John Kaercher, a private equity and M&A partner at Kirkland & Ellis in Austin, showcased an impressive example of professional dedication recently. Over the course of a single frenetic weekend, Kaercher served as the lead lawyer on three major deals, all of which neared completion between September 26 and 27. This already demanding window of…
A topic that often gets ignored in conversations within families but has long-term financial and emotional implications is estate planning. Estate planning is not merely for the affluent; households across all income strata can benefit from the clarity it provides, especially in avoiding a potential mess for the survivors to clean. In order to raise…
Frequently, legal professionals with a specialization in family law encounter complex situations that involve one parent seeking child support from the other. The regulation of the amount to be paid in child support is typically defined using specified child support guidelines. However, there are instances when certain costs related to the support of a child…
In a recent development, Purdue Pharma, the maker of Oxycontin, has submitted a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization to resolve a mass tort claim. A notable aspect of this development is the involvement of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) who seemingly encountered difficulties with the third-party releases in the Purdue Pharma opioid…
On December 4, the Supreme Court will hear the challenge to Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy plan. Purdue Pharma is the manufacturer of OxyContin, a highly addictive painkiller. The argument around Purdue Pharma’s case will be one of the eight cases scheduled in December for seven hours of oral argument, as revealed by the court’s December argument…
A thoroughly intriguing legal spectacle recently came to light, piquing interest across the legal profession. A story worthy of the big screen, focusing on a unique – and indeed, somewhat alarming – character in the legal fraternity. Amidst the everyday, mundane affairs, one attorney found his place in the oft fantastical world of television, while…
Student loan debt relief has, in recent years, become a significant topic in the political and social discourse. With a large number of US citizens continuing to struggle under the weight of massive debt, the upcoming restart of student loan repayments has wrought further concern. The burden of the loans has even driven people to…
In a thoughtful piece on Above the Law, an author discusses her experience navigating being an attorney and a mother of four. The author, a solo practitioner, explains the demands of balancing her professional and familial duties, as well as society’s expectations. The article reflects on the author’s journey as a legal professional and the…
Prominent Australian journalist Cheng Lei was released on Tuesday by Chinese authorities and reunited with her family in Australia, after being detained in China since August 2020. Lei was formally arrested in 2021 following allegations by Chinese officials that she had been illegally supplying Chinese state secrets overseas while working as a news anchor for…
New Zealand based firm, K3 Legal has made its international debut with the launch of services in Hong Kong. This venture is in association with local practice Fred Kan & Co. According to K3 Legal director Margaret Chen, the choice of location was due to Hong Kong’s pivotal role in China, its status as an…
New York-based congressman, George Anthony Devolder Santos, known for his many impressive accomplishments and eccentricities, has been indicted with an additional ten charges in the Eastern District of New York, according to a superseding indictment. Previously, Santos was accused of fraudulent activities, such as manipulating contributions towards a “501(c)(4)” private company, exploiting the Coronavirus Aid,…
In recent times, many employers have been exploring new methods of alleviating their employees’ student debt. One such solution that shows promise involves matching employer contributions on qualified student loan payments, a strategy that aims to enhance retirement readiness. As of this month, many employees have resumed repaying their federal student loans, an expenditure that…
During a period of personal hardship in the late 19th century, Theodore Roosevelt sought solace in the wide-open spaces of the Dakota Territory. One particularly vivid image he recounted in his writings is of the wild horses he encountered at the Elkhorn Ranch. Even today, descendents of those horses freely wander the landscapes of the…
Mitchell Wasek, an SMU Dedman School of Law student and son of Buc-ee’s co-founder Don Wasek, has been arrested under accusations of secretly filming house guests in the bathrooms of three different properties. The lawsuit alleges that the discreet recordings feature guests in unauthorized circumstances such as “using the toilet, showering, changing clothes and/or having…
New York Republican Representative George Santos, who is already battling criminal and ethics charges associated with his 2022 campaign, has recently declared that he will not resign and will continue to run for reelection. This statement comes following the filing of 10 new charges against Santos by federal prosecutors on Tuesday. Santos, who is 35…
In a move marking significant growth within its corporate business structure, prominent law firm BakerHostetler has added Cleve Glenn, an experienced legal professional, to their enterprise. Announced on Tuesday, Glenn will now serve as a partner in the firm’s business practice group and will also be a member of their mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and…
It’s the second week of the new term at the Supreme Court, with two somewhat standard cases set for argument. This week brings some notable highlights, however, as Tuesday sees the late Justice Antonin Scalia’s son, Eugene Scalia, making his maiden appearance before the high court in Murray v. UBS Securities LLC. As described in…
In a notable development, the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law has undergone an essential modification. Starting November 1, 2023, it will permit employees to supplement their benefits received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts using any accrued paid leave they may have. This can include sick time, vacation time, personal time off (PTO),…
One of the latest milestones in the world of legal developments occurred recently in Minnesota. On May 20, 2023, the state passed the Survivorship Bill. This significant move made Minnesota the final state to pass such a bill, providing a much-expanded scope of justice for victims of medical malpractice and wrongful deaths. This news was…
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has agreed to hear the case of Sheetz v. County of El Dorado, California. This case will review the scope of constitutional review of land use permit conditions specifically with regards to monetary exactions created by legislation. At the center of this dispute lies the condition whereby…
The Social Security Financing Bill for 2024, a key legislative piece, of vital importance to the pharmaceutical industry, has been published on Wednesday, 27 September 2023. Through its annual publication, the bill sets out the legal framework for the healthcare industry for the forthcoming year. Firstly, it’s essential to clarify that the Social Security Financing…
When it comes to celebrating holidays after a divorce, plans can often become more complex, particularly for parents regarding their children’s happiness and well-being. This includes occasions like Halloween, which is traditionally an occasion filled with fun and anticipation for children. According to guidelines shared by law firm Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, divorcing…
The increasingly contentious battle between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and the state House Republicans has escalated, as Paxton issues threats of criminal complaints against lawmakers. These threats from Paxton, who was acquitted on all impeachment counts by the Republican-led Senate last month, are aimed at state legislators who were responsible for his impeachment trial….
Employers across Illinois have been put on notice by a recent increase in class action lawsuits brought under the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA). A federal law instated in 2008, the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) serves as a regulator for the collection and usage of genetic information. Its reach is wide, including prohibitions…
In the complex and nuanced world of litigation, a commonly posed question is what constitutes the findings of fact and conclusions of law. In a contested case – such as a divorce or family law matter, these two elements form the basis of a court’s judgment, and their impact on the trial verdict and future…