The legal community is closely observing a significant lawsuit filed by Teri Patterson, who served as Associate General Counsel for the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) for nearly a decade. Patterson alleges that the NFLPA engaged in gender-based discrimination, leading her to file a $10 million lawsuit against the organization. This legal action highlights…
A recent decision by a North Carolina appeals court has breathed new life into a lawsuit brought by a former senior legal figure against a solar energy company. The plaintiff, who served in a top-tier legal role, alleges that she faced sex-based discrimination during her tenure with the company. Following a Wednesday ruling, one element…
The legal industry is seeing a notable shift in its dynamics, with several key trends emerging from recent data analysis. Notably, the latest insights from Law.com highlight the rising influence of private equity on legal practices, forecasting a new wave of rising stars set to make their mark by 2025. Data indicates that private equity-backed…
The landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is evolving, challenging global General Counsels (GCs) to balance varying international standards and expectations. While many corporations in the United States have made DEI central to their operations, the approach internationally can differ significantly. This requires GCs to execute a nuanced strategy when promoting these values across…
In the dynamic landscape of legal practice, the trajectory of equity partner ranks in large law firms is a subject of considerable interest. Based on recent findings, approximately 82% of surveyed leaders at large firms have indicated their intention to expand their equity partner ranks over the next two years. This represents an increase from…
Florida has escalated its scrutiny of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts by filing a complaint against Starbucks. The legal action claims that Starbucks’ DEI practices, particularly its numerical targets for race-based hiring and compensation, amount to discriminatory practices against certain groups. The complaint further alleges that Starbucks alters its promotions and pay increases…
In a significant decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has permitted the Trump administration’s policy to ban certain transgender individuals from military service to go forward. The policy prohibits individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria from serving, unless they adhere to standards consistent with their biological sex at birth. This…
As the legal landscape continues to evolve, major law firms are reevaluating their global footprints and preparing for significant geographical shifts by 2026. This strategic repositioning is driven by the need to align closely with client demands, regulatory changes, and technological advancements impacting the legal industry on an international scale. Many firms are focusing on…
Apple Inc.’s legal landscape is evolving with the appointment of its new General Counsel, Kate Adams, succeeding Bruce Sewell. This transition carries weight not only for Apple but also for the corporate legal community at large. Here are seven key insights into the strategic changes and implications of her new role. Extensive Experience: Adams brings…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has endorsed the Texas Supreme Court’s proposal to eliminate the requirement that bar applicants graduate from American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law schools. In a letter to the court, the FTC criticized the ABA’s accreditation process, describing it as a “monopoly” that inflates legal education costs and restricts the number of…
Becoming a partner at a leading law firm such as Skadden is both a prestigious achievement and a testament to a lawyer’s dedication and professional acumen. Liana-Marie Lien, who recently navigated this challenging journey, offers valuable insights into the path that led her to such a significant milestone. She stresses the importance of striving to…
Michelle Meyers, a partner at Singleton Schreiber, underscores a fundamental approach for aspiring partners: maintaining an unwavering commitment to the law and client service. Her philosophy hinges on a deliberate focus on passion, continuous learning, and collaboration within legal teams. “My advice is to stay true to your passion for the law and commit yourself…
Morgan Lewis & Bockius, one of the largest law firms in the United States, is preparing for a significant leadership change as Chair Jami McKeon plans to step down next year. After nearly a decade at the helm, McKeon will pass the leadership baton in 2024. McKeon has been a pivotal figure since 2014, guiding…
This week in data, the legal industry is digesting insights from the Global 30 EU 2025 rankings, highlighting pivotal trends that could shape the landscape over the coming years. As reported by Law.com, the rankings provide an analytical look at the forces driving change across top European law firms. Among the key metrics is the…
During the General Counsel Conference East in New York, Laura Belmont engaged in a conversation with Legal Speak co-host Patrick Smith. The event provided a platform for legal leaders to discuss contemporary challenges and strategies in corporate legal practice. The full session with Laura Belmont can be found here. Throughout the conversation, Belmont emphasized the…
In a strategic move reflecting the growing importance of legal expertise in the cybersecurity sector, Axonius has announced the appointment of its first General Counsel, hiring former Azra Games executive Alyssa Harvey Dawson. Dawson brings a wealth of experience from her leadership role at Azra Games, where she navigated complex legal landscapes and contributed to…
Stephanie Cherny recently joined Legal Speak co-host Patrick Smith during the General Counsel Conference East in New York. This event, known for bringing together some of the most influential legal minds, provided a platform for discussion on various pressing issues within the legal industry. For those interested in hearing more about this conversation, you can…
The latest compensation report sheds light on the earning trends for General Counsels (GCs) in large corporations, revealing significant insights into their pay structures and influencing factors. In many companies, the role of the GC has evolved beyond traditional legal oversight, expanding to include strategic decision-making within the C-suite. This transformation has naturally impacted compensation,…
In a recent development that is generating significant attention in legal circles, President Trump has chosen a partner from Norton Rose Fulbright to serve as the General Counsel for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This appointment marks a pivotal moment in shaping the agency responsible for enforcing federal laws against workplace discrimination. The…
A new trend in employment litigation has emerged, with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leaders themselves stepping into the role of plaintiffs. This phenomenon signals a shifting legal environment, where DEI professionals allege retaliation following the rollback of initiatives they championed. As organizations navigate this terrain, they face legal challenges not only from those advocating…
The American Bar Association’s recent move to revisit the repeal of Standard 206 has ignited discussions within the legal education community. Standard 206, which focuses on promoting diversity and inclusion within law schools, has been a cornerstone of the ABA’s accreditation criteria. The proposal to repeal this standard was sent back to committee for further…
The American Bar Association (ABA) Council recently took a procedural step on revisions to a nondiscrimination standard, electing to return the proposals to its Standards Committee without generating a formal discussion or vote. This decision defers any immediate changes to the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity standard that had been considered by the Council. The proposed…
Manning & Kass Ellrod Ramirez Trester LLP, a prominent national law firm, is currently facing allegations of age discrimination, according to a lawsuit filed in California state court. The lawsuit claims that a senior firm leader was responsible for making derogatory comments about employees over 40, with an alleged aim to pressure them out of…
At the General Counsel Conference East held in New York, Jennifer Contegiacomo engaged in a conversation with Patrick Smith, co-host for Legal Speak. The conference is a key gathering for legal professionals, offering insights into emerging challenges and strategies in the legal landscape. This year, the discussions centered around the evolving role of general counsel…
The legal community gathered in New York for the General Counsel Conference East, where Erin Wiggins, a respected figure in corporate law, shared her insights with Patrick Smith on the podcast Legal Speak. The conversation focused on the evolving challenges faced by general counsels in today’s dynamic environment. This year’s conference highlighted key issues such…