As a multitude of digital legal solutions emerge in the rapidly digitizing landscape, automated data mapping tools are increasingly becoming a salient feature in corporations worldwide. These tools are critical for addressing a multitude of obligations, such as data subject access requests (DSARs), records of processing activities (RoPAs), vendor risk management, and other data privacy…
Several leading industry organizations, including the American Chemistry Council, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, and Vinyl Institute (collectively known as “ACC”) have formally submitted comments to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposed New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for…
In a significant development towards greater corporate transparency and accountability, on 31 July 2023, the European Commission has adopted the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) for companies reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (EU) 2022/2464 (CSRD). The ESRS are founded on technical advice from the EFRAG, previously the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group. Full…
In recent years, the discussion regarding the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in numerous business operations, particularly Human Resources (HR), has intensified. With AI already gaining traction as a prime influencer in shaping business strategies, HR professionals need to understand their evolving roles against this tech-dominated backdrop. Indeed, an increasing number of companies have started…
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently ruled that Hawaii’s ban on “butterfly knives” is a violation of the Second Amendment. They found that the knife, resembling a folding pocketknife, qualifies as an “arm” under the amendment’s terminology. A district court’s previous summary judgment in favor of Hawaiian officials was overturned by…
Legal professionals worldwide should be aware of a recent case in which technology company iTutorGroup, Inc. had to settle for $365,000 with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The federal agency alleged that the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) software explicitly discriminated against certain applicants based on their age. Notably, it was claimed that the software…
The Blockchain Bi-Weekly is a fascinating initiative led by the Polsinelli Blockchain+ team, providing invaluable insights into some of the most relevant stories in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and Web3 ecosystems. Drawing on their legal expertise and their understanding of the interplay between smart contracts, code, and US law, the Blockchain+ team presents an informative “rundown” on…
With the burgeoning adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across numerous sectors, even seemingly impervious legal professionals are feeling a sense of being overwhelmed. One of the primary concerns highlighted by Law.com’s Greg Andrews is the advent of generative AI, a technology anticipated to introduce efficiency in the long run, but is adding to the pressure…
In 2021, we saw the adoption of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). However, the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has delayed implementing the act to establish regulations. With the deadline for compliance rapidly approaching, it is imperative for Reporting Companies to be aware of the upcoming changes. The CTA, as it stands,…
Law firm Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian has announced the launch of ChatGD, its internally developed generative AI chat application, intended to facilitate its attorneys in their practice. The firm’s chief innovation officer, Joe Green, describes the tool as “an accelerant for subject matter expertise,” that will help attorneys perform their roles more…
Corporations have a long history with director and officer litigation risk, and it comes as no surprise that these companies are seeking ways to better manage this peril. One such strategy, which has seen an uptick in adoption recently, is the implementation of choice of forum provisions. For those unfamiliar, choice of forum provisions were…
In an unfolding development, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) finds itself in a legal quandary during the Fifth Circuit oral argument pertaining to protection changes effected in 2022 related to proxy advisor rules, according to a report by JDSupra. In context, in December of the previous year, the Federal District Court for the…
The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has been known to provoke a mix of fear and trepidation in public consciousness. In the arena of manufacturing, however, the sentiments are slightly different, with an equal amount of eagerness and apprehension in response to the evolving technology. The infusion of AI into converting previously manual tasks into…
In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), the concept of ‘best practices’ might be taking its first form. Seven leading AI development firms have voluntarily decided to conduct eight specific commitments. Revealed in a ceremony at the White House on July 21, 2023, these commitments aim to drive safety, security, and trust in AI technology’s…
In recent years, the use of AI-based platforms such as ChatGPT has become increasingly prevalent within the global legal sector. Though these technologies offer numerous advantages, including improving efficiency and reducing workloads, they also present several legal and ethical challenges. A recent anecdote shared by a peer in the profession highlighted a questionable reliance on…
In the world of corporate law, July 2023 saw quite a number of substantial regulatory developments, particularly with respect to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. The most significant was the European Commission’s adoption of the Commission Delegated Regulation. This introduced the initial set of European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), alongside a related Q&A as…
On July 31, 2024, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) shared their plans for the Phase 2 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. This so-called Bipartisan Permitting Reform Implementation Rule (BPRIR) signals a new stage in American environmental policy, aiming to bolster public engagement and accelerate clean energy projects. According to the details…
Four leading law firms, Reed Smith, Addleshaw Goddard, Osborne Clarke, and Ashurst have announced their interest in the generative artificial intelligence Chat-GPT style platform, Harvey, a technology originally developed by Allen & Overy. The platform, which is endorsed by the OpenAI Startup Fund, employs GPT-4 technology to put together large language models (LLMs) for legal…
In an unprecedented development in Canadian law, Alberta has introduced a new tort of harassment, as detailed by JD Supra. This new tort was established by the Alberta Court of King’s Bench during the proceedings of Alberta Health Services v. Johnston (Alberta Health). The decision and scale of adoption by other Canadian provinces remain speculative…
As world economies grapple with the urgency of carbon emission reductions, the United States is charting a new path in the transportation sector, spearheaded by states such as New York. In order to accelerate electric vehicle usage across the state, New York’s Legislature has now passed four vehicle charging infrastructure bills during the recent session,…
The ongoing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the legal profession continues to raise fundamental questions about its efficacy and appropriate use. AI’s utility within the industry is a topic of discussion, particularly following recent incidents of misuse. In a case based in New York, two attorneys faced sanctions for their reliance on AI, specifically…
In an endeavor to scale broadband access in rural and high-cost areas, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Sixth Report and Order (Order) in its Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) docket on August 4, 2023. Detailed in a story covered by JDSupra, the provision is evidence of a commitment to bridging the digital gap in…
In the face of transforming global financial standards, Guernsey has emerged as a promising hub for investment funds and other investment vehicles. The island has ensured its attractive position, not only through its tax-neutral environment, but also through strict adherence to taxing and regulatory norms that meet international standards. This briefing takes us through Guernsey’s…
On August 2, 2023, a significant change occurred in the legal landscape of workplace rules in the United States with the adoption of a stringent new legal standard by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This standard, adopted during the case of Stericycle, Inc., 372 NLRB No. 113 (2023), pertains to the assessment of the…
On July 28, 2023, regulatory developments culminated with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) releasing its long-anticipated final rule. In an attempt to address the growing bottleneck of interconnection requests across America, FERC confirmed the official introduction of reforms aimed at streamlined operations in the generator interconnection process. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP reports on…