.K.-U.S. firm combination. Known for its expertise in insurance law, Clyde & Co. recorded a gross revenue of…
In a recent installment of Howard Bashman’s How Appealing blog—the Internet’s inaugural platform focused on appellate litigation—a compendium of notable legal developments was compiled. Here are a few of the prominent items covered in this week’s digest. Free Speech and TikTok: A contentious discussion surrounding the implications of a U.S. ban on TikTok emerged, suggesting…
A prominent firm in the Biglaw sector has announced that it will align with Milbank’s bonus structure, but the additional compensation will be reserved solely for associates located in its major market offices. In an intensely competitive legal landscape, bonuses serve as a key strategy to attract and retain top talent within major markets like…