Significant changes are on the horizon for the bar exam, impacting those aiming to qualify from the Class of 2026 onwards. The current form of the bar exam, a rite of passage for many law practitioners, is expected to undergo a considerable transformation in the coming years. Notably, the NextGen exam is planned to become…
In the evolution of corporate workplace policies, one area increasingly drawing attention is the expansion of bereavement leave policies to cover fertility-related losses. Current policies, broadly speaking, provide employees with paid leave in the instance of a death of a family member. However, they frequently neglect the emotional toll and grief that accompany fertility related…
In a post-pandemic world office vacancies have climbed to a twenty-year high nationwide, with the country facing a housing supply shortage of nearly 3.8 million units. In response to this growing issue, office building owners are taking a novel approach, meeting two challenges with one solution. They’re increasingly transforming unused office spaces into multifamily apartments….
In a landmark ruling, the Maryland Appellate Court recently endeavored to clarify the rights of divorced parents with regard to a contested embryo. The court ruled in favor of the mother, underscoring the significance of an oral agreement the former couple had which committed to giving the embryo a chance at life “no matter what,”…
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has recently published its new family plan guidelines. The new guidelines represent a significant expansion of the DIFC’s policies on corporate governance. The introduction of these guidelines could bring about considerable changes in the way family wealth and resources are managed within DIFC. Prior to the introduction of these…
Over the past week, the ongoing dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan regarding the Torkham Border Crossing has significantly escalated. Both nations have issued statements alleging that the other has indiscriminately opened fire on their respective border patrol forces. This contentious issue was further escalated by Pakistan’s decision to close the Torkham Border Crossing last week,…
In a pivotal ruling on August 24, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit delivered a unanimous decision in the Kirschner case, declaring that syndicated loans cannot plausibly be classified as “securities” under both state and federal securities laws, as specified under Reves v. Ernst & Young, 494 U.S. 56 (1990). This…
Compliance with Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provisions can present unexpected challenges for employers during holiday weeks, as cautioned recently by the Department of Labor (DOL). The cycling seasons of holidays and celebrations that are commonplace during fall and winter are often areas of FMLA misuse, particularly from habitual Friday/Monday FMLA users. Despite this,…
A transaction involving international law firms including Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz, Ropes & Gray and Sullivan & Cromwell has resulted in the sale of a majority stake in Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to Artémis, a Paris-based holding firm run by the prominent Pinault family of France. The precise financial…
The family of Swedish EU Diplomat Johan Floderus, who turned 33 while detained in Iran’s Evin prison, is tirelessly working towards his release. Arrested on 17th of April 2022 at Tehran Airport, Floderus has been held without charges for over 500 days. In a public statement made by his family, allegations of severe violations of…
The legal community of California is mourning the passing of a titan of the Hollywood entertainment law bar – Jake Bloom, who was 81 at the time of his demise. Revered in entertainment law circles, Bloom left an indelible mark on the industry by negotiating deal-after-deal for an array of celebrity actors, directors, and producers….
A family-owned business or a trust can both be highly valuable yet associative with inevitable troubles. These entities, representing important economic engines, have displayed a noteworthy tendency to turn into arenas of dissent, particularly when they coincide. Legal professionals within the corporate sector should remain attuned to these oft-found predicaments, which can evolve to be…
In a time when structures of family and parenting are constantly evolving, a recent custody case in the Superior Court has brought these changes to the forefront of legal discussions. In a case referred to as ‘S.J.’, the complexities and emotional dynamics of modern parenting were displayed, as so eloquently described by Fox Rothschild LLP….
In an interesting exploration of family-run business dynamics, the popular show “Succession” offers some thought-provoking insights. Loosely based on Roy family’s venture, Waystar RoyCo, the premise of the series primarily centers around succession planning for the company. Despite the characters’ larger-than-life portrayal, the fundamental truths about succession planning in family businesses come to the fore….
In a crucial first-time judgement, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit addresses how patent term adjustments (PTAs) interact with obviousness-type double patenting (ODP). The court concluded that, within a patent family encompassing different expiration dates owing to PTAs, the earlier expiring family members can be utilized as a basis for an…
The New Jersey Supreme Court has recently outlined new strategies aiming to ensure justice accessibility for people of color and other historically marginalized groups, including the advancement of wellness efforts for legal professionals along with the utilization of technology for improved notice of and access to court language facilities. The nine newly-unveiled initiatives are part…
In a recent ruling, the Federal Circuit took a novel stance that has jolted the patent law landscape, specifically the strategy surrounding terminal disclaimers. In the case titled In re Cellect, a series of patents were invalidated based on obviousness-type double-patenting (ODP). The ruling found that term-adjusted patents (PTA) in the same family are invalid…
The division of personal property during divorces often proves to be an arduous aspect of the legal procedure. An intriguing case in point is the exemplary tale of the chair that American Founding Father George Washington once sat on, conveying how seemingly disparate objects can complicate divorce settlements. Navigating contested wealth during separations is no…
In a recent ruling, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) dismissed an appeal by Gennady Timchenko, a Russian billionaire and close ally of President Putin, to re-evaluate the sanctions placed against him. Timchenko landed on the European Union’s sanctions list following the 2022 Russian incursion into Ukraine. Known for his significant role in the energy…
In a forthcoming webinar scheduled for September 26th from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET, professionals will be addressing the implications divorce can have on estate planning, a crucial area often overlooked during the divorce process. One of the dramatic impacts of divorce involves the beneficiary designations for life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other…
According to a recent poll conducted by Law.com, many in the industry forecast further law firm layoffs, a trend that has been underway despite the widespread denial of an actual economic recession. The results reveal a caution against overcompensating in the current labour market, which more can read here. Biglaw has had its fair share…
Ensuring care for pets in case of owner incapacitation or death has become a significant concern for many pet owners. Recognised as part of the family, these faithful companions might find themselves in an undesirable situation following an unexpected event befalling their owners. Preemptive planning is crucial to ensure their welfare, as legal firm Stoel…
As legal professionals, it’s central for us to understand contracts and their implications in various scenarios, one such prominent case is signing a Quitclaim Deed while remaining on the Mortgage. Schorr Law, APC recently discussed this topic providing important insights worth considering. A Quitclaim Deed, as we are aware, is a document that allows the…
Estate planning poses several challenges for individuals and families, not least for those living with special needs, or those who have loved ones with special needs. The daunting task involves high stakes, tough decisions, and often a complex interplay of family dynamics. However, the process gets particularly intricate when it involves planning for special needs….
In an update for legal professionals worldwide, especially those involved in family law, guidelines and forms for parent coordinators which are set to go into effect on Sept. 1, 2023, have been published. This follows the introduction of a related court rule, which we reported last month. Critical to this development is Directive 16-23, which…