The False Claims Act (FCA), a Civil War-era statute, has seen significant developments in recent times. This act, once chiefly associated with dealing with defense and other government contractors, now extends its scope far beyond those particular sectors due to a series of amendments. Enforced by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and qui tam…
Legal professionals encounter many unique challenges in their daily practices — one significant concern being loneliness. According to one survey discussed in the Harvard Business Review, it appears that the legal profession can be one of the most isolating [1]. Feelings of isolation and detachment in such a demanding field can lead to deteriorating performance…
According to recent reports, the U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit on Sept.13, 2022 against Radiant Services Corp – a commercial laundry facility based in Gardena, Los Angeles. The allegations include discouraging and denying equal job opportunities to Black, Asian and white workers. The lawsuit details instances where Radiant Services may have…
Columbia Law School recently stoked controversy by introducing a short video submission as part of their application requirements. The response on social media and various news outlets was swift. Many accused Columbia Law of exploiting this requirement to bypass the ruling of the Roberts Court that effectively overturned affirmative action recruitment. In response, it’s essential…
The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) concluded its 56th session in Vienna, Austria on July 25, 2023. This influential conference brought together legal scholars and practitioners from around the globe to discuss and shape the future of international trade law. According to the information provided by legal updates publisher JD Supra, numerous…
In a recent ruling, a Florida judge has approved the request for punitive damages in a defamation lawsuit filed by military veteran Zachary Young and his company, Nemex Enterprises Inc., against Cable News Network Inc. (CNN). The case hinges on alleged defamatory comments made by CNN employees about Young’s involvement in a supposedly “black market”…
During the 2023 legislative session, the Colorado General Assembly introduced sweeping changes to the state’s antitrust laws. The assembly repealed the existing Colorado Antitrust Act of 1992, replacing it with the newly passed Colorado State Antitrust Act of 2023. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis formally signed the 2023 act into law on June 7. The Colorado…
In a pivotal moment within the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and securities law, Judge Jed S. Rakoff of the Southern District of New York issued a significant ruling in a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Terraform Labs Pte. Ltd and its CEO, Do Hyeong Kwon. On July 31, 2023,…
Bill C-13, otherwise known as An Act to amend the Official Languages Act, was given Royal Assent on June 20, 2023, establishing a significant legal reform for Québec’s employees. The act will enforce the use of French as a working language for workers in federally regulated private businesses. While the exact commencement date is yet…
Nebraska has revamped its financial legal landscape by implementing a new licensing requirement specific to small-dollar loans. The state governor, Jim Pillen, assented to Legislative Bill 92 on June 6, 2023, enacting it into law with effect from June 7, 2023. As per the amendments, the Nebraska Installment Loan Act now incorporates specifications regarding entities…
In a Thursday letter, federal prosecutors countered arguments made by Harvard Law School professor emeritus Laurence Tribe and Sam Bankman-Fried’s attorneys who were advocating against the detention of Bankman-Fried, the FTX founder. The prosecutors urged a Manhattan federal judge to uphold the detention, asserting that it did not violate Bankman-Fried’s constitutional rights. Assistant U.S. attorney…
In an increasingly online commercial landscape, brands are facing significant challenges protecting their reputation and profit margins from unauthorized sellers. Prevailing on eCommerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart, these unauthorized resellers peddle products without the company’s consent or approval, significantly undermining brand value and eroding profitability. A recent piece by Kohrman Jackson & Krantz…
The recent report by Law360 brings forth fascinating insights into the current state of legal employment. According to the report, law graduates of 2022 secured employment at a higher rate than any other class dating back to 1987. This serves as an encouraging sign for both aspiring lawyers and law schools, suggesting a promising market…
The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) has implemented a revision to its listing rules that now removes the necessity for companies to declare any China-related risks when applying for a listing in the city. Prior to the change, Hong Kong issuers were required to include a summary of perceived risks pertaining to relevant…
Legal professionals in the corporate world should be aware of significant changes to the cybersecurity disclosure rules implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The organization approved these new requirements on July 26, 2023 and they primarily focus on mandating public companies to make specific disclosures regarding substantial cybersecurity incidents and periodic disclosure of…
In a concerted effort to tackle the rampant issue of unwanted and illegal phone calls and text messages, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are joining forces in a cooperative endeavor boldy named “Operation Stop Scam Calls”. This report from JD Supra details the multi-jurisdictional approach the two commissions plan…
Understanding and adhering to prevailing wage and hour laws are crucial in mitigating liability, especially in industries experiencing a shortage of skilled labor, such as construction. A case study identified a significant 8% reduction in the workforce, ages 25-54, over the past ten years. A forecast model at the beginning of 2022 projected that the…
In the ever-evolving legal landscape, advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) have become significant contributors to the efficacy of legal work. An interesting development in this field has been the introduction of AI programs like ChatGPT or GPT-4 to facilitate legal tasks. What’s noteworthy here is that the dependability of these AI tools is…
The Inflation Reduction Act, commonly known as the IRA, has instigated several tax credit incentives that pertain to considerable investments in energy projects. A key credit among these is the section 48C investment tax credit, also known as the 48C Credit. Initially offered through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, this tax credit…
In a recent court ruling by the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas, partial relief was granted to the Texas Bankers Association, Rio Bank, and the American Bankers Association (ABA) from compliance with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Final Rule. More known as the “Small Business Lending Rule Under the Equal Credit…
In a recent development with broad implications for employers across multiple industries, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) released its decision in the McLaren Macomb case. This decision has elicited considerable dialogue and concerns among the legal community, particularly in light of its potential impacts on severance agreements, a standard instrument for managing post-employment relationships…
Recent news reveal a twist in the tale of the PFAS settlement case between 3M Company and a plaintiff class of municipal public water suppliers. Following a report in June boasting of the proposed blockbuster $10 billion-$12 billion settlement, the deal now faces objections from a significant coalition of 22 U.S states, led by Massachusetts….
In response to the ever-changing cyber threat landscape, the Biden Administration has recently initiated a new cybersecurity labeling program, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program. Announced with the purpose of improving transparency as well as protection against cyber threats, this initiative focuses on the escalating Internet of Things (IoT) device space. In her report on…
The previous week’s litigation in London was marked by a flurry of legal activity. Law firm Hugh James instigated legal actions against Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP due to the guidance it provided to a medical group involved in a case over non-medical-grade silicone implants[1]. In more international news, Panasonic has lodged a patent claim against…
In a recent episode of Williams Mullen’s Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt interviewed his colleague, Nona Massengill, shedding light on how employers are using equity incentives to attract and keep key team members. The discussion revolved heavily around Massengill’s expertise in executive compensation matters, adding depth to the conversation about employment market trends. According to…