Environmental

Adapting to Change: How Securities Lawyers Can Navigate Evolving Markets and Future-Proof Their Careers

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The landscape of securities law is undergoing substantial shifts, driven by evolving market dynamics, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. For securities lawyers, adapting to these changes is crucial to future-proofing their careers. The legal profession must embrace innovation to remain relevant in a volatile market environment. One key area where securities lawyers can focus is…

Read More

Washington State Governor Appoints Bree R. Black Horse to Yakima County Superior Court, Expanding Judicial Capacity for the First Time in Decades

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant appointment, Washington State’s Governor has named Bree R. Black Horse of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP to the Yakima County Superior Court. This decision marks the first new judicial position added to the court in nearly 30 years. Black Horse, a seasoned litigator with a rich background in tribal and environmental law,…

Read More

Arizona Legal Landscape Transforms as Fennemore and Gallagher & Kennedy Announce Strategic Merger

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Fennemore and Gallagher & Kennedy, two prominent Arizona-based law firms, have announced their intention to merge, effective December 1, 2026. The combined entity will operate under the Fennemore name, creating one of the largest business law firms in the state, with nearly 300 lawyers and legal professionals in Phoenix and more than 800 firmwide. ([fennemorelaw.com](https://www.fennemorelaw.com/fennemore-and-gallagher-kennedy-to-combine-creating-one-of-arizonas-largest-business-law-firms/?utm_source=openai))…

Read More

Fennemore Merges with Gallagher & Kennedy to Form 800-Lawyer Legal Powerhouse

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant move within the legal industry, Fennemore has announced a combination with Gallagher & Kennedy, which will create a formidable firm comprising 800 lawyers. This merger is poised to have considerable implications for regional and national legal landscapes. The merger is expected to close by early next year, subject to customary closing conditions….

Read More

Supreme Court Approves Trump’s White House East Wing Demolition for Ballroom, Prompting Debate on Aesthetic Injury Litigations

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a controversial decision, the Supreme Court has allowed former President Donald Trump to proceed with the demolition of the East Wing of the White House to construct a large ballroom. This decision, documented in detail on SCOTUSblog, has raised critical concerns regarding the judicial threshold for standing, particularly in cases citing aesthetic injuries. Traditionally,…

Read More

New York Releases 170,000 Pages of 9/11 Documents, Revealing Knowledge of Toxic Air Quality at Ground Zero

Pieter Gunst05 mins

On September 8, 2026, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the release of over 170,000 pages of previously undisclosed documents related to the city’s response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. These records, now accessible through a public portal, reveal that city officials were aware of hazardous air quality around Ground Zero while…

Read More

United Nations Advocates Unified Approach to Combat Air Pollution and Climate Change for Economic and Health Benefits

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The United Nations has emphasized the critical intersection of air pollution and climate change, advocating for a unified strategy to address both issues. According to a report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), a coordinated approach not only has the potential to save countless lives but could…

Read More

U.S. Supreme Court Supports Federal Agency Deference in Loper Bright Ruling

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a recent development, the U.S. Supreme Court has maintained its longstanding practice of granting deference to federal agencies through the “off-ramp” provision suggested in the Loper Bright case. This approach allows courts to sidestep direct challenges to agency authority by remitting cases back to the agency for further consideration under the agency’s interpretative discretion….

Read More

North Carolina Supreme Court Tackles Landmark Cases on NIL Rights, Environmental Accountability, and Privacy Concerns

Pieter Gunst03 mins

North Carolina’s highest court is poised for a busy September as it reconvenes to hear a series of high-profile legal disputes. First on the docket is a compelling name, image, and likeness (NIL) case initiated by members of North Carolina State University’s 1983 championship basketball team against the NCAA. The players assert that they were…

Read More

“Corporate Legal Challenges: Meta’s Settlement, Big Tech Antitrust, and Emerging Litigation in Pharmaceuticals and Climate Accountability”

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate law, Meta’s recent $17 billion settlement has stirred discussion among attorneys and academics alike. This settlement addresses claims regarding harm caused to children by the company’s content. Legal experts are divided on whether the actions of Meta’s in-house legal team leading up to this settlement were errors in judgment…

Read More

SolaREIT Strengthens Legal Team with New Executive Appointments amid Renewable Energy Expansion

Pieter Gunst03 mins

SolaREIT, a company specializing in solar real estate investment, recently announced a strategic addition to its executive team by appointing a new General Counsel and Transaction Counsel. This move underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding its legal and compliance infrastructure as it navigates the complexities of solar energy investments. The role will be crucial…

