In an important development regarding the False Claims Act (FCA), the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld a district court’s decision after a jury verdict was in favor of an employee. The court found that Parker-Migliorini International (PMI) had violated the FCA by retaliating against an employee named Brandon Barrick who had engaged…
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts unanimously dismissed the objections raised by Robinhood Financial against the state secretary. The court found that the state secretary holds the authority to impose new fiduciary obligations on broker-dealers implicated in “unethical or dishonest conduct or practices”. The case discussed whether the fiduciary duty rule,…
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent case against Automators LLC, a first in its kind, may signal an increased scrutiny over companies making grandiose artificial intelligence-related promises to secure investment, according to consumer protection attorneys. The case was brought forward earlier this month by the FTC against the operators of Automators LLC, claiming they enticed…
As technology continues to forge ahead, bringing with it advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the landscape of insurance litigation is set to experience new challenges. With AI’s increasing involvement in processing claims and determining policy pricing, novel legal issues are expected to surface, demanding fresh perspectives from professionals in the insurance industry. Incorporating AI…
A growing dissatisfaction among partners in some of the world’s biggest corporations and law firms has come to light amid the increased use of remote communication tools like Zoom. Coined as “Zoom Associates”, many young and early-career lawyers have been facing challenges in meeting the expectations of their senior counterparts through virtual platforms. As this…
Sparks have been flying over the topic of who is to blame for the recent wildfires in Hawaii, with both the County of Maui and Hawaiian Electric, the region’s largest electricity provider, casting blame at each other. This disagreement was escalated further on August 24th when Maui County filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric claiming…
In a remarkable display of philanthropy, Parker S. Kennedy, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Chapman University, has made a donation of $15 million to the university’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law. This generous gift is one of the largest in the institution’s history. The Kennedy name holds significant prominence at the Fowler…
The prevalence of sexual harassment in the legal industry and its far-reaching aftermath is increasingly finding its place in contemporary discussions. The latest analysis from Law.com’s legal education reporter, Christine Charnosky, underpins this, as she takes a deep dive into the consequences and ripple effects that follow episodes of sexual harassment. This report comes at…
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against race-conscious admissions policies at Harvard and the University of North Carolina deemed unconstitutional, the American Bar Association (ABA) has responded regarding their approach to diversity within the profession. Mary L. Smith, who noted history by becoming the ABA’s first Native American female president on August 8, issued a…
Undeniably, the advent of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) technology has precipitated some startling developments in content creation, in particular the creation of hyper-realistic deepfakes. As outlined in a recent issue of Cybersecurity Law & Strategy, AI and machine learning are now capable of creating entirely new forms of content and data. These, in…
Increasing compensation for legal professionals and support staff is causing an upward trajectory in law firms’ operating costs, applying continuous stress to their net revenues. This trend has been illuminated by recent statistics from major financial institutions that service the legal industry. During the past six months, law firms around the United States experienced a…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently issued new regulatory-compliance guidelines highlighting social media influencers’ dealings. Such an initiative is often a precursor to increased enforcement actions in a sector, signaling a potential crack down in the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing. This move doesn’t come as a surprise considering the exponential growth projected within the…
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s summer recess, the office of U.S. Solicitor General has surprisingly remained active. Considered a traditionally quiet period for the Solicitor General’s office as the Justices embark on speeches, teaching roles, and vacations, this time has witnessed a whirlwind of activities under the leadership of U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar. In…
A noteworthy milestone has been passed—ten years since Brazil implemented its pioneering anti-corruption law. This legislation has paved the way for numerous investigations and criminal charges. Unsurprisingly, these developments have also led to an influx of work—for both local and international law firms. A case that still echoes in the corridors of justice is the…
We start the year off with news already influencing corporate America. 2022 witnessed a challenging economic setting with soaring interest rates and an uncertain forecast that rocked the nation. The effects were particularly prominent within the tech industry, where falling stock prices landed startups and tech giants alike into a cycle of retrenchment and widespread…
Law firm partners are expressing growing discontent with the performance and attitudes of so-called “Zoom associates” – the cohort of newcomers who joined firms during and since the pandemic. In conversations with consultants and firm leaders, frustration has been voiced about these younger associates, characterised in some instances as ‘lacking accountability and initiative’. As part…
A former law professor at George Mason University, Joshua D. Wright, has recently filed a significant $108 million lawsuit against two women who have accused him of sexual misconduct. The women, both of whom have acquired their J.D. degrees from the same university, accused Wright of exploiting his position of power and demanding sexual favors….
In a significant turn of events for the legal industry, Daugherty Lordan, the firm that originated as a spinoff from leading law firm Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, recently announced its decision to wind down operations. The implications of this development extend far beyond the closure of the firm itself, proffering valuable lessons for the…
The Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, implemented in Congress in June, continues to face stiff opposition from various health, environmental, and consumer protection entities for its potential impact on extant lawsuits. These suits are primarily linked to victims alleging harm from ingredients contained in products such as Roundup. The Center for Biological Diversity, a strong opponent…
Reaching the role of general counsel (GC) has traditionally been seen as the pinnacle of accomplishment for in-house attorneys not looking to transition into other C-suite positions. This notion, however, is gradually shifting with a growing trend of GC roles paving the way for a special adviser position within the corporation. Seen as a strategic…
Former NFL player and Fox Sports analyst, Reginald A. Bush II, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). As noted in the lawsuit, Bush claims a spokesperson for the NCAA defamed him by telling reporters that he partook in a ‘pay-for-play’ scheme with the University of Southern California during his…
Healthcare giant Centene Corporation is facing allegations of cancelling job interviews due to religious accommodation for the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a complaint reported by Law.com’s Radar. The points of contention revolve around complex issues concerning individual rights and corporate policies with regards to health and safety. The complaint details that potential employees had their…
Cravath Swaine & Moore is enhancing its English Law capacities in London through the acquisition of two London-based advisors, versed in English law and with finance expertise. Chantelle Dovey and Helen Walsh joined the firm from Shearman & Sterling in May and June respectively, according to their LinkedIn and webpage profiles. These new additions not…
Legal challenges are emerging in response to the actions of states like Missouri and Kentucky, where attempts are being made to restrict companies from rooting their investment decisions in environmental, social, or governance (ESG) considerations. Both states have found themselves in the midst of lawsuits that argue these actions not only contravene federal law, but…
As AI technology continues to advance and permeate our everyday lives, lawmakers are swiftly taking action. It has caught the attention of state legislatures across the United States, prompting discussions about crafting policies that will promote the enormous potential for innovation, whilst also safeguarding citizens from potential harm. The variety of concerns that policymakers deal…