O’Melveny & Myers LLP has made a notable addition to its Washington D.C. office by hiring an environmental attorney from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, who has dedicated over two decades to his previous firm. This move was announced on Monday, marking a strategic addition to O’Melveny’s environmental law capabilities, given the attorney’s extensive experience…
Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a prominent figure in the U.S. Supreme Court, concluded the 2024 term with two notable dissents that highlighted her complex judicial philosophy, often defying the traditional conservative label. In Ohio v. EPA, Justice Barrett allied with the court’s liberal justices to oppose an emergency relief request from a major environmental regulation,…
Texas, a state known for its business-friendly environment and robust economic initiatives, is currently grappling with unprecedented challenges as historic heatwaves put a strain on its critical infrastructure. The state’s sprawling data centers, vital for the tech industry, face a significant test against the sweltering heat, raising questions about the sustainability of Texas’ business strategy….
The legal landscape is ever-evolving, with firms continuously vying for recognition on prestigious lists that highlight excellence and influence. As the 2026 A-List draws near, attention is turning to the 20 firms that have demonstrated significant progress, positioning themselves as potential contenders for next year’s list. This recognition captures firms that have shown robust performance…
The electric vehicle (EV) industry, once a beacon of innovation and sustainability, is now grappling with a significant downturn in sales. This decline has precipitated an increase in legal disputes among manufacturers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. A primary catalyst for these challenges appears to be the elimination of federal tax incentives, which had previously bolstered…
President Donald Trump has nominated Arkansas federal judge Lee Rudofsky to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. If confirmed, Rudofsky would ensure that the 11-member court becomes the first federal appellate court with a majority of judges appointed by Trump. This court holds jurisdiction over several states including…
In the evolving landscape of data center development, Texas stands out due to its favorable business conditions and regulatory environment. A crucial strategy for developers aiming for success in this region is engaging with regulators early in the process. According to a recent report, early and constructive engagement can significantly streamline project approvals and alleviate…
Public Storage, a leading real estate investment trust specializing in self-storage solutions, has announced the appointment of a new Chief Legal Officer (CLO). This strategic move comes as part of the company’s continued efforts to strengthen its executive team. The new CLO, previously with Herc Holdings, brings a wealth of experience to the role, poised…
In an unfolding legal scenario, the prominent law firm Levin Papantonio Rafferty is facing a lawsuit for alleged legal malpractice related to their representation in cases stemming from the BP oil spill. The firm, which has a storied history in environmental and personal injury law, is accused of mishandling several aspects of litigation linked to…
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the Illinois Toxic Tort Law, rejecting a coalition of industry groups’ challenge to its validity. This decision represents a critical moment for environmental litigation, especially within industries facing lawsuits over contamination and toxic exposure. The plaintiffs had argued that the law, which allows for damages in cases…
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure is significantly driven by financial mechanisms rooted in tax law, rather than the spontaneous creation of such infrastructure by the tech sector itself. This dynamic has been largely supported by favorable tax policies and incentives that enable companies to invest in the necessary computational resources and facilities to…
As the legal industry continues to navigate an evolving landscape, recent data highlight several key trends impacting law firms and their associates. One significant focus has been on compensation strategies, with Milbank LLP’s approach to associate pay drawing attention. This strategy is part of a broader effort by major law firms to retain talent amid…
In the latest round of executive compensation votes, both Salesforce and Goldman Sachs have shown lukewarm results in their “say-on-pay” votes, reflecting a growing shareholder concern about executive pay packages in major corporations. The results suggest that shareholders are becoming more critical of how companies justify executive compensation, a trend that indicates potential shifts in…
Amazon’s recent investment in a large gas-powered plant in Texas has sparked a significant debate over its environmental commitment. This plant could potentially become the largest single source of climate pollution in the United States. Despite Amazon’s pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, the decision to fund a natural gas-burning power facility raises…
New Jersey’s recent $2.5 billion settlement for environmental contamination across four sites underscores a methodical approach that could pave the way for future litigations in environmental law. The settlement was achieved by a structured strategy that involved identifying contamination, pursuing legal action against the culpable parties, establishing liability through litigation, and ultimately negotiating a substantial…
Subaru has announced a significant strategic move by promoting its current Human Resources Director to the position of General Counsel, a decision that underlines the growing trend of legal roles being filled by professionals with diverse backgrounds. The newly appointed General Counsel, who brings a wealth of experience in human resources, is expected to provide…
In recent years, the expansion of data centers has ignited a wave of legal disputes as opponents increasingly turn to litigation to challenge local government approvals. This strategic shift is highlighted in cases spearheaded by residents and advocacy groups who argue that local authorities bypass legitimate procedures and environmental considerations in their rush to greenlight…
The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the rise in global food prices, attributing this trend to the impacts of climate change and surging energy costs. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reported a one percent increase in its Food Price Index in July 2026, bringing it to an average of 131.1…
Environmental advocacy groups are intensifying their battle against the New York State Department of Health (DOH) with a lawsuit alleging regulatory oversight failures that threaten lead safety regulations, especially affecting children in rental housing. Represented by Earthjustice, three organizations claim the agency executed improper enforcement of the state’s Proactive Lead Inspection Law (PLIL), which came…
The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as the new Attorney General with a narrow 50-49 vote, marking the culmination of a contentious political battle. Prior to his confirmation, Blanche served as Acting Attorney General, a position that followed his tenure as a prominent figure in the Justice Department. His confirmation was largely divided along party…
The legal community was abuzz last week with a variety of impactful stories and analyses that were highlighted on Law360, providing readers with essential insights into the fast-evolving landscape of law. As Law360 notes, these stories not only captivate interest but are integral to understanding the broader shifts within the legal sector. Highly discussed firms…
A recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has put a halt to plans for a new ballroom at the White House. The ruling held that the executive branch cannot proceed with above-ground construction without explicit congressional authorization, centering the issue on constitutional principles of property control and…
The National Academy of Sciences has announced it will review the removal of a contentious chapter on climate science from the federal judiciary’s guide to scientific evidence. This decision comes in response to growing concern over the chapter’s exclusion, which some argue could have significant implications for how climate change is addressed within the legal…
The legal services industry is experiencing a surge in hiring, with recruitment activities intensifying across various sectors. This trend comes in response to an increasing demand for legal expertise in areas such as compliance, data privacy, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns. A prominent recruiter recently highlighted these developments, noting that the market is…
ConocoPhillips is bringing on a new general counsel with the hiring of Lori Murtha from Chord Energy. Murtha, who previously held the top legal position at Chord, is set to bring her extensive experience in managing intricate legal landscapes of the energy sector to one of the largest independent exploration and production companies in the…