Smith Currie & Hancock LLP has strategically enhanced its government contracts practice with the recent addition of a seasoned attorney from McGuireWoods LLP. Chad E. Heminover, who brings extensive experience in handling complex government contract issues, has joined Smith Currie’s Washington, D.C. office. This move is expected to bolster the firm’s capabilities in navigating the…
The American Bar Association (ABA) has issued new guidance aimed at clarifying the ethical responsibilities of lawyers who represent government entities. This update is particularly significant for counsel engaged in navigating the complex interplay between public service and ethical duties. The ABA’s ethics committee published this guidance to address the nuanced challenges faced by lawyers…
In the midst of a heated debate over gun control, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche assured senators that his connection to a firearms manufacturer through his wife’s family poses no conflict of interest. During his confirmation hearing, Blanche addressed questions regarding his participation on a Justice Department task force designed to curtail gun control measures…
The U.S. government has petitioned the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to dismiss significant portions of a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Arbutus Biopharma concerning Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. The government contends that the court lacks jurisdiction over much of the case due to a substantial consent judgment between Arbutus and Moderna, which is currently under…
In recent years, large law firms have navigated a complex landscape with pro bono work becoming a sensitive undertaking. Many firms have adjusted their strategies to continue offering pro bono services while avoiding direct confrontations with political administrations. This cautious approach has progressively evolved, and there are signs of a shift, though significant challenges remain….
In a strategic move, White & Case has bolstered its international trade practice with the acquisition of a seasoned government contracts lawyer from Bracewell LLP. After almost a decade at Bracewell, the attorney will now lead White & Case’s government contracts offerings, signaling the firm’s intent to solidify its position in this specialized area. The…
In a significant move for the tech industry and government collaboration, President Donald Trump has signed Executive Order No. 14409, which establishes a framework aimed at bolstering artificial intelligence innovation and security. This executive order emphasizes partnership between the government and the AI industry, focusing particularly on cybersecurity and the secure deployment of advanced AI…
In a legal fracas that could have significant implications for corporate governance and data protection, an information technology contractor has leveled serious accusations against its former vice president and his fledgling enterprise. The contractor alleges that the ex-VP orchestrated a scheme to siphon off employees, misappropriate trade secrets, and undermine its contract with the Federal…
Morrison & Foerster, a prominent global law firm, has expanded its footprint by adding partners Yuka Teraguchi Fukuda and Stacey Broughan to its teams in New York and Washington, D.C., respectively. Fukuda, previously with Cadwalader, specializes in structured finance and will contribute her extensive experience to Morrison & Foerster’s finance practice. Meanwhile, Broughan, a former…
DLA Piper LLP, a global law firm, has announced the addition of a seasoned government contracts lawyer to its ranks. The new hire, previously with ArentFox Schiff LLP, brings extensive experience in advising on multimillion-dollar deals across various sectors including corporate and private equity. This move aligns with DLA Piper’s strategic expansion in government contracts,…
Moderna is appealing a decision that mandates the company face patent infringement claims related to its COVID-19 vaccine directly, contending that such claims should be brought against the U.S. government instead. At the core of this dispute, Moderna argues that the ruling by the lower court was flawed. The claims are put forward by Arbutus…
Greenberg Traurig, a prominent international law firm, has announced the addition of Brendan Kennedy to its Government Contracts Practice. Kennedy, known for his extensive experience in government contracts litigation, previously established his reputation at McGuireWoods. His hiring is part of the firm’s broader strategy to enhance its capabilities in the complex field of government procurement…
A legal skirmish has intensified between a Colorado aerospace company and The Boeing Co., as the former contends that Boeing is withholding critical documents and witness identifications in a lawsuit over allegedly stolen patented technology. The dispute centers on Boeing’s purported use of this technology in NASA’s Artemis moon exploration program. In a motion to…
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has positioned itself in a legal showdown with several prominent law firms, arguing that former President Donald Trump possessed the authority to revoke their security clearances. This legal contention centers on executive orders (EOs) issued against four specific law firms, with particular interest also focused on an EO against Paul…
In a recent legal development, a Wyoming corporation has alleged that Shipcom Federal Solutions LLC, an asset management company based in Texas, is responsible for nearly $4.6 million in unpaid dues related to a U.S. Navy contract. The claims were presented before a Texas federal judge, highlighting concerns over not only overdue payments but also…
In a recent legal development, a state appellate court has clarified the scope of the government contractor exemption under the biometric privacy law, affirming that it applies specifically to government-related tasks. Judge Matthew G. Bertani articulated this understanding, emphasizing that the exemption is valid only when contractors operate strictly within the framework of their government…
In a notable resolution to a legal dispute, defense contractor BAE Systems has settled a lawsuit it initiated against L3Harris Cincinnati Electronics Corp. The case, filed in a New York federal court, revolved around allegations that L3Harris unjustly excluded BAE from a naval defense technology contract, despite having been privy to BAE’s proprietary information. This…
Palantir Technologies, a prominent data analytics firm, is facing internal dissent as employees express concerns over the company’s deepening involvement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The firm’s recent $30 million contract to develop the Immigration Lifecycle Operating System (ImmigrationOS) has intensified these apprehensions. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/01/palantir-deportations-ice-immigration-trump?utm_source=openai)) In a pre-recorded video, CEO Alex Karp addressed employee…
Facing an investigation under the False Claims Act (FCA) by the Department of Justice (DOJ) requires immediate and strategic action from corporations. The DOJ deploys rigorous measures to ensure compliance and accountability, and a prompt response can significantly impact the outcome for businesses entangled in these probes. The FCA serves as one of the government’s…
IBM’s decision to settle a False Claims Act (FCA) investigation with a $17 million payout to the Trump administration is creating unease among legal professionals and corporations over the boundaries of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This settlement arises amidst allegations that IBM’s efforts to diversify its workforce were perceived as violating federal contracting…
Eli Lilly is facing a pivotal legal battle as a whistleblower, who previously secured a $183 million trial victory against the pharmaceutical giant, has called on the U.S. Supreme Court to dismiss Eli Lilly’s constitutional challenge. This challenge questions the whistleblower’s authority to sue on behalf of the federal government, invoking concerns that this argument…
In the high-stakes legal proceedings at Southwark Crown Court, Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Nigerian petroleum minister, has firmly denied allegations of bribery. This legal battle arises from her time in office from 2010 to 2015, under the administration of then-President Goodluck Jonathan. During this period, Alison-Madueke was also notably the first female chairman of the Organization…
IBM has agreed to a $17 million settlement, marking the first resolution under the newly launched Civil Rights Fraud Initiative. The initiative, spearheaded by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, aims to enforce civil rights laws among government contractors and recipients of federal funds. This settlement underscores the financial and legal risks associated with diversity, equity,…
In a significant development within the legal industry, Dechert LLP has recruited a leadership trio from White & Case LLP to bolster its Washington, D.C. operations. This strategic move involves the heads of White & Case’s practices in key areas such as trials, sports and gaming, and U.S. government contracts. The new additions will work…
California’s recent move to establish distinct guardrails for artificial intelligence highlights a divergence from federal policy, as Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order sets a nuanced path for state agencies. While the federal government under former President Trump preferred a deregulatory approach, California’s strategy involves more stringent oversight for AI developers seeking government contracts. This initiative…