The Division of Examinations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) took an unprecedented step this fiscal year, announcing its 2024 Examination Priorities (2024 Priorities) at the beginning of the fiscal year for the first time. This novel approach likely showcases the Division’s ambition to be highly active over the next 12 months with…
Chris Allen, an erstwhile partner at an Australian firm Corrs, played a prank on a colleague while on a Virgin flight from Sydney to Tasmania. His operations, however, went awry as the note he penned in the aircraft’s bathroom was intercepted by a flight attendant. The content of the note not only alarmed the attendant…
The Honorable Paul W. Grimm, a highly respected and recently retired U.S. District Judge, has taken a decided stance regarding the current climate facing the judiciary in his thought-provoking piece aptly titled “The Judiciary Is Under Attack. Lawyers Have a Duty to Defend It“. Echoing concerns felt across the justice sector, Judge Grimm underlines the…
The legal community is in shock after the targeted killing of Washington County, Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Fisher Wilkinson. Wilkinson was shot in his driveway on a recent Thursday, in what authorities are calling a targeted attack. Just hours prior to his murder, Judge Wilkinson had made his ruling in the divorce case of…
Albania’s former Prime Minister, Sali Berisha, and his son-in-law have been charged with corruption and money laundering charges related to a controversial land deal. The charges were laid by the Albanian prosecutors following their investigations into a land deal which saw the grounds of a sports club being privatized. [More details] The Special Prosecutor’s Office…
Two officials from the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin) have been taken into custody for allegedly employing phone hacking tools without the requisite judicial authority. The arrests were enacted under the auspices of “Operation Last Mile,” an initiative aimed at scrutinizing the misuse of mobile device geolocation systems. The Federal Police of Brazil announced these arrests…
The military government in Niger on Friday stated that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum attempted to escape from his residence, a claim firmly denied by his lawyers. Following the attempt, Bazoum’s current whereabouts are undisclosed. Bazoum has been under house arrest since July 26, 2023 when a military coup overturned his government. A report by the…
In a tragic turn of events, Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson was fatally shot on Thursday night on his property. According to authorities, the gunman was identified as a man who had earlier that day lost custody rights of his children in a court proceeding presided over by Judge Wilkinson. The disconcerting incident brings…
Beginning November 1, 2023, it will become mandatory for divorcing parents, as well as parties to annulment, parentage, and modification actions involving custody or parenting time to undertake a four-hour online parenting course known as “Two Parents Now”. This mandate, brought about by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, is highlighted in Standing Order 3-23….
US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva was arrested in Russia this Wednesday due to failing to register as a “foreign agent.” Kurmasheva, who writes for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and holds dual citizenship for both Russia and the United States, travelled to Russia in May following a family emergency. As per the details provided by RFE/RL,…
On Wednesday, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) announced the release of French-Afghan journalist Mortaza Behboudi, who had been detained by a Taliban court in Afghanistan for 284 days. All charges against Behboudi, which included allegations of espionage and illegal support for foreigners, were nullified during a criminal court hearing in Kabul. Following the decision, he was…
In a significant clarification, the highest court in the land has ruled that an order conferring “standing” to grandparents is not subject to immediate appeal. The term “standing” is defined by lawyers as “the right to be involved in the litigation”, a subject that has been avidly discussed in recent years. Many grandparents find themselves…
In light of the recent enforcement action kickstarted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against several registered investment advisers, professionals everywhere are anticipated to reevaluate their practices. The SEC’s enforcement actions, many might argue, signal a revitalized commitment to oversee and govern the activities of investment advisers, particularly in matters related to some…
In an unusual turn of events, Matt Pippin, a lawyer from Shelby County, Kentucky, is protesting legal delays in a unique way — by requesting to be incarcerated with his client. This highly unusual request arises from frustrating delays in his client’s competency evaluation. Pippin’s client, Jacob Gonzalez, has reportedly been awaiting the exam for…
In numerous surrogacy arrangements across the world, things usually go as planned. However, when matters go awry under unusual circumstances, the legal aftermath could become highly complex. A recent case from Montana’s Supreme Court throws light on this difficult scenario. The intriguing tale involves a Chinese student living in Alabama, acting as (future) father, a…
Co-parenting during the holiday season can often amplify existing challenges and stresses. As Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the winter holidays swiftly approach, preparations for these festive times can provoke additional complexities for those involved in custody actions. Lawyers from Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP have provided essential advice to ensure a smooth holiday season for…
Attorneys and legal professionals need to take note of a recent development which draws attention towards the personal sphere – this time involving a law student and son of a prominent co-founder of Buc-ee’s, a popular Texas convenience store chain. He has been taken into police custody in connection with an alleged secret filming of…
In a conspicuous move against the freedom of the legal profession in Russia, three lawyers representing Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian dissident and critic, were arrested on charges of participating in an extremist group allegedly led by Navalny. The lawyers – Vadim Kobzev, Igor Segunin, and Alexei Lipster – were taken into custody following raids…
Florida attorney Patricia Anne Bronson was taken into custody recently following an incident where she left two minors, aged 3 and 7, by themselves on a beach for a significant period of time. According to police, the children were alone for around 30 to 45 minutes. The charges against Bronson include two counts of third-degree…
Collaborative divorce, a process where both parties work together to negotiate their divorce terms, is a concept that has garnered the interest of many. However, one question which frequently arises is – how long does a collaborative divorce take? The time involved in such a scenario can vary greatly, depending on numerous factors. This uncertainty…
In the often complex scenario of a couple separating or divorcing, it’s not uncommon for one party to seek a fresh start by relocating. This might involve a simple move to a new residence, a change of town, or in more dramatic cases, a shift to an entirely new state. However, when children are involved,…
In a rapidly evolving society where traditional family dynamics have undergone significant changes, the question of child custody is complex and, at times, contentious. In North Carolina, the push for sole legal custody speaks to a broader narrative, a shift from common practices of the past towards an increasingly careful consideration of rights and responsibilities…
In recent years, a custody trend known as “nesting” or “birdnesting” has been gaining traction. As put forth by National Public Radio, this form of custody arrangement has garnered particular attention throughout the pandemic period. How does it work? There exists a common household where the children reside. The parents, on the other hand, alternate…
On Friday, the Supreme Court of Myanmar dismissed special motions for appeal pertaining to six corruption convictions of former State Counsellor and democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi. This dismissal is a marked setback for Suu Kyi, whose convictions include violations of the Natural Disaster Management Law, the Communication Law, and section 505(b) of the…
In the United States, citizens enjoy certain fundamental rights, including the right to interstate travel and live wherever they want. However, for divorced or separated parents, relocating out of state with a child can be a complex legal situation. This topic raises important questions and challenges, particularly regarding the enforcement of custody agreements and the…