In 2022, Kentucky introduced the Student Education Loan Servicing, Licensing, and Protection Act (the “Act”), obligating student loan servicers to obtain licensure within the state. As implemented on July 13, 2023, the Act aims to provide critical protections and state-level oversight for student loan holders. The application process for a Kentucky student loan servicer license…
This week has seen noteworthy developments in the world of government contracting and commercial businesses, especially for legal professionals who closely watch policy changes and updates. A highlight of the week involves an on-going legislative effort that would significantly update the current Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). This initiative is spearheaded by the Department of Defense,…
Background check software is an essential tool used in today’s competitive job market to thoroughly investigate prospective employees. Owing to its comprehensive nature, it plays a crucial role in ensuring that pre-employment screening is conducted correctly. In light of this, a recent article published by Mitratech Holdings, Inc highlighted ten critical elements that such software…
Good news for our readers who follow global environmental affairs. The weekly Climate Policy Update published this August by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is hot off the presses. This comprehensive update tracks changes in climate policy and offers insight into major environmental headlines that took place last week. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer…
For legal professionals serving corporations or working in law firms, understanding the intricacies of estate planning proves essential in a commercially driven milieu. A critical area to review regularly involves those estate plans created under different laws and circumstances. Professionals help clients anticipate future contingencies but the question arises as to how frequently these plans…
In a notable recent development, the Tenth Circuit has dismissed a discrimination and retaliation case leveled against the Colorado Supreme Court. The case underscores the complexities surrounding anti-discrimination and retaliation enforcement, even as it pertains to the judicial system itself. The plaintiffs, a couple not named in the public reports, had accused the Colorado Supreme…
In an encouraging turn of events, two Tennessee lawmakers, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, who were previously expelled from the Tennessee legislature for protesting gun violence, have recently won a special election to serve the remainder of their terms. Both representatives were removed from the Tennessee House of Representatives during the same year; Justin Jones…
On July 26, 2023, the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted new final rules concerning cybersecurity risk management, strategy, governance, and incident reporting by public companies, as reported by Foley & Lardner LLP on JD Supra. The primary features of these newly established rules are stipulated in two main points. Firstly, public companies are obliged…
Honeywell International Inc., along with its counsel Alston & Bird LLP, is seeking a compensation of $2.65 million in legal fees in relation to an alleged breach of contract by a Japanese competitor. The contention lies in the failure of the latter to pay royalties on certain barcodes scanners, as per the licensing agreement. The…
Longtime Russian dissident and critic Alexei Navalny was sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison on a roster of extremism-related charges following a closed-door hearing. The scandalous sentencing prompted denunciation from numerous countries, international organizations and human rights groups. According to a report from Interfax, the Moscow City Court convicted Navalny of organizing an…
In an era of digital domination, the tactile pleasure of leafing through a physical book remains a distinctive experience. Despite the wealth of e-books, audiobooks, and other digital reading tools at our disposal, there’s no better time to pick up an old-fashioned paperback than National Book Lover’s Day on August 9. This sentiment rings especially…
The field of corporate and cyber law is continuously evolving, and it has become increasingly crucial for legal professionals to familiarize themselves with risk and process management frameworks. In a recent webinar titled “Risk and Process Management Framework: Lessons Learned in Getting Started”, hosted by NAVEX and featuring Forrester’s Cody Scott, pertinent insights were offered…
Recent comments from Justice Samuel Alito have ignited debate over the perception of Supreme Court justices as being above the law. Alito’s views have drawn criticism, with Justice Elena Kagan emerging as a counter-voice of reason amidst the controversy. Drawing attention to the ethical standards of the Court, Kagan represents a growing sentiment that the…
Recent rulings in the Southern District of New York have sparked discussion on whether a token is considered a security. These cases in question are SEC v. Terraform Labs and SEC v. Ripple Labs. In under three weeks, two distinct rulings were made by separate judges. Judge Torres held that the digital asset XRP, under…
Rudy Giuliani, noted for his central role in one of the latest Trump indictments, has found himself again in the spotlight following harsh words from former vice president Mike Pence. Pence, in a tweet posted recently, emphasized that anyone who prioritizes their personal ambitions over the Constitution is ill-suited for the presidency. The former vice…
In a fascinating finding published by Empirical SCOTUS, it turns out that there is a notable pair of conservative Supreme Court justices who voted together a remarkable 95 percent of the time in the most recent Term. The revealed fact brings a new lens through which we can observe the workings of the Supreme Court….
In an effort to expand access to capital for small businesses, the Biden Administration has announced a series of policy adjustments and modernizations to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 7(a) and 504 loan programs. According to an announcement shared by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP on August 1, the adjustments are aimed at simplifying…
As an avenue for property investment, United Kingdom Real Estate Investment Trusts (UK REITs) are increasingly becoming a significant mechanism in the market. In particular, UK REITs provide the advantage of tax exemptions which, in effect, place their shareholders in a tax position almost identical to that of a direct investor in UK real estate….
Blackstone Group’s Private Credit Fund and Secured Lending Fund have given a joint announcement about a significant change within their leadership structures, through securities filings. An existing deputy general counsel within their ranks has seen a promotion up to the level of chief legal officer. This individual will also take on the role of secretary…
In a recent development, Argentina-based Cool Brands Supply SA has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against LIV Golf Inc. and HyFlyers GC. This high profile case has caught the attention of the legal industry, with a particular focus on the issues that a New Jersey district court may consider in the case. Renowned for its…
In response to the profound changes of today’s economy, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have jointly issued new draft guidelines regarding mergers on July 19. This move signals the ongoing evolution of these two influential agencies and their increasing focus on the dynamics of the modern market. JDSupra…
Investing in a competent employee selection process isn’t just about getting the best people on board; it has far-reaching financial implications for a company. As revealed by a survey conducted across 2500 firms, one incorrect hiring decision can lead to an astounding loss of more than $25,000, owing to decreased productivity, low morale, and other…
A refusal by a Pennsylvania federal court to diminish claims from a lawsuit against Takeda Pharmaceuticals and a number of generic-drug makers denotes an escalating issue concerning alleged anti-competitive behavior. These pharmaceutical companies have been accused of striking up exclusivity contracts aiming to delay competition for Takeda’s anti-gout drug, Colcrys. As a result, this controversial…
The worlds of law and corporate affairs have seen several significant changes recently as governments and corporations alike tackle emerging and re-defined challenges in their sectors. Whilst new legislation and pivoting business transactions are a focal point of these changes, it is important for lawyers and in-house legal teams in corporations to look at the…
As many legal professionals are undoubtedly aware, the COVID-era policy permitting employers to remotely inspect documentation for completing form I-9 concluded on July 31, 2023. Following this deadline, a recently implemented policy requires all employers to physically examine the I-9 documents, which employees were previously authorized to present remotely. These changes are broadly applicable, and…