The ongoing budget impasse in Washington has triggered a new round of federal worker firings, as the White House begins implementing measures to manage the effects of the shutdown. According to Bloomberg Law, the administration has commenced notifying employees about potential furloughs and terminations in response to the continued delay in budget approvals. This action…
Elon Musk’s outspoken presence on social media has again drawn significant public attention, this time influencing a legal decision regarding his security clearances. The New York Times triumphed in court to obtain a detailed list of the billionaire’s top-secret security clearances after a US agency initially attempted to block the disclosure, citing Musk’s right to…
Democracy Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting government transparency, has initiated legal action against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for failing to release video recordings related to an alleged bribery case involving Tom Homan, the current White House Border Czar. ([democracyforward.org](https://democracyforward.org/updates/tom-homan-foia/?utm_source=openai)) In September 2024, while serving…
During a recent session in Boston, the Federal Circuit scrutinized the jurisdiction in a patent infringement case against a NASA contractor. The dispute, brought forth by two individuals from California, questions whether their claims should be adjudicated in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This legal examination underscores complexities surrounding intellectual property rights when federal…
Understanding the regulatory environment is crucial for dealmakers involved in government contracts. Compliance with federal acquisition regulations is non-negotiable, and a thorough grasp of these rules can significantly impact negotiations and contract execution. Bloomberg Law outlines several key considerations that supply the foundational knowledge necessary for these complex transactions. Due diligence must be heightened when…
Several prominent law firms involved in previous dealings with the Trump administration are now facing intensified scrutiny over their government contracts. As reported by Bloomberg Law, these inquiries are part of a larger effort to assess the legality and ethical implications of their prior engagements with the federal government. The firms in question, which had…
In a significant legal decision, a federal court has determined that former President Donald Trump’s deployment of federal troops to Los Angeles during the 2020 protests violated the law. The court’s ruling sheds light on the legal boundaries of presidential power, particularly in the context of domestic law enforcement operations. This decision reiterates the limitations…
On July 23, 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled the “AI Action Plan,” a comprehensive strategy aimed at reinforcing the United States’ leadership in artificial intelligence. This plan, developed in response to Executive Order 14179, outlines over 90 federal policy actions across three primary pillars: accelerating innovation, building American AI infrastructure, and leading in international diplomacy…
Perkins Coie LLP has successfully defended itself against allegations in an Illinois state court that accused the firm of facilitating a client’s misappropriation of $12 million from an investment company’s accounts. The lawsuit claimed that Perkins Coie played a “critical” role in both the theft and its subsequent concealment. This legal victory comes amid a…
In a significant legal development, a Virginia federal judge has dismissed the remaining claims of a former tech employee’s lawsuit seeking $63 million in damages. The plaintiff alleged that unauthorized copies of his software were improperly used to create alternative software for the U.S. Department of Defense. This ruling marks the conclusion of a contentious…
In July 2025, several General Counsels (GCs) at prominent technology firms executed significant stock sales, reflecting a trend of insider transactions amid fluctuating market conditions. At Palantir Technologies Inc., Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Legal Officer Taylor Ryan D. led the selling activity with multiple transactions totaling $9.5 million. On July 15, Ryan sold 33,335…
Red Cat Holdings Inc. and its subsidiary, Teal Drones Inc., have initiated legal proceedings against a former executive, alleging the misappropriation of trade secrets to establish a competing drone enterprise targeting government contracts. The lawsuit contends that the ex-executive deliberately undermined a significant product development agreement, subsequently utilizing proprietary information to launch a rival company….
In a significant legal move, Moderna has requested a Delaware federal judge to dismiss a $5 billion patent lawsuit brought by a competing mRNA developer concerning the company’s COVID-19 vaccines. Moderna asserts that it is shielded from such claims due to its production of the vaccines for the federal government, under the protection of a…
McGuireWoods LLP has strategically expanded its government contracts and technology transactions practice by hiring a former principal from Offit Kurman Attorneys At Law. This attorney, who is known for his expertise in these areas, will join the firm’s Washington, D.C., office as counsel. This move underscores McGuireWoods’ commitment to bolstering its capabilities in advising clients…
McGuireWoods has announced the addition of a prominent government contracts and technology attorney from Offit Kurman to its team, a move that underscores its strategic expansion in key practice areas. The lawyer joins McGuireWoods with a robust background in both government contracts and technology law, offering significant experience that is expected to enhance the firm’s…
In a strategic move to bolster its government contracts practice, Venable LLP has announced the hiring of Amy Conant Sheffler, a seasoned attorney known for her extensive experience in public procurement and government contract law. This addition underscores Venable’s commitment to enhancing its legal services in the area of government contracts, a field that continues…
Ryan Powers, a former associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, alleges that his termination was a direct result of his public criticisms of the Trump administration. Powers contends that his dismissal exemplifies a broader trend within major law firms to suppress dissenting viewpoints. Powers, a Harvard Law graduate, joined Davis Polk’s tax group in…
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has appointed Evan D. Wolff as co-head of its cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection practice in Washington, D.C. ([akingump.com](https://www.akingump.com/en/insights/press-releases/akin-adds-evan-wolff-as-co-head-of-cybersecurity-privacy-and-data-protection-practice?utm_source=openai)) Wolff, previously co-chair of Crowell & Moring’s privacy and cybersecurity group, brings extensive experience advising Fortune 100 companies on cybersecurity and data protection matters. His practice encompasses proactive cybersecurity…
In recent months, several prominent law firms have found themselves at the center of political controversy, facing unprecedented challenges due to their past associations and the current administration’s actions. Firms such as WilmerHale, Perkins Coie, and Jenner & Block have been targeted by executive orders that suspend security clearances, restrict access to federal buildings, and…
The Justice Department recently announced its intention to appeal a federal judge’s decision that invalidated an executive order from former President Donald Trump against several major law firms, beginning with Perkins Coie. The case, which has advanced to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, stems from actions taken by Richard…
In a notable legal development, Susman Godfrey, a prominent law firm with roots in Houston, successfully contested an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump. A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled that this particular directive, along with similar orders against other major law firms, stands in violation of constitutional principles. The executive order,…
In a notable shift within the Middle Eastern legal sector, Riyadh has experienced a significant growth spurt in lawyer head count, marking a 68% increase over the past year. This rapid expansion has allowed the Saudi capital to overtake Abu Dhabi, becoming the second largest legal hub in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region behind…
In a strategic move, Crowell & Moring LLP has bolstered its government contracts group by appointing Sharmistha Das as a partner. Das, an experienced legal professional, transitions from her role as deputy chief of staff and deputy general counsel at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Her extensive background encompasses prior roles within the White…
“`html Hogan Lovells has expanded its international trade and investment practice with the addition of Joshua Kurland as a partner, the firm announced earlier this week. Kurland, whose expertise encompasses international trade, export controls, and sanctions, will be based out of the firm’s Washington office. Before joining Hogan Lovells, Kurland was senior trial counsel at…
Collaboration on government contracts through teaming can often provide significant advantages for companies. This strategy allows companies to pool complementary capabilities, enabling them to compete for contracts that require a broad range of expertise. However, while beneficial, the practice of teaming for government contracts presents distinct antitrust risks, including potential allegations of criminal bid-rigging and…