The American Bar Association (ABA) Accreditation Council has decided to extend its test-optional admissions variance program by an additional three years. This decision is aimed at incorporating more law schools and gathering extensive data before making a permanent change to the standardized-testing requirement for law school admissions. The current variance permits law schools to admit…
The legal sector, particularly Big Law, is experiencing unprecedented profitability, accompanied by notable shifts in its operational dynamics. Yet, questions arise whether this prosperity marks the zenith of the industry. A recent article discusses how the legal landscape has never been as equitable or lucrative, but cautions that the rise of artificial intelligence might disrupt…
The National Law Journal and Law.com have unveiled the shortlist for the 2026 D.C. Legal Awards, which honor exceptional contributions within Washington D.C.’s legal community. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 20, 2026, at The Mayflower Hotel. The categories for this year’s awards include: Rising Stars Winning Litigators – Plaintiffs Winning Litigators – Defense…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently reached a settlement with Zillow and Redfin, averting a trial that was poised to address significant antitrust concerns. This legal confrontation stemmed from a $100 million agreement between the two companies, which the FTC argued breached antitrust laws, specifically the Sherman and Clayton Acts. The FTC contended that this…
For many attorneys, the road to law firm leadership is fraught with obstacles and surprising turns. For Hillary Nappi of AWK Survivor Advocate Attorneys, this journey was fueled by a powerful piece of advice she received early in her career: celebrate the good days, learn from the hard ones, and move forward with purpose. Reflecting…
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced a $400 million settlement with TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, resolving allegations that the social media platform violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). This settlement is among the largest ever secured in a COPPA case. Under the terms of the agreement, TikTok will pay…
The proliferation of lawsuits related to biometric privacy has seen an unexpected surge, particularly concerning voiceprint claims under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). This rise comes amidst a backdrop of historical challenges in these cases. An attorney involved in filing several of these suits remarked, “This is pretty invasive and widespread,” highlighting the…
Recent data highlights that the leasing activity of law firms continues to rise, exceeding 2025 levels through the first half of this year. This trend underscores a robust demand for office space, primarily driven by New York’s bustling real estate landscape. The surge in leasing, particularly in Manhattan, is noteworthy as firms navigate the challenges…
Kirkland & Ellis, a leading law firm known for its robust litigation capabilities, has increasingly relied on Alternative Fee Arrangements (AFAs) to drive its litigation business, securing more than $1 billion in revenue through these structures last year. AFAs now account for approximately 30% of Kirkland’s litigation revenue, showcasing the firm’s successful adaptation to evolving…
In New Jersey, the annual summer associate hiring season has concluded, leaving many law firms to focus on acquiring young yet experienced attorneys. The transition underscores a growing trend where firms prioritize practical experience over traditional hiring for entry-level positions. Tim Corriston, managing partner at Connell Foley, highlighted that while the salary gap between first-year…
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, a prominent player in the private equity sphere, has recently experienced a significant shift in its leadership dynamics. The firm’s Private Equity Co-Head, Rodney S. Laughlin, has made the move to join Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, a well-regarded competitor in the legal realm. This transition highlights an…
Troutman Pepper Locke LLP is facing a lawsuit from former associate Matthew Cali, who alleges the firm retaliated against him after he took medical leave for a heart attack and reported concerns about partners’ billing practices. According to the complaint filed in New Jersey federal court, Cali suffered a major heart attack in November 2023…
In a legal challenge that has captured attention across the broadcast industry, Wilkinson Stekloff and Clement & Murphy have teamed up in a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Filed on behalf of ABC, the suit alleges that the FCC has infringed on the network’s First Amendment rights. This collaborative effort marks a significant…
The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Accreditation Council recently made strides in its commitment to diversity by voting to propose changes to two key standards. On Friday, the Council decided to send alterations to the wording of Standard 205 and the repeal of Standard 303(c) to the ABA House of Delegates. This decision aligns with ongoing…
Northwestern University’s legal education initiatives are undergoing significant evolution to mirror the growing intersection between law and business. The introduction of new dual-degree programs at Northwestern Law, as highlighted in a recent development, illustrates the increased demand for legal professionals adept in both fields. As the legal market continues to evolve, there is an unmistakable…
As summer draws to a close, many are curious about how partners at major law firms choose to unwind from their demanding roles. Destinations range from traditional getaways to more exotic locations, offering insights into how these legal professionals decompress from the rigors of Big Law. Familiar locales like the Hamptons and Martha’s Vineyard continue…
The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Accreditation Council is set to vote on the potential repeal of Standard 206 during a special session in September. This standard, which encompasses requirements for diversity and inclusion within law schools, has been a topic of considerable debate among legal educators and professionals. The decision to put this repeal to…
Emerging litigation trends in the United States are drawing significant attention, particularly in sectors ranging from hospitality to fast food delivery. Legal claims are increasingly centered around issues of sex trafficking in hotels, mileage reimbursements for pizza delivery drivers, and compliance with updated NCAA regulations. In the hospitality industry, major hotel franchisor Wyndham Hotels &…
In a rapidly evolving legal industry, the path to partnership is often enigmatic. Katie Barksdale of Kennedys recently shed light on her journey, emphasizing the uniqueness of each lawyer’s career trajectory. She remarked, “Don’t be deterred by the time it takes to get you to where you’re going. There’s no perfect path to take, and…
The Trump administration has taken a scrutinizing stance toward the American Bar Association’s (ABA) role in accrediting law schools, raising significant questions about the future of legal education in the United States. The Department of Education has evaluated the ABA’s standards and found them non-compliant with federal accreditation regulations and recognition criteria. According to an…
As the first federal trial against Mead Johnson kicks off, Abbott Laboratories has announced a significant settlement totaling $670 million. This move aims to resolve litigation involving 2,000 infants. The cases were handled by three prominent plaintiffs’ firms: Chicago’s TorHoerman Law, Holland Law Firm in St. Louis, and Stranch, Jennings & Garvey in Nashville, Tennessee….
In a recent discussion on the art of judicial opinion writing, Judge Stephanos Bibas emphasized the importance of clarity and simplicity over the arcane language often associated with legal documents. He argued that lawyers should move away from “fancy Latinate legalisms” and instead cultivate a more straightforward, engaging style by immersing themselves in good fiction…
In an era marked by rapid changes in the legal landscape, Wab Kadaba, Global Chair of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, is steering his firm through complexities that demand adaptability and foresight. As he explores these challenges, Kadaba has emphasized the importance of innovation in legal practice, underscoring that traditional methods may no longer suffice in…
Law schools are witnessing a remarkable surge in applications for the second consecutive year. This trend appears to coincide with ongoing political turbulence and market uncertainty, factors that often drive individuals to seek career stability and intellectual grounding in the legal field. The steady increase in law school applications is reflecting broader societal dynamics, as…
In a recent legal proceeding, a federal judge expressed significant concern regarding the discrepancy between the damages claimed and the settlement agreed upon in a class-action lawsuit involving Papa John’s. The lawsuit, which initially claimed damages of $195 million, was settled for $5 million. This led to the judge’s pointed question about the rationale behind…