As Cracker Barrel navigates its recovery from a challenging rebranding effort last year, the company’s General Counsel, Jennifer Lankford, and her predecessor highlight a vital internal transition. For the outgoing General Counsel, mentoring Lankford has provided one of the most rewarding experiences of his career, underscoring the importance of succession planning in corporate leadership. The…
Polsinelli, a highly regarded law firm known for its comprehensive services in corporate law, has announced the hiring of Patrick Degnan to its Phoenix Corporate M&A Group. This move further amplifies the firm’s growing presence in key U.S. markets. Degnan joins Polsinelli following a distinguished career in corporate law, particularly in mergers and acquisitions. Bloomberg…
Cooley LLP has appointed Norm Armstrong Jr. as the firm’s new chair of Antitrust and Competition, positioning him at the helm of a critical domain within the firm’s legal operations. Armstrong, known for his extensive experience in both private practice and as a former Deputy Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Competition, is…
McDermott Will & Emery has bolstered its energy and project finance capabilities with the addition of David Chan and Nigel Humphries as partners. The duo joins from the Norton Rose Fulbright, where both had distinguished careers focused on energy and infrastructure projects. David Chan is recognized for his work in renewable energy projects, providing extensive…
In the competitive landscape of law firms, ascending to the position of partner is a milestone that many aspire to but few achieve. Alan Shramuk of Marshall Gerstein provides insights into what it takes to reach this coveted role. Shramuk emphasizes the importance of consistently producing strong work and highlights how indispensable clear and timely…
This term, former clerks of the late Justice Antonin Scalia played a significant role in shaping arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court. According to a recent analysis, these clerks participated in arguments for half of the cases reviewed by the Court. The influence of Scalia’s former clerks continues to underline the lasting impact of his…
In an arena where many legal professionals aspire to argue a single case before the U.S. Supreme Court, Paul Clement stands out as a prominent figure who regularly engages with the nation’s highest judicial authority. This term, Clement, a name partner at Clement & Murphy PLLC, has set a personal milestone by arguing nine cases…
Arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court is a rare opportunity for many lawyers, but for Paul Clement, it’s almost routine. A formidable figure in appellate litigation, Clement has set a personal milestone by arguing nine cases in the current term alone, reinforcing his prowess in the legal community. His firm, Clement & Murphy PLLC, has…
“`html The judiciary had an eventful week, with significant discussion centering around the legacy of William Rehnquist, the 16th Chief Justice of the United States, as reflected on SCOTUSblog. His tenure marked a pivotal moment for the Supreme Court, shifting it towards a more conservative approach. Rehnquist’s early life and career shaped his legal philosophy….
Guy Ficco, who formerly held the position of Deputy Chief at the IRS Criminal Investigation division, is set to join the renowned tax law firm Kostelanetz LLP. Ficco’s decision to transition into a private sector role follows a distinguished 28-year career with the IRS, where he was instrumental in enhancing the agency’s criminal investigation strategies….
The trend of law graduates bypassing the long-standing tradition of starting their careers at prestigious Big Law firms to join plaintiffs’ firms is gaining attention. This shift marks a notable change in career trajectories that have long been considered the gold standard for newly minted JDs. Recent graduates are finding plaintiffs’ firms increasingly attractive due…
Sam Baxter, a venerable figure in patent litigation, has announced his retirement from McKool Smith after a career extending over five decades. Baxter has been an influential player in the legal landscape, particularly within the Eastern District of Texas, a jurisdiction renowned for its pivotal role in patent law here. His departure marks the end…
Magic: The Gathering, a popular trading card game often associated with fantasy enthusiasts, has unexpectedly found a place in legal circles. Many legal professionals credit the game with sharpening skills that are directly transferable to the courtroom and office settings. The strategic complexity of Magic: The Gathering encourages players to think critically, anticipate opponents’ moves,…
In a burgeoning legal battle, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has initiated a lawsuit against the NCAA, the Big Ten Conference, and the Southeastern Conference. Filed in California state court, the lawsuit accuses these entities of illegally profiting from Williams’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) during his collegiate career without providing him with any…
Ten years have passed since the American Bar Association and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation released a groundbreaking study highlighting significant substance abuse and mental health issues within the legal profession. The study revealed that younger lawyers and those new to the profession were particularly vulnerable, sparking a vital conversation about the well-being of legal…
In the intricate landscape of federal judiciary work, U.S. District Judge Louise Flanagan stands as a seasoned arbiter of complex legal disputes. Her extensive career as an Article III judge is set for another chapter, as she takes the bench over the 2026 criminal case involving former FBI Director James Comey. This case charges Comey…
Nadine Menendez, recently convicted in a high-profile bribery case involving her former politician husband, has been denied bail by a New York federal judge as she pursues an appeal. The judge ruled that Menendez’s appeal did not present a substantial question of law, a requirement for granting bail pending appeal. This decision comes as Menendez…
The role of General Counsel (GC) in major corporations is increasingly seen as a pivotal strategic position, and the compensation packages for incoming and outgoing GCs at Strategy Inc. in 2025 have underscored this trend. According to insights from Law360, these top legal executives collectively earned $8.4 million, reflecting the essential role they play in…
The recent trademark applications by Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams have sparked a legal contest over the nickname “Iceman,” illustrating the complexities of intellectual property rights in sports. Williams filed four trademark applications on March 16, seeking to capitalize on the moniker he earned following a standout NFL season. This action has ignited a three-way…
In the competitive world of law, achieving the status of a partner is more than just mastering legal complexities—it’s about envisioning the larger business picture. Christopher Samis of Ice Miller exemplifies this approach by emphasizing the importance of understanding how legal work fits into the broader business landscape. This perspective can be crucial for legal…
Michigan’s Deputy Attorney General Joe Potchen will retire on April 30, concluding a distinguished 32-year career with the state, as announced by Attorney General Dana Nessel. His departure marks the end of a significant era in Michigan’s legal landscape, where he played a crucial role in various influential cases and policy developments. Potchen’s career has…
The recent legal dispute involving a college football player and his former institution underscores ongoing tensions in collegiate sports over player mobility and contractual obligations. A case has emerged from the University of Cincinnati, where a quarterback is challenging a lawsuit filed by the university demanding $1 million for breaching an employment agreement. This lawsuit…
Cohen & Steers, Inc. has announced that Francis C. Poli, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, will retire in the first quarter of 2027 after a 40-year career in financial services, including 20 years at the firm. ([cohenandsteers.com](https://www.cohenandsteers.com/news/cohen-steers-announces-retirement-of-francis-c-poli-general-counsel-corporate-secretary/?utm_source=openai)) Brian W. Heller, currently Deputy General Counsel, will succeed Mr. Poli and join the firm’s…
Former Manhattan federal prosecutor Maurene Comey has been granted permission to proceed with her lawsuit against the Department of Justice. The case alleges that her dismissal was politically motivated, rooted in her father James B. Comey’s contentious relationship with then-President Donald Trump. This decision was made by a federal judge earlier this week, allowing her…
A U.S. District Court judge recently ruled that Maurene Comey’s lawsuit against the Department of Justice (DOJ) over her dismissal can proceed. This decision marks a significant step forward in legal proceedings sparked by allegations of wrongful termination tied to internal DOJ dynamics. Maurene Comey, who is notably the daughter of former FBI Director James…