The 2026 Diversity Snapshot from Law360 Pulse indicates a continued, though slow, rise in diversity within law firms. While the presence of attorneys of color has seen slight improvement, there remains a significant disparity in representation within the partnership tiers. For example, despite increased hiring of diverse candidates, the numbers do not proportionately translate into…
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, a prominent name in the legal industry, recently experienced a significant departure with 29 auto defense professionals leaving to join Womble Bond Dickinson LLP. This shift comes as Womble seeks to bolster its national insurance defense practice with a robust team experienced in handling litigation cases tied to automotive…
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader’s latest strategic move involves recruiting a seasoned leader from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This significant hire brings over 35 years of experience within the agency. The lateral move marks an important addition to the firm’s regulatory practice, highlighting a focus on expanding their expertise in pharmaceutical and medical device regulation….
Dish Network is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with its creditors over the appointment of an independent bankruptcy trustee. The creditors have put forth a request for such an appointment, citing concerns about Dish’s management and its handling of bankruptcy proceedings. Dish has firmly opposed this bid, arguing that its current management is capable…
In a recent statement, a UN expert expressed concern regarding Israel’s debris-clearing activities in Gaza, which could potentially compromise critical evidence of human rights violations. Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, highlighted the importance of cautiously handling the removal and disposal of rubble to ensure vital evidence is preserved. Her…
In a strategic move that underscores its ambition to bolster its venture capital capabilities, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman has announced the hiring of a notable attorney in its Austin office. The firm welcomed a leading lawyer from Ashurst’s and Perkins Coie’s VC practice, highlighting the competitive nature of the legal industry in tech-centric regions such…
In a recent development that stirred significant interest within legal circles, Chief U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts has declined a request from a Dutch software company to delay its impending trademark trial. This decision, delivered on Wednesday, means that the trial involving the Dutch firm and its previous U.S. partner is set to proceed…
Norton Rose Fulbright, a prominent global law firm, has made a strategic move to bolster its intellectual property team by recruiting David Cohen from Holland & Knight. Cohen joins the firm’s Dallas office, enhancing their capabilities in handling complex IP matters. According to an article from Bloomberg Law, Cohen is highly regarded for his expertise…
Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP has strategically expanded its insurance sector capabilities by bringing onboard Michael G. Lebovitz, an insurance lawyer previously with Mayer Brown. Lebovitz joins the firm’s New York office as a partner, enhancing their practice with his extensive experience in complex insurance transactional and regulatory matters. His move is part of Troutman…
In a move that underscores the dynamic nature of the legal landscape regarding intellectual property, Munger, Tolles & Olson has strengthened its San Francisco office with the addition of Charles R. Kamber, a seasoned patent litigator known for his extensive experience in technology and life sciences sectors. Kamber’s transition from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan…
As legal firms increasingly integrate artificial intelligence into their operations, insights from the past—particularly the rollout of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems—offer valuable lessons. Many companies have faced significant challenges when implementing CRM solutions, primarily due to inadequate user training and underestimating the need for cultural change within an organization. These same pitfalls could threaten…
In-house legal departments increasingly play a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of corporations. Recognizing this significance, Bloomberg Law annually highlights leading legal teams through its “Legal Departments of the Year” awards, a distinction that casts light on the operational methodologies, challenges, and innovations adopted by standout legal departments. This initiative serves not just…
In a significant move within the legal industry, Fennemore has announced a combination with Gallagher & Kennedy, which will create a formidable firm comprising 800 lawyers. This merger is poised to have considerable implications for regional and national legal landscapes. The merger is expected to close by early next year, subject to customary closing conditions….
Nominations have opened for the Inside In-House: Legal Departments of the Year awards. This event aims to recognize exemplary performance and innovation among corporate legal teams worldwide, spotlighting those that have navigated the challenges and complexities of the modern legal landscape with distinction. The awards are a chance to acknowledge departments that have demonstrated excellence…
Joseph F. Rice, a towering figure in the field of mass tort litigation, has passed away at the age of 72. Known for his pivotal role in negotiating major settlements, Rice was a founding member of the law firm Motley Rice. His influence spanned over three decades, helping to shape the landscape of litigation involving…
The legal tech landscape continues to evolve with Harvey’s recent announcement of raising $550 million in additional funding, bringing its valuation to $15.5 billion. This funding round was co-led by Diffusion and Lightspeed, marking an impressive growth trajectory for a company that launched in 2022. In total, Harvey’s fundraising efforts have crossed $1.5 billion, as…
In a strategic addition to bolster its white-collar practice, Steptoe & Johnson LLP has announced the hiring of Brian Sentilles, a former legal executive at Morgan Stanley. Sentilles, known for his extensive experience in handling complex white-collar crime cases, joins the firm’s New York office, bringing fresh insights from his tenure in the financial sector….
The legal battle surrounding the Microsoft-Activision deal has taken a new turn as challengers of the merger seek a $60 million legal fee for their efforts. This request stems from the extensive legal work undertaken to contest the transaction’s legitimacy and potential implications for the gaming industry. The push for these fees comes amid a…
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has announced the rehiring of veteran corporate lawyer David Rowe from the Walt Disney Company, where he served as Associate General Counsel. Rowe, who previously spent several years with Akin, will rejoin the firm’s corporate team in Los Angeles. David Rowe’s return marks a strategic move by Akin to…
SCOTUSblog, a well-regarded source for in-depth coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court, has rolled out its latest offering—SCOTUSblog Plus. As reported by SCOTUSblog, this new membership level is designed to address the growing demand for more nuanced and thorough analyses of Supreme Court activities, as well as related lower court cases. Having become an integral…
Milbank LLP has recently strengthened its distressed finance practice with the addition of seasoned attorney Ashley Wright from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. Wright, who has a robust background in distressed finance, restructuring, and special situations, joins Milbank’s New York office as the firm continues to expand its capabilities in financially distressed markets…
Reeya Thakrar, a partner at Faegre Drinker, shares her journey to partnership with a refreshingly straightforward piece of advice: “Stop feeling the impostor syndrome.” According to Thakrar, the path to success begins with the acceptance that you belong in the professional space you occupy. This mindset shift is crucial to building confidence and progressing without…
Cozen O’Connor has made a strategic addition to its Miami office by hiring Benjamin Kahn, a seasoned partner experienced in startup and venture capital work, from Sheppard Mullin. This move is seen as part of the firm’s ongoing effort to bolster its presence in the vibrant Miami market, which has been increasingly recognized as a…
Bridget M. McCormack, who significantly impacted the American Arbitration Association (AAA) by driving innovation, is stepping down from her role as president and CEO. McCormack, the former chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, joined the AAA in 2023, where she was pivotal in adopting generative AI, enhancing the AAA’s technological footprint. Her departure reflects…
In a controversial decision, the Supreme Court has allowed former President Donald Trump to proceed with the demolition of the East Wing of the White House to construct a large ballroom. This decision, documented in detail on SCOTUSblog, has raised critical concerns regarding the judicial threshold for standing, particularly in cases citing aesthetic injuries. Traditionally,…