In a noteworthy trend, 2022 saw stellar financial rewards for law school graduates. Data from the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) reveals that the median starting salary reaches a new high at $85,000, a 6.3% increase from 2021’s $80,000. The professional prospects for these graduates just took an upturn, as per the job roles….
In June 2023, the Australian government issued an updated Statement of Expectations to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). The statement mandates the APRA to adopt climate reporting standards, primarily focusing on promoting prudent practices and transparency for climate-related financial risks. This new mandate includes monitored financial institutions and regulated entities within its scope. The…
In the dynamic sphere of legal technology, securing company secrets has become increasingly paramount, especially in the unfolding era of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI). In this context, many firms are turning a spotlight on their employment contracts to ensure stringent protection of their confidential assets. Last month, Kira Systems, an entity that specializes in…
In a recent episode of the Hiring to Firing Podcast, leading legal professionals expounded on the pervasive and challenging issue of corporate theft, discussing potential preventative measures and technological strategies designed to protect firms. The podcast was hosted by partners Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs, and featured Troutman Pepper Partner Chris Willis as a key…
In recent developments across the legal industry, various Am Law 200 firms have ceased utilization of ChatGPT and generative AI for client services due to potential vulnerability such as data breaches and computational hiccups colloquially known as ‘hallucinations’. However, these setbacks are far from spelling the end of AI use in the legal sector. Contrarily,…
The long-standing Philadelphia law firm, Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, is set to cease operations after almost 90 years. The firm’s litigation partner and generan counsel, Keith Whitson, has confirmed that a dissolution plan is being organized in collaboration with the firm’s stakeholders and bank. The exact timeline for voting and finalizing this plan remains…
Timely regulatory interventions continue to shape our legal landscapes, and one such recent development comes in the field of I-9 Employment Verification. On July 21, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the institution of a new final rule which provides employers a remote option for inspecting employee documents in compliance with I-9 employment…
In a recent landmark ruling, the US Supreme Court has determined that race-based college admission programmes are unlawful. The implications of this decision are now resonating globally as it underscores a shift in the approach to diversity and inclusion, particularly as it pertains to affirmative action. As reported by JDSupra, the court’s decision deviates from…
In August 2023’s edition of the Probate & Fiduciary Litigation Newsletter, a highlighted case presents a noteworthy argument about the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Land Court. The case in question is DiNicola v. Ely, et al., No. 23 MISC 000128 (2023). At the heart of the legal issue stands a family trust that holds record…
The U.S. sanctions landscape continues to transmute in response to geopolitical changes, economic policy considerations, and global security issues. Keeping track of these alterations is crucial for multinational companies and law firms to ensure compliance and prevent any potential legal pitfalls. One resource for such updates is the quarterly trade compliance report which is sent…
In a significant regulatory shift, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has initiated new cybersecurity rules that were instated on July 26, 2023. The regulations are primarily aimed at enabling investors to have a clearer understanding of the cybersecurity risks associated with public companies. One of the key stipulations includes the liability on the part…
In a recent development, a New York federal judge dismissed a suit against law firm Paul Hastings LLP, simultaneously levying sanctions on the U.S.-based Chinese nationals responsible for launching the accusation. Those involved had alleged that Paul Hastings failed to register as an agent on behalf of the People’s Republic of China or the Chinese…
Effective July 1, 2023, new revisions to the Florida statutes allow individuals to carry concealed weapons without a permit, a move that holds significant implications for those involved in the leasing industry in the state. Interested parties can still obtain permits from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, ensuring a level of choice…
In an intriguing twist to an accident case in Cerritos, a driver, injured in the said accident, has alleged that attorneys representing a local waste-hauling company violated the state’s code of professional conduct. The violation, he argues in a motion for sanctions, arose when they refused to provide the address of an employee who was…
Legal professionals and compliance teams across the globe may find Compliance Notes – Vol. 4, Issue 31 a pertinent read. Published by Nossaman’s Government Relations & Regulation Group, the installment offers a comprehensive digest of key developments in areas including campaign finance, lobbying compliance, election law, and government ethics at the federal, state, and local…
In a recent development, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit addressed contributory trademark infringement for the first time, determining that specific knowledge is needed for liability to be assumed. The case in question is Y.Y.G.M. SA, DBA Brandy Melville v. Redbubble, Inc., Case Nos. 21-56150; -56236 (9th Cir. July 24, 2023), presided…
Yesterday, former President Donald Trump entered a plea of ‘not guilty’ in response to the charges of conspiracy and obstruction related to alleged plans to overturn the 2020 presidential election outcome. These charges stem from accusations that imply Trump sought to disseminate fraudulent claims about the election’s integrity and attempted to pressure various state and…
Recently, Columbia Law School made headlines with its abrupt implementation and subsequent rollback of a mandate for video statements from law degree transfer applicants. This decision sparked a flurry of controversy, with some media outlets accusing the school of attempting to sidestep the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on race-based college admissions. The Washington Free Beacon…
Envision Healthcare Corp., along with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, has recently filed for voluntary Chapter 11 petitions at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. This information is detailed in the case documented under In re: Envision Healthcare Corp., Docket No. 4:23-bk-90342 (Bankr. S.D. Tex. May 15, 2023). Envision is known for being…
Recent discussions around claims of sexual harassment have begun delving into topics beyond physical or verbal misconduct. An emerging area of concern is whether rumors and gossip can be considered forms of sexual harassment. This topic has gained attention as Title IX regulations dictate that schools, colleges, and districts should have policies to handle claims…
As discussions unfold around the professional history of Special Counsel Jack Smith and his legal team, one cannot overlook their impressive backgrounds. Known for his long-standing career as a federal prosecutor, Smith is currently leading the two indictments against former president Donald Trump. However, alongside Smith is an equally well-equipped team whose many members have…
On July 27, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its anticipated Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. This bi-annual disclosure is designed to provide the public with a comprehensive understanding of the agency’s plans to review, propose, and implement regulations in the forthcoming months. Here’s where you can find more detailed information. Significant among the agenda…
As legal professionals are already aware, the indictment against former President Donald Trump for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results did not encapsulate all the potential charges. However, close observations suggest this omission could be more strategic than abrupt. It appears that limiting the scope of the case may have been employed…
Canada is set to enforce a new regulation, SOR/2023-78, which will necessitate employers to provide free menstrual products for usage in toilet rooms of federally regulated workplaces. This new rule will come into effect on December 15, 2023, as per a report by Littler. The mandate is a step towards acknowledging the fact that access…
In a move to encourage more build-to-rent (BTR) projects, the Australian Government has laid out plans to eliminate some prevalent income tax barriers, an issue thoroughly discussed in Part 1 of our BTR series. The proposed revisions aim to assist those engaged in BTR projects, significantly streamlining the processes involved. As detailed in Part 2…