Recently, in Episode 154 of “Taking the Pulse”, a health care and life sciences video podcast, hosts Heather and Lauren welcomed Andy Schwartzkopf, the General Counsel and Chief Administration Officer for Signature Medical Group. The Signature Medical Group operates as one of the largest private, multi-specialty medical groups throughout the Midwest. In the episode, Schwartzkopf…
California, bearing a strong economy likened to global powerhouses, has consistently proven its ambition in environmental legislation. Among these, the SB 54 – an extended producer responsibility (EPR) law that imposes source reduction and recycling requirements for single-use packaging and plastic food service ware – undeniably stands out. While it is inarguably a key piece…
As the eyes of the world focus on the indictment of former President Donald Trump, uncertainty surrounds the timing, process, and potential outcome of the impending January 6 case. The trial, which is expected to last for about three months, will examine various conspiracies associated with Trump’s alleged attempts to hold onto power post the…
A recent ruling by the District of Massachusetts Court against software firm Pegasystems could have significant implications for corporate responses to lawsuits. Judge William Young is making headlines in the legal community for holding Pegasystems accountable for asserting the baselessness of a lawsuit despite its merit. This ruling could potentially alter the commonplace, reflexive response…
During the 9th Annual General Counsel Summit in Sydney on August 7, 2023, general counsel from some of Australia’s leading corporations listed greenwashing, data breaches, and regulatory changes as their most pressing concerns. This discussion highlighted a sense of increased vigilance from regulatory bodies such as the Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) and the…
The strategy and demeanor of a general counsel (GC) can decisively sway the outcome of a regulatory issue. This position was articulated by Australia’s financial industry regulator at the 9th Annual General Counsel Summit in Sydney on August 7, 2023. Sarah Court, the Deputy Chair of the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC), during her…
Blackstone Group’s Private Credit Fund and Secured Lending Fund have given a joint announcement about a significant change within their leadership structures, through securities filings. An existing deputy general counsel within their ranks has seen a promotion up to the level of chief legal officer. This individual will also take on the role of secretary…
Generative AI is becoming an invaluable tool for legal professionals aiming to bridge the communicative gap between the dense jargon of the law and the succinct, revenue-focused language of business. In this article, we explore ways that General Counsels (GCs) can effectively employ AI to simplify their communication with CEOs and other key stakeholders, thereby…
In a recent episode of the People Strategy Leaders Podcast, host Sri Chellappa speaks with special guest Tom Fox, Founder of the Compliance Podcast Network. Fox, with his impressive history as a General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer spanning over 15 years, contributes key insights on igniting efficiency through a culture of transparency and open…
According to recent reports, William Hochul has announced his decision to step down from his position as the general counsel of Delaware North, a private food service and hospitality firm based in Western New York. His departure will become effective on August 15, as stated by the company. Hochul, married to New York Governor Kathy…
Sadness has rippled through the legal profession after the announcement that the historic Philadelphia law firm, Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, will be closing its doors permanently. The nearly 100-year-old firm recently revealed that it is currently in the process of planning for dissolution, marking an end to its well-esteemed operations in the industry. Through…
In a move perpetuating its pro-union course, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) sustains its commitment towards the defense and enhancement of workers’ rights. As observed through Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP’s analysis, the stance taken by the NLRB chiefly stems from the prevalent advice memos issued by General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo. Throughout 2023, the…
Sean Edgett, Twitter’s former general counsel, has taken up the reins as the first chief legal officer at Upside Foods, a pioneering firm in lab-cultivated meat. Known for crafting “no kill” meat products, the Berkeley, California tech-unicorn specializes in producing only the edible parts of livestock – chickens, pigs, and cows. The appointment coincides with…
In a significant development for both unionized and non-unionized workplaces alike, the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (the “Board”) has rendered a game-changing decision regarding employer work rules. The decision, known as Stericycle, could change how seemingly neutral workplace rules are considered under the law. As reported by JD Supra, the Stericycle decision modifies the…
As outlined in a thought-provoking piece on Above the Law, the realm of in-house legal titles proves to be quite elusive. For those new to the legal practice, there appear to be primarily two kinds of roles in law firms — associates and partners/shareholders. As one gains experience, variations such as senior associate or equity…
In the realm of information technology, algorithms, bots, and the creation of data through Artificial Intelligence (AI) have become instrumental. The legal industry is one such sector actively engaging these tech advancements and strategising to understand how best to use them. A webinar by the Association of Certified E-Discovery further accentuated the subject, involving a…
Global investment firm KKR has made a significant move in the Indian market by acquiring a majority stake in LEAP India, a pallet pooling platform, for a reported figure above $350 million. The legal matters in this transaction are being overseen by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and AZB & Partners on behalf of KKR, while…