The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the appointment of a new top official for its enforcement division. Alex Oh, a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, has been named the director of the division, marking a significant transition from her private sector role to overseeing regulatory compliance and enforcement within the nation’s…
In a notable movement within the legal industry, Wahida Samji, previously a partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, has joined Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP’s energy group in Houston. This strategic hire is viewed as part of Gibson Dunn’s ongoing efforts to bolster its energy sector expertise amidst the dynamic landscape of the industry….
In January, as the anticipation for a long-awaited tariffs ruling mounted, observers of the U.S. Supreme Court expressed concerns regarding the Court’s sluggish progression in its opinion writing for the 27 cases it had already heard. This was further highlighted when, for only the second time in eight decades, the Court did not release an…
The juridification of voluntary sustainability standards within EU trade agreements and related supply-chain regimes reflects a growing trend towards embedding environmental and social criteria in international trade frameworks. This transformation is taking place as the European Union increasingly integrates these standards within the legal texts of trade agreements, effectively elevating them from voluntary guidelines to…
The landscape of law school rankings has undergone significant changes, particularly for institutions outside the traditional top 14. Recent updates in the U.S. News & World Report’s law school rankings highlight major shifts that have caught the attention of both educators and prospective students. Some schools previously considered mid-tier have ascended the rankings, while others…
As legal professionals navigate the continually shifting landscape of their industry, platforms like Law360 provide insights into key trends and developments, ensuring practitioners remain informed and adaptable. Over the past week, several law firms and stories stood out, capturing the attention of many within the legal community. Among the topics that generated significant engagement was…
Law360 has unveiled the members of its 2026 Editorial Advisory Boards. These boards, composed of legal professionals from diverse practice areas, offer critical feedback and insights to guide Law360’s editorial direction. Among the newly appointed members, James B. Kobak, Jr. of Hughes Hubbard and Megan B. Poetzel from Jenner & Block are notable contributors to…
Recent developments in litigation have highlighted three significant trends: class actions against data brokers for unauthorized cell phone listings, legal actions stemming from Ponzi schemes involving legal professionals, and disputes arising from campus expansion projects. In Colorado, data brokers are facing class action lawsuits for allegedly listing individuals’ cell phone numbers in commercial directories without…
This week, the focus of in-house legal teams has been sharply tuned to several noteworthy developments impacting corporate operations, investment strategies, and regulatory compliance. The ongoing discourse on antitrust regulations has been galvanized by the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) renewed scrutiny of major tech mergers. Legal teams are preparing for potential implications, as adjustments in…
As the legal industry navigates an evolving landscape, recent data shines a light on crucial trends and developments. A significant highlight comes from the detailed reporting by Law.com, which unveils insights into this year’s leading dealmakers. This annual overview provides a snapshot of those who have significantly influenced major transactions, shaping the business world. Detailed…
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has upheld a Maine law aimed at ensuring that community solar projects primarily benefit local consumers rather than out-of-state financial interests. This decision came after a challenge from a Massachusetts-based energy company that argued the policy amounted to compelled speech by requiring firms to disclose pricing…
In a pivotal development, both the U.S. Solicitor General and the lead counsel for the multidistrict litigation (MDL) plaintiffs are seeking argument time before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Durnell v. Monsanto. This case is set to address thousands of lawsuits alleging that the widely used pesticide Roundup is responsible for causing…
The legal industry continues to evolve as non-traditional markets emerge as crucial battlegrounds for major law firms. This shift is driven by a variety of factors, including the need for firms to expand their geographical footprint and the increasing demand for specialized legal services. As reported by Law.com, recent data highlights how these markets are…
In a reflective interview regarding his illustrious career, U.S. District Judge William H. Alsup shared insights and experiences from his 26-year tenure at the Northern District of California. Before taking inactive status late last year, Judge Alsup was renowned for his commitment to the rule of law, arriving at his San Francisco chambers each morning…
As the legal community gears up for another season of reflection and recognition, the call for nominations for Corporate Counsel’s Best Legal Departments 2026 is now open. This annual initiative seeks to honor the pivotal contributions of in-house legal teams and their leaders who drive excellence and innovation in legal practices. The 2026 edition promises…
Lumber Co., a prominent player in the timber industry, has taken a significant step in reshaping its legal leadership. The company recently announced the promotion of its Deputy General Counsel to the position of General Counsel. This move comes as part of Lumber Co.’s strategic efforts to streamline its legal operations and strengthen its leadership…
The global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape has reached a staggering $1.3 trillion, with Unilever becoming the latest major player to join the series of significant transactions. This development marks a resurgence in M&A activities, reflecting an increasing appetite among multinational corporations to consolidate resources and capitalize on strategic synergies. The surge in M&A activities…
Siemens has announced the promotion of a long-serving attorney to lead its U.S. legal unit. This strategic move highlights the company’s commitment to reinforcing its legal frameworks and ensuring robust governance across its operations. The appointment reflects Siemens’ ongoing efforts to align its legal strategies with its ambitious business objectives in the dynamic U.S. market….
84 Lumber, a prominent building supplier in the United States, has appointed a veteran of the company, Meg George, as its new General Counsel. After serving the company for a decade, George steps into the role to lead the legal department with her extensive experience in corporate law and compliance. This appointment comes at a…
Inspired Healthcare’s decision to potentially engage financial advisory services from Raymond James has sparked considerable resistance from various stakeholders. This unfolding situation highlights the intricacies and challenges corporations face when enlisting advisory firms, especially when the advisory firm’s historical dealings come under scrutiny. According to details shared by Bloomberg Law, the controversy arose when Inspired…
Bracewell LLP has expanded its appellate practice team in Washington, D.C., by bringing on board an expert in energy regulatory and environmental appeals from Norton Rose Fulbright. The hire marks a strategic move for Bracewell, which aims to bolster its capabilities in navigating complex regulatory landscapes, particularly before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The…
In a recent legal confrontation, a county in North Carolina is under scrutiny for allegedly violating public records law. The county has been accused of either not producing, or producing inadequately, records regarding the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution in and around its landfill. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due…
The Trump administration has engaged a seldom-used federal panel, colloquially known as the “God Squad,” to deliberate on bypassing the Endangered Species Act. This move seeks to boost oil production in the Gulf of Mexico amidst concerns for national security, despite the potential risk to endangered marine species. The committee, whose formal name is the…
Eversheds Sutherland has made a strategic move by adding a trio of attorneys from BakerHostetler to its Houston office. This development highlights an ongoing trend of lateral moves within the legal industry, as firms seek to bolster their capabilities and expand their practices in key markets. The addition includes partners Janet Stiven and Chuck Austin,…
In the current legal landscape, the inventory of deals is raising concerns in major law firms. According to insights from consultant Blane Prescott, certain firms are experiencing a noticeable decline in their inventory of deals compared to a year ago, creating a palpable sense of unease among partners. Read more here. This trend has sparked…