In a pivotal ruling on Tuesday, New York Supreme Court Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond underscored the protection of mass arbitration campaigns as a form of public speech. This decision represents a significant moment for Kind Law of Las Vegas and Ben Travis Law of San Diego, whose mass arbitration efforts were deemed safeguarded from Strategic Lawsuits…
The Legalweek 2026 Conference in New York offered a dynamic platform for legal professionals to engage with the latest trends and challenges in the industry. A focal point of this gathering was a discussion captured in a Legal Speak episode, where co-hosts Cedra Mayfield and Patrick Smith conversed with Shook, Hardy & Bacon attorneys Patrick…
In the aftermath of the 2022 ruling in Badgerow v. Walters, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision has sparked ongoing deliberation within the federal judiciary regarding the scope of their jurisdiction over arbitration awards. This case elucidated that the enforcement of arbitral awards is generally treated as a straightforward state law contract issue. Consequently, federal courts…
The American Arbitration Association (AAA), a prominent entity in the realm of alternative dispute resolution, is now facing an antitrust lawsuit filed against it. The case accuses the AAA of alleged anticompetitive practices that purportedly hinder competition in the arbitration sector details Bloomberg Law. The lawsuit, which delves into the intricate dynamics of arbitration agreements,…
The American Arbitration Association (AAA) is facing a legal challenge after an Arizona federal judge allowed a proposed class action to proceed. This lawsuit accuses the AAA of monopolizing the consumer arbitration services market. The decision, rendered on Tuesday, was based on the allegation that the institution’s conduct could be construed as anticompetitive, providing sufficient…
Sephora has initiated more than a dozen lawsuits in California in an effort to preempt a surge of consumer arbitration demands. These demands assert that the cosmetic giant’s “Chosen For You” and “Your Picks” recommendation features, which are based on customers’ self-reported age range and skin color, infringe upon the Unruh Civil Rights Act. The…
In a recent discussion surrounding Jules v Andre Balazs Properties, the Supreme Court justices engaged in a thoughtful examination of federal courts’ authority to confirm arbitration awards in cases where there is an existing federal dispute. The debate has arisen in the wake of the 2022 decision in Badgerow v Walters, which determined that standalone…
Burford Capital Ltd. is evaluating international arbitration after a notable setback in its legal battle against Argentina. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals recently overturned a $16 billion judgment that Burford had initially secured in New York federal court, causing a noticeable drop in its stock prices. This dramatic reversal highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing…
In a recent U.S. Supreme Court session, justices expressed skepticism over a legal argument concerning the jurisdiction of federal courts in arbitration cases. The core issue presented was whether these courts possess automatic jurisdiction to confirm or vacate arbitration awards. Justices described the argument as “odd” and “peculiar” during the oral proceedings, suggesting that the…
In a recent turn of events, a patent monetization company has filed a lawsuit in Texas federal court against a litigation funder and the legal firm Susman Godfrey LLP. The firm is seeking to overturn a $32 million arbitration award, claiming significant errors in the arbitration proceedings. The company argues that the decision, which was…
Steptoe & Johnson LLP has made a strategic move to strengthen its international arbitration capabilities by bringing on board Eric Y. Landicho from Vinson & Elkins (V&E). Landicho’s extensive experience in cross-border disputes adds significant depth to Steptoe’s already formidable international disputes practice. Landicho, who has spent over two decades at V&E, is widely recognized…
The Ninth Circuit Court recently upheld a foreign arbitration award against a wine importer, presenting a significant development with implications for the legal community. This decision involved attorneys from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, who now face scrutiny over their conduct in what has been labeled a “frivolous” and “self-indulgent” appeal. The court…
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments in Flowers Foods, Inc. v Brock, a case central to understanding the reach of the Federal Arbitration Act’s exemption for transportation workers. Specifically, the justices debated whether “last-mile” delivery drivers, who move goods to their final destinations within states but are part of an interstate supply chain, qualify…
In the upcoming Supreme Court case of Jules v Andre Balazs Properties, the justices will deliberate on a nuanced jurisdictional question regarding the ability of federal courts to confirm arbitration awards. This case follows the precedent set by the 2022 decision in Badgerow v Walters, which determined that the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) does not…
The ongoing conflict involving Iran has triggered significant disturbances across Asia, impacting the trade and legal sectors profoundly. A surge in energy shocks and disruptions in supply chains has intensified the demand for legal expertise concerning contracts, disputes, and compliance throughout the region. Detailed coverage reveals how businesses are grappling with unforeseen challenges that put…
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has reported a 16% increase in net income and a 12.6% rise in gross revenue for 2025, marking the firm’s third consecutive year of double-digit growth. This performance underscores the sustained demand for the firm’s litigation services. In its London office, the firm achieved a 3% increase in revenue, reaching…
In a significant ruling, a Thai court has determined that Akara Resources PLC, the operator of the Chatree Gold Mine, is liable for environmental damage and health issues affecting communities around its northern Thailand operations. This judgment marks the country’s pioneering environmental class action, reflecting a broader global trend towards holding corporations accountable for ecological…
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has strategically enhanced its international arbitration capabilities by recruiting a seasoned partner to its Washington, D.C. office. This move bolsters the firm’s expertise in Latin American disputes, an area of growing importance for global arbitration. The new addition, who brings deep experience in investment and commercial arbitration, aims to strengthen…
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to address significant cases during its upcoming March session, which will center on the legality of state laws permitting the counting of late-arriving mail-in ballots in federal elections and the employment classification of “last-mile” delivery drivers. The decisions in these cases could have far-reaching implications for electoral processes and…
The recent decision by the Seventh Circuit Court has highlighted the complexities of arbitration agreements and the limits of an arbitrator’s authority. In a divided 2-1 ruling, the court sided with USAA, contending that the arbitrator overstepped by neglecting a post-reward review process, which was explicitly outlined in the arbitration agreement. This case exemplifies the…
The ongoing legal debate over the Federal Arbitration Act’s (FAA) scope continues as the United States Supreme Court confronts Flowers Foods v. Brock. This case brings into focus the question of whether “last-mile” drivers – those responsible for delivering goods from regional warehouses to retail locations – should be categorized as “transportation workers” engaged in…
The recent decision permitting the discrimination suit against the National Football League (NFL) to proceed in open court marks a pivotal shift in how such cases may be addressed within the sports industry. Historically, allegations of discrimination, particularly those involving employment decisions, have often been settled through arbitration. This decision opens the door for greater…
The landscape of trans-Atlantic law firms is undergoing a significant transformation due to a surge in mergers, profoundly impacting the legal hiring market. The combination of firms across the Atlantic is reshaping recruitment strategies, compensation structures, and career trajectories for legal professionals in both Europe and the United States. According to Bloomberg Law, these mergers…
Goldman Sachs recently faced a setback in its attempt to move a bankruptcy-related dispute to arbitration. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the financial institution’s bid, marking a significant decision in the realm of bankruptcy proceedings. Goldman Sachs had been involved in proceedings against creditors that involved claims stemming from the bankruptcy of Patriot…
Baker Botts, a prominent international law firm, has bolstered its presence in the Asia-Pacific region by adding a new international arbitration partner to its Singapore office. This strategic move is part of the firm’s ongoing effort to expand its arbitration capabilities in a market that continues to see significant growth in dispute resolution activities. The…