The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit recently issued a significant decision authored by Judge Kent Bove that could change the landscape for reverse-discrimination claims. The court’s ruling makes it potentially easier for white individuals to bring claims of discrimination, a development poised to draw considerable attention as it aligns with themes that…
General Counsel’s role has evolved significantly, requiring a blend of legal acumen and interpersonal skills. Central to this transformation is a focus on employee engagement. One exemplary figure in this domain has demonstrated prowess in fostering a work environment where staff are not just engaged, but thrive. Effective communication is a cornerstone of this General…
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP has announced a strategic expansion of its employment law team with the hiring of Scott Redelman, a seasoned employment partner based in Houston. This move reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its presence in crucial markets and enhancing its capacity to serve clients across a range of employment…
The legal industry is undergoing significant shifts, influenced by a variety of data-driven trends that have emerged recently. One of the key highlights from this week’s data insights includes Big Law’s largest lateral hires projected for 2025, marking a notable trend in talent acquisition strategies. As law firms adapt to changing market needs, lateral hiring…
The debate over weight and workplace discrimination is gaining momentum as the legal landscape shifts towards recognizing overweight individuals as a potential protected class. Traditionally, weight has been an overlooked aspect of workplace discrimination, partly due to societal perceptions. “A lot of people think that being fat is a choice,” explained Law Professor Doron Dorfman,…
AT&T has reached a settlement with the New York City pension funds regarding a lawsuit that challenged the company’s diversity and inclusion practices. This legal development puts an end to allegations that AT&T failed to adequately diversify its workforce and leadership, a claim brought forward by shareholders represented by the NYC pension funds. The litigation…
The American Bar Association’s Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar has taken a decisive step to repeal its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards for law schools. This move follows the suspension of these standards amid growing scrutiny and a crackdown on DEI initiatives by the current administration. The…
The 2026 Laterals Report offers a comprehensive examination of hiring patterns within the Am Law 200, revealing significant trends in the lateral hiring market and spotlighting notable moves among Big Law firms. The report, available on Law.com, draws on a full year’s worth of hiring data to illuminate these patterns. The lateral market has seen…
The American Bar Association (ABA) Council has initiated a process to gather feedback on proposed amendments to the accreditation standards, specifically aimed at recognizing alternative pathways to attorney licensure. In a move to modernize its approach, the council voted on Friday to put forth these changes for notice and comment. This initiative seeks to explicitly…
Kirkland & Ellis LLP, a leading international law firm, has reached a resolution with a former IT worker who had filed a discrimination lawsuit. The agreement to drop the case marks the end of legal proceedings that alleged racial and national origin discrimination. The lawsuit, originally filed in a Chicago federal court, accused the firm…
Law firms across the United States are grappling with a significant shift in the diversity landscape after the announcement that the Mansfield Rule would be pausing its implementation. The Mansfield Rule, which has been pivotal in guiding firms towards a more inclusive environment, requires law firms to consider a diverse set of candidates for leadership…
The implementation of the H-1B wage-based lottery rule on February 27 has introduced significant changes to the H-1B visa application process, particularly impacting law firms involved in sponsoring foreign workers. This rule modifies the selection process from a random lottery to a wage-based system, where higher-paid positions are prioritized, intensifying the pressure on employers to…
Corporate Counsel has unveiled the finalists for its esteemed Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards 2026. These awards are dedicated to recognizing exceptional female leaders and their allies within both in-house legal teams and law firms, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women in the legal field. This year’s winners will be…
A popular Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative has been paused in light of federal scrutiny and financial challenges. The program, which had gained significant traction for promoting inclusive practices in the workplace, is now under review by federal authorities. The pause raises questions about the future of DEI efforts within organizations facing external pressures….
As the legal industry steps into the new year, the hiring trends in legal services have made a notable mark. According to recent reports, the sector began with robust hiring activity, signaling optimism for continued growth throughout 2023. This increase in hiring reflects not just a rebound from pandemic-related slowdowns but also an evolution in…
Paul Weiss, a venerable institution within the legal sector, has long been celebrated for its progressive culture, often lauded for diversity and inclusion within its ranks. However, recent developments suggest that the firm’s progressive ethos may be at odds with what is being referred to as the “Vampire Rule,” a phrase used to describe the…
A former McDermott Will & Schulte LLP attorney has called upon an Illinois federal court to dismiss a subpoena that she argues is intended to harass and discredit her in an ongoing racial bias lawsuit. The attorney, who is Black, claims she faced retaliation and was ultimately terminated after she exposed instances of racial bias…
Brad Karp’s decision to step down as the chair of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP marks the end of a pivotal era for the firm. Under his leadership, which began in 2008, Paul Weiss experienced remarkable growth, with revenue, revenue per lawyer (RPL), and profits per equity partner (PEP) all significantly surpassing the…
Paymentus Holdings, the North Carolina-based fintech firm specializing in electronic bill presentment and payment solutions, has reached a settlement in an age discrimination lawsuit filed by a former attorney. This legal development comes just ahead of what would have been a significant trial focusing on workplace age bias within the fintech sector. The lawsuit was…
The recent resolution of a race bias case involving Palm Steakhouse and a former general counsel highlights ongoing challenges within corporate America concerning diversity and inclusion. Following allegations of racial discrimination, the high-profile restaurant chain and its former Black general counsel have agreed to settle the lawsuit. The case underscores how allegations of bias can…
In recent years, the landscape of legal recruitment has undergone significant shifts, compelling even prestigious law firms like Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to reassess their strategies in what is often termed the “talent wars.” Competitors and corporate clients alike are pressing these elite firms to innovate in how…
Mindy Kaling, renowned writer, producer, and actress, is set to headline the Tuesday keynote at Legalweek 2026, offering a unique perspective on creativity and innovation in the legal industry. The keynote is part of the conference’s expanded programming and promises to bring fresh insights to attendees. The event will be held at the Javits Center…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning to 42 prominent law firms in response to their involvement in a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program. The FTC suggests that this participation may amount to anticompetitive collusion. According to Law360, these actions arise from concerns that collaboration within such programs might limit competition among…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued warning letters to 42 prominent law firms, expressing concerns that their participation in the Mansfield Certification program may contravene antitrust laws, specifically the Sherman Act and Section 5 of the FTC Act. The Mansfield Certification, developed by Diversity Lab, aims to enhance diversity within the legal profession by…
Danielle Conway, a prominent figure in legal education, has been appointed as the next president of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). Taking the helm, Conway emphasizes the crucial role of academic freedom in fostering an environment where ideas can flourish. Her vision for the AALS is grounded in the belief that academic freedom…