The desire to protect pets as family members is growing stronger among animal lovers, but the legal system often fails to provide equivalent rights and protections for these cherished companions. Despite the emotional bonds that many owners share with their animals, current statutes still classify pets as property. This classification limits the legal avenues available…
Former FBI Director James Comey entered a plea of not guilty on Wednesday to charges laid by the U.S. Department of Justice, accusing him of obstruction of justice and making false statements during a congressional hearing. The indictment centers on statements he allegedly made in 2020, concerning his denial of authorizing leaks related to investigations…
Pryor Cashman LLP has bolstered its New York family law practice with the recruitment of Caitlin Connolly, a seasoned attorney with significant expertise in matrimonial and family law. This strategic addition highlights the firm’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its family law capabilities amidst growing demand for specialized legal services in this complex area. Connolly joins…
Law Business Research Ltd (LBR), a portfolio company of ICG, has announced the acquisition of Legal Geek, a prominent provider of legal technology-focused events and conferences. This acquisition, finalized on October 7, 2025, comes shortly before Legal Geek’s flagship conference in the United Kingdom. Legal Geek, founded in 2015, has rapidly grown into a significant…
A federal judge has sentenced a Massachusetts attorney to nine years in prison for orchestrating a scheme to steal nearly $3.5 million from friends and vulnerable family members. The attorney, whose actions left at least one victim struggling in subsidized housing and unable to afford basic necessities like food, was brought to justice on Wednesday…
In a recent call to action, Human Rights Watch has urged the Chinese government to drop charges against Gao Zhen, an artist and U.S. permanent resident, who was detained in August 2024. Gao’s arrest occurred in Sanhe City while visiting family, and he faces charges of slandering China’s heroes and martyrs through his artworks that…
The legal conference calendar has become saturated, with events occurring almost every week. Yet, an interesting development is unfolding in this crowded landscape: smaller, more focused conferences are proving to be highly valuable, specifically for targeted audiences. This was clearly demonstrated at the Client Experience Summit, hosted by Case Status in Charleston, South Carolina, from…
United Nations human rights experts have urgently called upon President Daniel Ortega’s administration to clarify the fate of over 120 individuals who have reportedly been forcibly disappeared. These disappearances are linked to the government’s harsh response to anti-government protests in Nicaragua that began in 2018. The UN experts also strongly advised that the state refrains…
Ropes & Gray has announced the launch of its Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Survey Sweepstakes, inviting participants to share their insights on current M&A trends. This initiative aims to gather valuable data to inform future industry analyses. Participants are required to complete the survey in its entirety to qualify for the sweepstakes. Eligibility is limited…
In a legal development that may have significant implications for corporate employment practices, Dell Technologies faces a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination of an in-house attorney who was on maternity leave. The former employee claims she was dismissed in violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), prompting scrutiny of Dell’s compliance with federal labor…
The recent indictment of former FBI Director James Comey has sent ripples through the legal community, not only due to the high-profile nature of the case but also because of the indictment’s notably concise and ambiguous language. Legal experts are scrutinizing the document, which charges Comey with making false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding,…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against Zillow and Redfin, alleging that the real estate technology companies engaged in anti-competitive practices that violate federal antitrust laws. The FTC claims these companies participated in agreements that severely reduced competition within the online rental advertising marketplace. Details of the lawsuit reveal that Zillow allegedly…
The Colorado-based law firm Burnham Law is facing allegations of pregnancy discrimination from a former attorney, who claims her pregnancy resulted in two demotions and ultimately her forced departure from the firm. This legal battle highlights ongoing issues surrounding workplace discrimination and the challenges women continue to face in the legal profession. According to details…
Venable LLP has made a significant addition to its Chicago wealth planning practice with the hiring of David Berek, an expert in tax and estate planning. Berek, who joins the firm as a partner, brings extensive experience in the fields of trusts, estates, and tax law. His arrival is poised to augment the firm’s capabilities…
Morgan Lewis has strategically enhanced its capabilities by re-hiring Susan Peters, the former General Counsel for a prominent family office. This move is aimed at bolstering the firm’s services for private clients. Peters, who previously worked at Morgan Lewis, brings an extensive background in managing complex legal issues for high-net-worth individuals and family offices. Her…
The legal technology landscape has seen a significant update with the general availability of MARC, a new generative AI-powered document review system announced by Altorney. Designed to automate first-pass review decisions in e-discovery processes, MARC promises substantial cost savings and security enhancements by processing documents before they enter traditional review platforms. Unveiled initially in March,…
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is welcoming back a seasoned legal professional, Jonathan Berman, who previously served as the general counsel for a prominent family office. Berman’s return to the firm will see him operating across their Boston and Philadelphia offices, bringing his extensive expertise in family wealth management back to a familiar environment. His…
Amid ongoing tensions in Yemen, press-freedom organizations have called for the immediate release of freelance journalist Majed Zayed, who was detained by Houthi authorities in Sanaa on September 23. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that Zayed was taken after leaving a medical facility, and his whereabouts remain undisclosed. His detention followed the circulation…
UN experts have issued an appeal to Belarusian authorities, advocating for the removal of restrictions on women convicted of extremism, prohibiting them from contacting their children regularly. This initiative calls attention to the severe limitations these women face: they are currently permitted correspondence with their children only every two to three months, with in-person visits…
OpenAI’s recent implementation of parental controls for its products, including ChatGPT and the video generator Sora 2, has drawn substantial criticism from various quarters. These measures, introduced amid a backdrop of legal challenges, have prompted mixed reactions from the user community and experts alike. The company’s latest initiative comes in the wake of a lawsuit…
In a significant move within the legal and business landscape, Invitation Homes has announced the addition of a seasoned litigator to its team. Scott Friestad, known for his extensive tenure at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is set to join the Texas-based real estate investment trust as its Chief Legal Officer. Friestad’s transition…
Justice Anthony Kennedy, a pivotal figure on the U.S. Supreme Court for three decades, offers readers a glimpse into his judicial philosophy and personal experiences in his upcoming memoir. The memoir distills Kennedy’s career and life into five reflective anecdotes that not only highlight key decisions but also provide insights into the human aspects of…
The recent decision to grant a trial for a former DLA Piper associate alleging pregnancy and leave discrimination highlights ongoing issues within major law firms concerning employee rights and workplace equality. This case comes at a time when the legal industry is under increasing scrutiny for its handling of discrimination claims. The associate, who was…
DLA Piper is set to face trial after a New York federal judge determined that a former lawyer’s claims of discrimination warrant further examination. The case involves a former seventh-year IP associate who alleges she was fired in 2022, just two months after disclosing her pregnancy. This decision highlights ongoing challenges in the legal industry…
Withers, the international law firm renowned for its private client and tax services, has announced that Ceri Vokes will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer starting July 2026. Vokes, currently co-head of the firm’s private client and tax team in Europe, brings nearly 25 years of experience in the legal sector. Her practice focuses…