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…
The legal industry is undergoing significant changes that are placing increased pressure on attorneys, impacting their overall well-being. A recent analysis reveals that as the sector grapples with evolving demands and technological shifts, legal professionals are struggling to maintain a healthy balance between work commitments and personal life. This phenomenon is especially prevalent among younger…
A recent report has highlighted the pressing issue of anxiety and stress among legal professionals. This comprehensive review, compiled from multiple interviews with practitioners across the industry, sheds light on the mental health struggles prevalent in the legal field. Key findings suggest that long hours, high pressure, and the competitive nature of the profession significantly…
K&L Gates has announced the addition of Jeffrey Reed as a state and local tax partner in its New York office. Previously, Reed was a tax attorney at Eversheds Sutherland. This strategic move is expected to enhance the firm’s capacity to cater to complex tax issues in a changing regulatory landscape. Reed brings with him…
In a significant move indicative of the evolving legal landscape, Bill Abely, former chief of the criminal division for the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office, has joined the ranks of Litson PLLC. His transition to Litson as a white-collar partner coincides with the firm’s strategic expansion into the Boston market. This comes at a time when…
Chartwell Law Offices recently reached a settlement with a former Muslim attorney who had filed a lawsuit claiming discrimination and wrongful termination. The settlement marks a resolution to allegations that drew attention to issues of diversity and inclusion within legal practice environments. The attorney, who wished to remain unnamed, cited both religious and racial discrimination…
Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema is facing allegations of having started an affair with a former member of her security detail while he was still married. Sinema, however, has firmly denied these claims in a recent filing. The case brings attention to North Carolina’s unusual legal provision, the alienation of affection law, which allows spouses…
Jessica Kaempf, a distinguished attorney at Fenwick & West LLP, has been celebrated for her pragmatic yet relentless approach to client representation. Her efforts have garnered praise from peers, such as Kathi Vidal from Winston Taylor, recognizing her as a noteworthy litigator in a series highlighting leading women in law. This acknowledgment places Kaempf among…
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has announced the addition of Pauline Portos to their Paris office, bolstering their expertise in energy and infrastructure. Pauline Portos, who previously practiced with Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP, brings significant experience that will enhance Willkie’s offerings in these critical sectors. Her move is part of a strategic expansion aimed…
In today’s competitive legal market, attorneys face the dual challenge of excelling in both law and business development. This is particularly crucial as most law school curricula lack comprehensive business training. One effective strategy is simplifying networking, an essential component of successful business development. By honing networking skills, legal professionals can expand their reach and…
In the competitive world of law, where the path to partnership is often shrouded in intense competition and stringent prerequisites, an authentic commitment to truth can serve as a guiding beacon. Robert McFarlane, a partner at Moses & Singer, underscores this principle as an essential element in his journey to partnership. Emphasizing not only the…
A recent decision by the Georgia Court of Appeals has resulted in a setback for a former associate at Cooley LLP, who sought ongoing disability benefits following a series of health issues. The court ruled against Jennifer Connelly’s claim for sustained payments, marking a significant moment in disability litigation within the legal industry. The case,…
Reed Smith LLP recently defended its approach to document production in a gender discrimination lawsuit filed by one of its former attorneys. The legal team for Reed Smith argued before a New Jersey court to dismiss what they described as a hasty motion from the plaintiff, who is seeking to strike Reed Smith’s answer and…
Troutman Pepper has announced its decision to align with the associate pay scale recently set by Milbank LLP, taking effect in 2027. This move situates Troutman Pepper alongside a series of prominent BigLaw firms that have opted to match this market rate, which offers compensation packages ranging from $235,000 to $455,000. Such standardization is indicative…
The legal community is watching closely as an ex-Wisconsin judge, recently convicted of obstructing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest, continues to practice law while appealing her conviction. This decision comes after the Supreme Court of Wisconsin opted not to suspend her license amidst the ongoing legal proceedings. The implications of this decision resonate…
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award, which aims to recognize individuals who have made considerable strides early in their legal careers to improve the American legal system. Named in memory of Alli Gerkman, the award honors her legacy as a zealous advocate for legal system reform. Gerkman, who passed…
In the competitive world of law, the path to partnership is often seen as a measure of success. Sean Farrell of Smith Currie provides a noteworthy perspective on this journey. His advice centers on finding the “best fit” rather than chasing the highest salary or the most glamorous practice area. Farrell suggests prioritizing environments where…
The 2026 Women, Influence and Power in Law (WIPL) Conference in Nashville serves as a vital platform for addressing the evolving role of women in legal leadership. This year, the spotlight fell on Nana Boyer, whose insights were captured live in a session of Legal Speak, a prominent legal podcast. Boyer, a formidable presence in…