Junior lawyers are often faced with the daunting decision of where to begin their legal careers. With openings at the Department of Justice (DOJ) increasing, recent graduates and early-career attorneys should consider these opportunities despite initial apprehensions. A comprehensive evaluation of the DOJ landscape reveals that it offers distinctive experiences that can significantly benefit one’s…
John Squires, the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, recently postponed a planned celebration marking his first year in office. The decision came after the event faced scrutiny over potential ethics concerns. A source familiar with the situation noted that the planned celebration was considered unprecedented for the agency, raising eyebrows among legal…
On October 8, the New England Legal Awards will shine a spotlight on distinguished attorneys and legal professionals during a ceremony in Boston. Among those being recognized is C. Scott Schwefel of Shipman Shaiken Schwefel, designated as an ‘Unsung Hero’ for his exceptional contributions to the field of law. Schwefel’s work, characterized by a steadfast…
The recent return of Sara Craig Gongol to Squire Patton Boggs LLP marks a significant moment for the firm as it re-welcomes a seasoned legal professional with extensive political experience. Gongol, who previously served as chief of staff to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, is set to resume private practice in the law firm where her…
A prominent think tank in Washington, D.C. has recently appointed a former U.S. Department of Justice chief of staff as its litigation chair. This development marks an important addition to their team, bringing in extensive experience from the highest levels of governmental legal practice. The attorney previously occupied key roles within the Trump administration, notably…
Judge Leslie Southwick of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has announced his intention to assume senior status, which will allow him to reduce his caseload while still contributing to the court’s activities. This decision marks a significant juncture for the appellate court based in New Orleans, as it creates another vacancy that former President…
Holland & Knight has made a strategic addition to its team by hiring an M&A partner from McDermott Will & Emery, strengthening its presence in the competitive Atlanta market. The move underscores Holland & Knight’s commitment to expanding its transactional practice, especially in a city that serves as a hub for numerous corporate headquarters. Joseph…
Alan Albright, who gained notoriety as one of the most prominent patent judges in the United States, has transitioned back to the private sector, joining Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP as a partner. This shift marks a significant career move after his impactful tenure on the bench where he became well-known for his handling of…
The legal community in Atlanta is witnessing a significant hiring trend within the Northern District of Georgia’s U.S. Attorney’s office, led by Theodore Hertzberg. Despite the challenges posed by national politics and a noticeable discrepancy in pay compared to private sector roles, the office is actively expanding its team. Hertzberg emphasized the enduring prestige associated…
In a notable move within the legal industry, private equity head Eric Schwartz is returning to Weil, Gotshal & Manges after a stint at Cravath, Swaine & Moore, to co-lead the practice. This return is part of Weil’s strategic initiative to attract “boomerang laterals,” professionals who initially began their careers at the firm, transitioned to…
Buchalter has further strengthened its restructuring practice by recruiting Jason Smelko to its San Diego office. Smelko, previously with Dentons, brings a wealth of experience in bankruptcy and restructuring, expanding the firm’s capabilities in these areas. His expertise is expected to benefit clients dealing with complex financial challenges, particularly in a market demanding innovative approaches…
Linda Watson’s ascent to leadership at Clark Hill is a testament to the integral role of continuous learning in professional development. Emphasizing that leadership skills are honed through deliberate effort, Watson advocates for a multifaceted approach that includes formal education, mentorship, and hands-on experience. This approach is reflective of a broader trend in top-tier law…
The 2026 Women, Influence and Power in Law Conference in Nashville has brought together influential voices from the legal industry, highlighting the evolving landscape of women in leadership roles. Tania Wilson, a prominent figure in the corporate legal sphere, shared her insights during a live recording of the Legal Speak podcast. Her discussion focused on…
The American Bar Association (ABA) is tasked with accrediting law schools across the United States, a responsibility that significantly influences legal education and, consequently, the legal profession itself. However, recent scrutiny suggests that the ABA may not always adhere strictly to its own rules when executing this role. This raises critical concerns about the integrity…
The legal community is mourning the loss of Tara Sutton, a formidable presence within the plaintiffs’ bar, who passed away at the age of 59. Sutton had an impactful career at Robins Kaplan, where she was known for her dedication and leadership. Her passing, caused by a brief illness, was announced on September 20 by…
The legal world is reflecting on the significant impact of Tom Sager, a transformative figure in legal operations and diversity initiatives, following his recent passing. As the former general counsel of DuPont, Sager was instrumental in reshaping the legal landscape through innovative practices and advocacy for increased diversity within the field. Sager’s tenure at DuPont…
In a notable shift, attorneys from leading law firms are increasingly transitioning to roles at artificial intelligence firms, often taking on positions that extend beyond traditional legal work. This migration is highlighted in a recent analysis that outlines how AI companies have become attractive avenues for legal professionals seeking to leverage their skills in innovative…
U.S. District Judge Anna St. John of the Eastern District of Louisiana is advancing toward a seat on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, as her nomination moves to the full Senate. Her confirmation in March to the district judgeship marked a significant step in her judicial career, and this new development positions her for…
Duane Morris LLP has reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit concerning the classification of its non-equity partners. The case, brought forth by a former attorney, alleged that the firm misclassified non-equity partners as exempt from overtime pay, which is stipulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This settlement highlights ongoing challenges within…
The 2026 Women, Influence and Power in Law (WIPL) Conference in Nashville once again provided a platform for prominent legal professionals to discuss pertinent issues affecting the industry. A notable segment featured Nancy Allred, recorded live, offering insights into evolving dynamics within legal leadership roles. This event continues to highlight the strides women are making…
In the years following the economic downturn of 2008, the legal industry faced a period of significant adjustment. The 2011 law school class provides a window into how hiring practices in Big Law have evolved over the past decade. A recent analysis reviews the trajectory of these graduates to illustrate key changes. During the initial…
The challenges facing women lawyers, who are often caught in the demanding cycle of managing careers while fulfilling caregiving roles, have become increasingly pronounced. A deeper look into this issue reveals how systemic barriers are contributing to burnout and attrition for many women in the legal profession. A recent discussion highlights how the pandemic exacerbated…
The journey to the Utah Supreme Court is rarely a straightforward path, and Justice Jay Jorgensen’s ascent is no exception. Hailing from the modest beginnings on his family’s cattle ranch in Ioka, Utah, Jorgensen’s career trajectory is a testament to both persistence and versatility. He progressed from working in retail giants such as Walmart and…
At Lightfoot Franklin & White, where the path to partnership can be demanding and intricate, Matthew Winne offers a simple yet profound piece of advice: “Do your best every day.” His perspective resonates deeply within the legal community, illuminating the often unstated pressures that accompany high-stakes legal work. In Winne’s experience, there is always more…
Holland & Knight has announced the hiring of veteran government affairs specialist Kevin Blanton, bolstering its Public Policy & Regulation Group. Blanton brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous role as a senior director at Monument Advocacy, where he specialized in providing strategic advice on federal and state policy matters. His expertise…