Contracts

California Enacts Law Limiting Fee-Sharing with Out-of-State Alternative Business Structures in Legal Industry

Pieter Gunst06 mins

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 931 (AB 931) into law, introducing significant restrictions on fee-sharing arrangements between California attorneys and out-of-state law firms owned by non-lawyers, commonly referred to as Alternative Business Structures (ABS). This legislation, effective January 1, 2026, prohibits California lawyers and firms from sharing contingency fees with ABS entities…

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Legal Challenges Surrounding Anti-Moonlighting Policies and Wage Transparency Intensify

Pieter Gunst03 mins

As legal challenges against anti-moonlighting policies and opaque wage practices intensify, corporations are bracing for potential legal and reputational repercussions. Recently, the landscape has seen a surge in lawsuits targeting companies accused of stymying wage transparency and enforcing restrictive non-competition agreements that hinder employees’ ability to pursue supplementary employment opportunities. For years, critics have argued…

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Supreme Court Decision on “Void” vs. “Voidable” Contracts Could Transform Corporate Law Practices

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a legal landscape where precision in terminology can have significant financial implications, the case involving Moelis & Company stands out, hinging largely on the interpretation of “void” versus “voidable.” The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on this matter could set a precedent, affecting how similar contractual disputes are adjudicated in the future. Bloomberg Law provides…

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Johnson & Johnson Challenges $1 Billion Ruling Over Surgical Robot Contract Interpretation in Delaware Courts

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Johnson & Johnson is actively seeking to overturn a $1 billion earnout damages decision, arguing that Vice Chancellor Lori W. Will misapplied the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The company contends that this interpretation incorrectly superseded the explicit terms of their contract concerning the development of a surgical robot originally created by…

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Federal Worker Firings Begin Amidst Washington Budget Standoff, Raising Concerns Over Governance Stability

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The ongoing budget impasse in Washington has triggered a new round of federal worker firings, as the White House begins implementing measures to manage the effects of the shutdown. According to Bloomberg Law, the administration has commenced notifying employees about potential furloughs and terminations in response to the continued delay in budget approvals. This action…

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Comedians’ Silence on Saudi Human Rights Sparks Ethical Debate Amid Riyadh Festival

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Following a recent comedy festival in Riyadh, several comedians have come under scrutiny for their silence on Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Human Rights Watch (HRW) called out performers for not addressing the country’s treatment of dissidents, including figures like Waleed Abu al-Khair and Manahel al-Otaibi, who remain unjustly detained. HRW emphasized the importance of…

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Ninth Circuit Weighs Antitrust Appeal Against Gilead Over HIV Drug Market Practices

Pieter Gunst04 mins

On October 9, 2025, a panel from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments from insurers and health plans challenging a lower court’s dismissal of their antitrust claims against Gilead Sciences. The plaintiffs contend that Gilead engaged in a “product-hop” strategy to extend its market exclusivity for HIV medications and allege an agreement with…

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Elon Musk’s Social Media Activity Spurs Court-Ordered Disclosure of Security Clearances

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Elon Musk’s outspoken presence on social media has again drawn significant public attention, this time influencing a legal decision regarding his security clearances. The New York Times triumphed in court to obtain a detailed list of the billionaire’s top-secret security clearances after a US agency initially attempted to block the disclosure, citing Musk’s right to…

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Streamlined Strategies: How Eventbrite’s General Counsel is Pioneering Lean Legal Operations for Tech Efficiency

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Eventbrite’s General Counsel, Katie Gibson, has embraced a streamlined approach to legal operations, illustrating that a lean team can effectively navigate a company’s legal landscape. This strategy reflects a broader trend in corporate legal management towards efficiency and resourcefulness without compromising effectiveness. Gibson has chosen to rely on a small, agile legal team, focusing on…

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Keith Rabois Invests in Spellbook: Accelerating the Integration of AI in Legal Drafting

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Keith Rabois, a partner at Founders Fund and notable figure in Silicon Valley, is placing a strategic bet on legal AI technology with his investment in the startup Spellbook. This innovative company seeks to transform legal drafting through the integration of artificial intelligence, aiming to boost efficiency and accuracy in legal practices. Spellbook’s approach involves…

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WilmerHale Taps Former DOJ Civil Division Leader Brian Boynton for Regulatory Affairs Leadership in 2026

