“`html As the U.S. Supreme Court kicks off its 2026-27 term, the first set of relistings for the year was announced, serving as a key indicator of cases that could receive heightened scrutiny. On Friday, the docket for the conference featured exactly 100 cases and applications, out of which 14 are actual relists. Thirteen of…
The U.S. Supreme Court’s deliberations in Anderson v. Intel Corp Investment Policy Committee reveal a discernible skepticism towards challenges involving the fiduciary choices of employee retirement funds, particularly when the claims lack comparative performance evidence against similar investment strategies. The plaintiffs in this case argue that Intel’s fiduciaries departed from conventional practices by heavily investing…
In a pivotal move, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently petitioned the Supreme Court to uphold existing precedents that permit states to employ juries with fewer than 12 members in serious criminal cases. This plea by the DOJ underscores the potential significant disruptions that could arise should this long-standing practice be overturned. Unsettling thousands…
The FBI recently arrested Wanying “Heather” Zhang in California on allegations of spying on a Taiwanese government official, acting as an unregistered agent for the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Zhang, a realtor from California, was taken into custody at Los Angeles International Airport as she was about to board a flight to China. This…
On October 6, 2026, John F. Duffy from the University of Virginia School of Law joined the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as its general counsel and acting solicitor. This significant appointment places Duffy—a noted expert in intellectual property law—at the forefront of legal oversight at the federal agency responsible for patents and trademarks….
The recent arrest of August Hanning, the former head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), has raised significant concerns over internal security breaches within Germany’s intelligence community. Hanning, who led the BND between 1998 and 2005, was taken into custody amid serious allegations of espionage and attempted treason. Accompanying him in these accusations is his…
In a recent decision, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reaffirmed the state’s $250,000 cap on damages recoverable from the state government. The 5-2 decision underscored the legislature’s constitutional authority to enforce such a limit. Yet, the court simultaneously called for legislative action to address potential inequities arising from the cap’s current level. The ruling comes from…
In a recent judicial development, U.S. District Judge George O’Toole blocked an attempt by the former Trump administration to impose fines on migrants who did not voluntarily leave the United States following final deportation orders. The ruling, issued on Monday, highlights significant legal challenges to policies that have sparked controversy over their application and scope,…
In a recent development, a former FBI analyst has accused U.S. Circuit Judge Emil Bove of instructing an illegal investigation into protestors while serving at the U.S. Department of Justice. These allegations have raised significant concerns regarding the abuse of governmental power and the potential infringement of civil liberties. The accusations suggest that Judge Bove,…
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is urging a federal judge to keep confidential certain documents related to its investigation into diversity practices at prominent law firms. These documents are central to an ongoing scrutiny of how law firms manage and promote diverse talent within their ranks. The DOJ’s appeal emphasizes the need to protect sensitive…
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently addressing a pivotal question regarding the jurisdictional boundaries for constitutional challenges to laws affecting veterans’ benefits. This debate was ignited during an oral argument session in the case of Johnson v. United States Congress. The issue at hand is whether federal district courts can hear constitutional challenges to statutes…
Cooley LLP, a globally recognized law firm, has announced the strategic acquisition of a key player from the U.S. Department of Justice. The firm has onboarded a prominent attorney known for handling media leak investigations and national security prosecutions over the past half-decade. This move underscores Cooley’s ambition to bolster its capabilities in high-stakes legal…
Squire Patton Boggs, a globally recognized law firm, has expanded its public policy capabilities by welcoming two seasoned professionals to its Washington DC office. These additions highlight the firm’s commitment to bolstering its presence in the strategic public policy arena, particularly in the nation’s capital. The firm recently announced the onboarding of these experts who…
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to address issues impacting Guam through the case of Department of the Air Force v. Prutehi Guåhan, which questions whether federal law obliges the U.S. Air Force to adhere to the comprehensive environmental and community consultation standards under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) when disposing of hazardous munitions….
Brown Rudnick has announced the formation of a National Security Group, enlisting the skills of several of its distinguished alumni. This strategic move comes as companies face increasingly complex regulatory landscapes in areas like international trade and cybersecurity. The newly established group will provide counsel on issues involving regulatory compliance, export controls, and government contracts….
In a detailed conversation with Bloomberg Law, FIFA World Cup General Counsel Curtis Franks unveiled the strategic approach that guides his legal team through the complexities of managing one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. Franks emphasized the importance of a responsive legal framework that can adapt to rapidly changing scenarios, as highlighted in…
The rapid expansion of data centers has emerged as a significant issue for tax assessors in the United States, as they grapple with the challenge of accurately valuing these facilities for taxation purposes. The data center boom, driven by an increasing demand for digital infrastructure, is creating a complex landscape for property tax assessments. With…
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily halted the reinstatement of Roger Rogoff as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington, following a lower court’s decision that deemed his dismissal by President Donald Trump unlawful. This administrative stay maintains the current status quo while the appellate court reviews the case. In…
On the first day of the 2026-27 term, the U.S. Supreme Court released a list of orders denying review of numerous cases accumulated over the summer recess. This annual occurrence, known as the “long conference,” concludes with the Supreme Court declining to hear scores of petitions. This year, among the many denials were cases addressing…
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP has announced the strategic addition of two prominent partners to head its Supreme Court and appellate practice. These new leaders arrive from McGuireWoods LLP and Ashurst Perkins Coie, stepping in after the former head of appeals transitioned to Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP earlier this year. This recruitment move aims to…
Dechert LLP has added a significant player to its roster with the appointment of Margo Kennedy, a seasoned attorney with a background in both governmental and private sectors. Kennedy joins Dechert’s New York office after an extensive career, most recently as the Executive Assistant General Counsel at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where she tackled regulatory…
O’Melveny & Myers LLP has bolstered its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of Matthew S. Cave, a former Senior Counsel in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement. With extensive experience in handling complex regulatory matters, Cave’s move to O’Melveny is seen as a strategic enhancement of the firm’s capabilities in navigating securities…
The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in a contentious case between the U.S. Air Force and an environmental group from Guam, Prutehi Guåhan. The dispute, which has reached the highest court in the country, centers around the Air Force’s efforts to continue the disposal of munitions by detonation at Tarague Beach near…
The Supreme Court is set to deliberate on Suncor Energy Inc. v. County Commissioners of Boulder County, where significant attention has been given to the introductions within the four briefs submitted. Each introduction provides a framework defining the narrative and legal contours of the case. The case centers around whether federal law preempts state-law claims…
Baker McKenzie is enhancing its Congressional investigations practice with a strategic hire, underscoring its commitment to handling intricate legislative inquiries. The firm has brought onboard a high-profile expert to spearhead this effort, aligning with its broader strategy to expand capabilities in areas intersecting with public policy and regulatory compliance. According to Bloomberg Law, the new…