Read More

Jenner & Block Expands Energy Practice with Experienced DOJ Attorney in Strategic Hire

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a strategic move to bolster its energy practice, Jenner & Block LLP has recruited the former co-leader of Crowell & Moring LLP’s appellate division. This attorney brings a wealth of experience from a career at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. Her addition underscores Jenner & Block’s commitment to expanding…

Read More

Navigating Data Center Power Constraints: The Imperative of Early Tax Planning

Pieter Gunst04 mins

As the demand for data centers continues to rise, power constraints are becoming a critical issue for their operation. This development compels companies to focus on early tax planning to circumvent potential financial liabilities. The expansion of cloud computing and increased data requirements have contributed to this trend, placing substantial pressure on power grids, especially…

Read More

Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds as Angolan Asylum Seekers Face Rights Abuses in Namibia Amidst Drought Conditions

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Amnesty International has raised urgent concerns about the plight of Angolan women and children fleeing prolonged drought conditions and climate change impacts, primarily seeking asylum in Namibia. According to Amnesty International, the migratory dynamics driven by severe drought conditions have resulted in significant human rights challenges, particularly in terms of inadequate legal protection for those…

Read More

Navigating U.S. Legal Complexities: Challenges and Strategies for Japanese Corporations Expanding Abroad

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Japanese corporate executives and general counsels (GCs) are increasingly encountering the stark contrasts between Japan’s legal system and that of the United States. In Japan, litigation is rare and less confrontational. The adversarial posture and invasiveness of U.S. litigation is often disorienting. In Japan, litigation is rare and less confrontational. The adversarial posture and invasiveness…

Read More

Major Corporations Strengthen Legal Teams with Key Appointments amid Regulatory and Industry Shifts

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The corporate legal landscape witnessed significant changes in August with key appointments across major companies, reflecting strategic shifts in their legal strategies. Among the notable hires, Anthropic, Zillow, and ConocoPhillips made headlines with their selection of high-profile legal professionals to join their ranks. These appointments come at a time when in-house legal departments are increasingly…

Read More

Prominent Appellate Lawyer Rejoins Jones Day, Strengthening Firm’s Litigation Expertise Post-DOJ Tenure

Pieter Gunst04 mins

An appellate attorney renowned for navigating complex legal battles during the second Trump administration is rejoining Jones Day after serving over a year in a high-ranking position at the U.S. Department of Justice. His tenure at the DOJ was marked by involvement in significant issues, addressing challenges related to immigration, environmental policies, and federal spending…

Read More

SEC Ceases No-Action Letters for Shareholder Proposals, Shifts Dispute Resolution to Courts

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a significant shift in its approach to shareholder proposals under Rule 14a-8. Effective immediately, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance will no longer respond to no-action requests from companies seeking to exclude shareholder proposals from their proxy materials. This change marks a departure from the SEC’s…

Read More

Supreme Court Greenlights Trump White House Ballroom Amid Legal and Environmental Concerns

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to allow former President Donald Trump to continue the construction of a ballroom at the White House, marking a notable instance in which judicial intervention intersects with presidential infrastructure projects. The ruling effectively permits the ongoing development despite challenges that have emerged from legal and environmental circles. The ballroom…

Read More

Balancing Progress: Trump’s Push for Data Center Expansion Amid Environmental Concerns

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump urged the public and policymakers to support the expansion of data centers, emphasizing their crucial role in the modern economy. Trump’s remarks come amidst growing opposition from environmental groups and local communities concerned about the ecological and infrastructural impact of large-scale data facilities. The expansion of data…

Read More

New Jersey’s Legal Spending Surges Amid Historic PFAS Settlements: Implications for the Sherrill Administration’s Strategy

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In 2025, New Jersey’s expenditures on external legal counsel exceeded $53 million, with a significant portion allocated to litigation involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” This substantial outlay raises questions about potential shifts in legal spending under Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration. PFAS litigation has been a focal point for New…

Read More

Oil & Gas Co. Strengthens Legal Strategy with Former Serious Fraud Office Official as General Counsel

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Oil & Gas Co. has appointed a former senior official from the UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) as its new General Counsel. This strategic move signals the company’s emphasis on bolstering its legal and compliance framework, especially in the context of increasingly stringent regulatory environments worldwide. The selection of a seasoned professional from an institution…

Read More