Pieter Gunst04 mins

WilmerHale has announced that Brian Boynton, former head of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division, will assume the role of Chair of the firm’s Regulatory and Government Affairs Department at the beginning of 2026. Boynton rejoined WilmerHale earlier this year after a four-year tenure at the DOJ, where he led a team of approximately…

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Legal Battle Over Secret Recordings Highlights Government Transparency Concerns in Tom Homan Bribery Case

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Democracy Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting government transparency, has initiated legal action against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for failing to release video recordings related to an alleged bribery case involving Tom Homan, the current White House Border Czar. ([democracyforward.org](https://democracyforward.org/updates/tom-homan-foia/?utm_source=openai)) In September 2024, while serving…

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Ohio Supreme Court Considers Impact of Juvenile Court Union Contracts on Judicial Authority

Pieter Gunst03 mins

As the Ohio Supreme Court deliberates the validity of union contracts for juvenile court employees, the case underscores an ongoing tension between local policy-making and state-level labor regulations. At the heart of the matter is whether juvenile court judges possess the authority to nullify collective bargaining agreements negotiated by county commissioners on behalf of court…

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Federal Circuit’s Jurisdictional Review Could Redefine Legal Strategies in Patent Cases Involving Federal Contractors

Pieter Gunst03 mins

During a recent session in Boston, the Federal Circuit scrutinized the jurisdiction in a patent infringement case against a NASA contractor. The dispute, brought forth by two individuals from California, questions whether their claims should be adjudicated in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This legal examination underscores complexities surrounding intellectual property rights when federal…

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Eighth Circuit Ruling Signals Potential Shift in Jurisdiction for Labor Disputes in Legal Tech Industry

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued a decision in favor of a former employee at Consilio, a legal document review company, requiring the Minnesota federal district court to reassess its jurisdiction over the worker’s claims. The employee is pursuing statutory damages for alleged unpaid overtime under the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act. This…

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U.S. False Claims Act Now Encompasses Immigration Violations in Federal Contracts

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant development, the False Claims Act (FCA) has been broadened to include immigration-related violations in federal contracts. This expansion allows federal authorities to address fraudulent claims linked to immigration compliance, adding a new dimension to the act’s enforcement capabilities. The recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit centers…

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Chandler Moore Files Lawsuit Against Former Business Manager for Alleged Intellectual Property Misappropriation

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Chandler Moore has filed a lawsuit against his former business manager alongside several entities alleged to be his “corporate alter egos.” The claims include forgery and misappropriation of intellectual property that could potentially deprive Moore of millions in royalties. Moore’s legal team argues that the manager exploited his position to enrich…

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Eleventh Circuit Upholds Music Royalties Firm in Landmark Breach of Contract Case Involving Black Sheep Member

Pieter Gunst02 mins

The Eleventh Circuit recently upheld a victory for a music royalties firm in a legal battle with a member of the ’90s hip-hop duo Black Sheep. The dispute centered on allegations of breached contract obligations over royalty payments. The decision reinforces contractual expectations in the music industry and underscores the legal intricacies artists face regarding…

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Kirkland & Ellis Boosts Sports Law Expertise with Return of Top Attorneys Amid Rising Private Equity Interest

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Kirkland & Ellis, a key player in the legal sector, has strategically bolstered its sports law practice by bringing back two seasoned attorneys, Irwin Raij and Peter Ginsberg, from Proskauer Rose. With these additions, Kirkland aims to enhance its capacity to secure high-profile sports deals, a domain gaining traction as more private equity firms invest…

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Genova Burns Enhances Educational Law Expertise with Key Hire of Former University General Counsel

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Genova Burns, a prominent law firm based in Newark, New Jersey, has expanded its expertise by bringing on board a seasoned professional in educational law. Rochelle Gizinski, formerly the General Counsel for Felician University, has joined the firm, adding her significant experience in higher education legal matters to their roster. Her deep understanding of the…

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Trump Administration’s Proposal to Universities Raises Concerns About Academic Autonomy

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Trump administration’s recent proposal to nine universities has sparked significant debate in the higher education sector. The offer, reported by The Wall Street Journal, stipulates that these institutions align their operations with the administration’s priorities in exchange for “substantial and meaningful federal grants.” This proposal includes detailed oversight over diverse aspects of university management,…

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