Emojis, those colourful and expressive characters we know so well in our personal digital conversations, are no longer a casual messaging element. Increasingly, they are finding their way into legal texts and judgements, complicating the world of corporate law. This phenomenon has even evolved into a new branch of study dubbed ‘Emoji law’, and at…
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Jersey recently unveiled that Alexander Schleider, a resident of Lakewood, has admitted to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. The fraudulent scheme was centered on durable medical equipment (DME). Schleider pleaded guilty to his actions as part of a large-scale kickback plot, which resulted in massive losses…
In a recent development, Texas Clinical Laboratory, BestCare Laboratory Services LLC, and its founder, have agreed to pay $5.7 million to settle a 2018 False Claims Act (FCA) judgement. Arising under the Department of Justice’s ability-to-pay policy, the judgement was imposed based on assertions of fraudulent claims to federal healthcare programs. This resolution seems poised…
Industry insiders warn founders and operators of startups about the impending requirement potentially impacting their businesses. Specifically, their firms may be required to report the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) unless there is an exemption under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This obligation comes into effect as of January 1, 2024, and is detailed in this…
On July 10, 2023, a notable decision took place in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz granted a motion to dismiss a putative securities fraud class action lodged against a mattress and bedding company and two of its executive officers. The decision has been stirring interest…
In a significant development in the American legal landscape, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and FinCEN Final Rule are set to introduce comprehensive changes to current corporate disclosure norms. Due to take effect from 2024, these regulations will institute a pivotal shift in how ownership and control of legal entities are reported within the United…
The Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) carries considerable implications for the victims of crimes involving fraud against the Federal Government. The Act, according to some legal experts, isn’t always adequately considered by prosecutors handling such cases. Federal prosecutors are urged to view beyond the four corners of the conspiracy to defraud as billed in the…
On July 10, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld the decision to dismiss a consolidated class action lawsuit against a biomedical company, certain executive members, and its former auditor. This case, titled Carpenters Pension Fund of Ill. v. MiMedx Group, Inc., No. 22-10633, had alleged violations of Section 10(b)…
In recent legal news, wire-transfer fraudsters have reportedly fooled three law firms, a worrying revelation for the global legal industry. These incidents underscore the increasing risk facing law firms and corporations worldwide and the pressing need for implementing foolproof cybersecurity measures. Interestingly, the renowned law firm, Quinn Emanuel, also disclosed a cyberattack, further underscoring the…
In a consequential move, U.S. District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, known for her ruling where she determined former White House counsel Donald McGahn must obey a congressional subpoena, a rebuke to Trump’s claim of “absolute immunity,” is set to oversee the lawsuit filed by the Trump administration asserting election fraud. If her name sounds familiar,…
In a twist of legal proceedings, identical twin brothers, who stand accused of fraudulent practises leading to a $5 million loss for their investment clients, have requested their former counsel to release their representation files. The twins’ defence strategy heavily relies on these files, which is why they are seeking a Brooklyn federal judge’s intervention…
Longtime Russian dissident and critic Alexei Navalny was sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison on a roster of extremism-related charges following a closed-door hearing. The scandalous sentencing prompted denunciation from numerous countries, international organizations and human rights groups. According to a report from Interfax, the Moscow City Court convicted Navalny of organizing an…
Recent comments from Justice Samuel Alito have ignited debate over the perception of Supreme Court justices as being above the law. Alito’s views have drawn criticism, with Justice Elena Kagan emerging as a counter-voice of reason amidst the controversy. Drawing attention to the ethical standards of the Court, Kagan represents a growing sentiment that the…
Rudy Giuliani, noted for his central role in one of the latest Trump indictments, has found himself again in the spotlight following harsh words from former vice president Mike Pence. Pence, in a tweet posted recently, emphasized that anyone who prioritizes their personal ambitions over the Constitution is ill-suited for the presidency. The former vice…
The timeline of the 2020 election interference case concerning former President Donald Trump has recently garnered substantial attention, with its outcome continuing to hang in uncertainty after Trump’s arraignment in Washington, D.C. Legal minds observing the case express differing views. While some opine that the case can conclude prior to the 2024 general election given…
The United Kingdom has earned a bit of a reputation for lagging behind in terms of corporate criminal enforcement, especially when compared with the practices in the United States and elsewhere. However, over the recent years, it appears that the UK government is intent on rectifying this, as evidenced by a series of reforms aimed…
Deep-pocketed defendants facing compliance violation charges, such as under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), can provide significant opportunities for lawyers. However, some choose paths far less ethical and considerably more illegal, such as submitting false ADA complaints. Take, for example, the unfortunate case of Florida lawyer Stuart Finkelstein. Finkelstein caught attention recently with serial…
In a pivotal moment within the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and securities law, Judge Jed S. Rakoff of the Southern District of New York issued a significant ruling in a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Terraform Labs Pte. Ltd and its CEO, Do Hyeong Kwon. On July 31, 2023,…
Nebraska has revamped its financial legal landscape by implementing a new licensing requirement specific to small-dollar loans. The state governor, Jim Pillen, assented to Legislative Bill 92 on June 6, 2023, enacting it into law with effect from June 7, 2023. As per the amendments, the Nebraska Installment Loan Act now incorporates specifications regarding entities…
In a concerted effort to tackle the rampant issue of unwanted and illegal phone calls and text messages, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are joining forces in a cooperative endeavor boldy named “Operation Stop Scam Calls”. This report from JD Supra details the multi-jurisdictional approach the two commissions plan…
In early June, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), known as “the Board,” proposed comprehensive amendments that could potentially result in a substantial shift in auditor responsibilities. The proposed changes concern how auditors take into account noncompliance with laws and regulations. According to a summary from JD Supra, these modifications could represent a pivotal…
The recent judgement by the District Court for the Central District of California has the finance industry on high alert. The court’s decision highlights the potential legal risks for payment processors and ancillary service providers who engage with potential bad actors in the financial industry. In a recent judgment, the District Court entered a ruling…
The recent actions taken by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) serve as a stark reminder that pyramid schemes remain a live issue for law enforcement bodies, despite their relative age as fraudulent schemes. As stated in a recent report, the parties have reached a settlement with BINT Operations LLC…
The legal landscape for business owners in Pennsylvania has seen a change as of recently with Mortimer V. McCool, altering the potential exposure for sister companies when piercing-the-corporate-veil claims are made. This case aids in shedding light on the essential question that concerns many clients: Can they be held personally liable for a company in…
In a recent indictment charging former President Donald Trump with conspiracy and obstruction, there are five unnamed attorney co-conspirators who have been listed. Either they are already cooperating with the government or they will face indictment, as per predictions made by former prosecutors to Law360. The stance of these prosecutors revolves around their belief that…