The exclusive Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf franchisee in South Korea has been directed to arbitrate its claims against the company’s international franchisor. The allegations include that the franchisor engaged in practices that compromised product quality and displayed bad faith, impacting the operations of up to 200 stores. This decision was affirmed by a federal…
In the complex and high-stakes world of intellectual property litigation, traditional verdict forms often fail to capture the intricacies of the disputes they resolve. Patent lawyers rigorously argue over expert witnesses and jury instructions, yet the final verdict is frequently distilled into a simplistic, singular figure. The growing recognition of this gap has led to…
International law firm Withers has announced the promotion of 12 lawyers to partner positions across its offices in the United States, United Kingdom, and Singapore, effective July 1, 2026. This latest round of promotions underscores the firm’s commitment to expanding its global expertise across various practice areas. In the United States, the new partners include:…
A recent legal development has highlighted the critical importance of conflict disclosure in arbitration clauses. This decision centers on a law firm’s failure to adequately disclose potential conflicts of interest, leading to the voiding of their arbitration clauses. Such rulings could significantly impact how law firms draft arbitration agreements, especially considering the nuanced requirements for…
In a significant move highlighting its commitment to strengthening its legal team, Southern Methodist University (SMU) has announced the recruitment of a prominent legal figure from Gibson Dunn. Lisa Richman will step into the role of the university’s general counsel, bringing a wealth of experience from her tenure as a partner at the renowned international…
In the evolving landscape of corporate disputes, the role of in-house counsel has progressively gained prominence, particularly in the pivotal process of arbitrator selection. In-house legal teams are increasingly seen as the driving forces behind ensuring a strategically sound choice of arbitrators, a move that reflects both their deeper knowledge of the company’s business needs…
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani (GRSM) has strategically boosted its litigation capabilities in Northern California by adding eight new partners. This move aligns with the firm’s ongoing expansion efforts as it continues to strengthen its presence in key legal markets. The recruits, who hail from various distinguished backgrounds, are expected to enhance GRSM’s legal prowess in…
In a significant legal development, a California appellate court has ruled against McGrath Kavinoky LLP’s attempt to arbitrate claims from former clients who alleged the firm coerced them into accepting a settlement without adequate consent. This decision stems from a $374 million settlement related to allegations of sexual abuse by a UCLA Health gynecologist. The…
BakerHostetler has announced the addition of Nicholas Carson as a partner in its Chicago office, bolstering its litigation practice. Carson joins the firm from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where he specialized in commercial litigation and arbitration. His move to BakerHostetler is seen as a strategic effort to deepen the firm’s bench strength…
King & Spalding has taken strategic steps to bolster its litigation practice with the addition of several litigators from Winston & Strawn, marking its expansion into Chicago’s competitive legal landscape. This move comes as part of King & Spalding’s broader effort to strengthen its national litigation capabilities. The arrival of these experienced litigators is expected…
The American Arbitration Association (AAA) has introduced a new protocol specifically designed to address disputes arising from transactions involving artificial intelligence agents. This move reflects a growing need to adapt traditional legal frameworks to the complexities presented by AI as its role in various commercial activities expands. According to recent reports, the protocol aims to…
Negotiating a first union contract has historically been a prolonged process, frequently extending up to two years. A new bill aims to expedite these negotiations significantly, thereby altering the dynamics of labor relations. The bill proposes leveraging mechanisms that would streamline the negotiation timeline, consequently enhancing the bargaining power of unions. This development arrives at…
In a recent decision, the U.S. Supreme Court emphasized that the details surrounding a transaction’s execution play a crucial role in determining whether arbitration is required, rather than relying solely on labels assigned to the transaction. This ruling highlights the necessity for a nuanced understanding of contractual agreements, underscoring that mere nomenclature should not dictate…
Mayer Brown has announced the recruitment of Charles “Chip” Friedman from King & Spalding, bolstering its global arbitration practice. Friedman’s extensive experience in international arbitration is expected to strengthen Mayer Brown’s standing in this competitive legal domain. Friedman’s move comes as firms continue to vie for top legal talent in the arbitration field. His expertise…
The latest insights into the legal industry underscore noteworthy trends and shifts, particularly highlighting the performance of major law firms. In an analysis of financial results, the 50 largest firms by U.K. revenue demonstrated resilience despite global economic pressures, with many firms experiencing growth that outpaced inflation rates. This trend reflects strategic adaptations and expansions…
In a strategic move reflecting the growing trend of seasoned professionals transitioning to alternative dispute resolution, Signature Resolution has announced the addition of former entertainment executive Peter Wilson to its panel of neutrals. This development signifies Wilson’s shift from a prolific career in the entertainment industry to the realm of mediation and arbitration. Wilson, known…
The Supreme Court’s docket for June 18, 2026, highlights a range of issues with significant implications for various legal and business practices. This session underscores the Court’s role in interpreting laws that affect corporate entities and individual rights alike. On the agenda are cases that delve into the intricacies of administrative law, environmental regulation, and…
Steptoe & Johnson LLP has recently expanded its arbitration practice by appointing Professor Loukas Mistelis, a notable figure from Queen Mary University of London, to its London team. Mistelis’ arrival marks an important addition to the firm’s capabilities in international arbitration, which is becoming increasingly pivotal for multinational corporate clients. Professor Loukas Mistelis, who is…
King & Spalding has strategically bolstered its international disputes practice by acquiring a prominent group from WilmerHale, a move poised to significantly impact the competitive landscape of global legal services. This acquisition underlines King & Spalding’s commitment to strengthening its capabilities in handling complex cross-border disputes. The team joining King & Spalding brings a wealth…
The legal skirmish involving a Philadelphia law firm and a former name partner has taken a notable turn, as the case has been shifted to arbitration. The decision was made by Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Senior Judge Paula A. Patrick, who upheld the preliminary objections raised by the former partner’s legal team. The judge…
In a recent discussion with legal industry insiders, the chief executive of JAMS highlighted a notable rise in mass arbitrations within employment and other sectors. This trend has been driven by innovative strategies from plaintiff-side firms challenging mandatory arbitration clauses stipulated by companies. Such clauses generally push disputes out of the courtroom and into private…
The landscape of arbitration is undergoing a significant shift as observed by the leadership at JAMS, a premier provider of alternative dispute resolution services. The increase in mass arbitrations, marked by a simultaneous surge of claims filed by numerous plaintiffs against a single defendant, is a notable trend. According to the recent comments by JAMS…
An arbitrator recently determined that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) violated the law by ending telework agreements. This decision arose after the USPTO’s controversial move to terminate remote work arrangements, which had been implemented last year under the directive of former President Donald Trump. This action was deemed a “clear and patent breach”…
In a significant legal battle, the New York Attorney General’s Office has initiated a lawsuit against Mediation and Civil Arbitration Inc., an online arbitration platform, along with its founders. The lawsuit claims the company misrepresented itself as a neutral arbitration forum. Instead, it allegedly had a covert partnership with a merchant cash advance company, skewing…
Despite predictions to the contrary, the slowdown in inter partes review (IPR) and post-grant review (PGR) petitions has not led to a spike in patent litigation in the United States. Data from January 2024 through April 2026 shows that while patent application filings remain robust, the anticipated increase in litigation has not materialized, as reported…