In a significant move within the legal community, former U.S. Department of Justice antitrust chief Gail Slater is poised to join White & Case LLP as a partner in their Washington, D.C. office next month. This transition follows her recent departure from the DOJ, where she was a key figure in shaping the country’s antitrust…
A series of government-funded advertisements featuring President Donald Trump has ignited controversy, with allegations that they breach federal laws prohibiting the use of taxpayer funds for propaganda and partisan political activities. Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen has lodged a formal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), urging broadcasters…
The U.S. Supreme Court will deliberate on the legality of the Trump administration’s practice of deporting immigrants to third-party countries, a procedure called “third-country removals.” The challenge originates from a group of immigrants contesting deportation to countries not listed in their removal orders. The administration seeks to proceed with this policy while awaiting a final…
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has recently strengthened its lobbying and public policy practice by appointing a former senior staff member of the House Financial Services Committee to its team. This strategic hiring underscores the firm’s ongoing commitment to bolstering its governmental affairs capabilities in Washington, D.C., a focal point for financial regulation…
An Eleventh Circuit panel recently decided not to halt a district court’s sanctions order that prevents former President Donald Trump and his associates from referencing a settlement agreement in their $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. This decision emerges amidst ongoing legal battles involving Trump, where the court’s refusal adds a layer of…
Apple is facing renewed scrutiny over its decision to remove ICE-tracking apps like ICEBlock from the App Store, a move that critics say was influenced by claims from the Trump administration. These apps, which allowed users to monitor U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, were reportedly deemed a threat to officer safety, a justification…
In a recent development, a New York state court has ordered the Office of Court Administration (OCA) to release specific judicial guidance documents to the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU). This decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing transparency and accountability efforts in the New York legal system. The ruling, delivered by Justice…
Gail Slater, who served as the President Trump’s antitrust chief, is transitioning to a private practice role at the renowned law firm White & Case. Slater’s expertise in antitrust legislation will be a significant asset to the firm, particularly given her experience at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) where she played a critical role in…
Junior lawyers are often faced with the daunting decision of where to begin their legal careers. With openings at the Department of Justice (DOJ) increasing, recent graduates and early-career attorneys should consider these opportunities despite initial apprehensions. A comprehensive evaluation of the DOJ landscape reveals that it offers distinctive experiences that can significantly benefit one’s…
Law firms have long been recognized as strategic havens for lobbyists, offering robust platforms to influence policy and legislation. However, the transition for lobbyists joining a law firm extends beyond receiving an enticing offer letter. For lobbyists, the shift involves understanding the comprehensive framework of law practice, navigating firm dynamics, and aligning with ethical standards…
Human Rights Watch recently called attention to the potential pitfalls of rapid redevelopment efforts in Syria, where billions in investments are being channeled without adequate legal safeguards. Following years of devastating civil conflict, international investors are eyeing reconstruction opportunities in the nation, but there are concerns about the impact on Syrian citizens lacking solid legal…
In a decisive move, the Senate approved the Protect College Sports Act on Monday night, voting 77-22 to impose strict regulations on the collegiate sports industry. The legislation seeks to address the financial and ethical challenges prevalent in the multibillion-dollar sector, particularly concerning athlete compensation and institutional accountability. The Act introduces a comprehensive framework aimed…
John Squires, the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, recently postponed a planned celebration marking his first year in office. The decision came after the event faced scrutiny over potential ethics concerns. A source familiar with the situation noted that the planned celebration was considered unprecedented for the agency, raising eyebrows among legal…
The U.S. government has urged the Supreme Court to decline Tesla Inc.’s petition challenging the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) discretionary authority in denying inter partes review (IPR) petitions. The government contends that the USPTO is not obligated to grant such requests, emphasizing the agency’s discretion in managing patent challenges. Tesla’s petition arises from…
Recent developments in the legal domain have brought the use of copyrighted material in artificial intelligence training to the forefront, as prominent news organizations, including The New York Times, raised concerns about the U.S. Department of Justice’s backing of AI companies’ fair use claims. The controversy centers around a letter of interest filed by the…
In a significant legal maneuver, the state of Florida has moved to secure a temporary injunction against OpenAI, seeking to halt the development of what it describes as a “reckless, unacceptably risky product” without proper safety oversight. This comes as part of a broader civil lawsuit initiated in June, where state officials argued that ChatGPT…
In a significant legal battle, immigrants are urging the Supreme Court to uphold a previous ruling by U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, which prevents the Trump administration from deporting them to countries not designated in their removal orders. The ruling requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide proper procedures before pursuing what is…
The recent return of Sara Craig Gongol to Squire Patton Boggs LLP marks a significant moment for the firm as it re-welcomes a seasoned legal professional with extensive political experience. Gongol, who previously served as chief of staff to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, is set to resume private practice in the law firm where her…
A prominent think tank in Washington, D.C. has recently appointed a former U.S. Department of Justice chief of staff as its litigation chair. This development marks an important addition to their team, bringing in extensive experience from the highest levels of governmental legal practice. The attorney previously occupied key roles within the Trump administration, notably…
As the landscape of lobbying in Washington evolves, strategic moves by prominent firms signal significant shifts in influence and focus. Cozen O’Connor’s lobbying subsidiary, Cozen Public Strategies, has taken a notable step by recruiting a former senior adviser from ExxonMobil to enhance its governmental relations capacity. This development underscores the firm’s intent to deepen its…
In a recent development that underscores the intersection of judicial ethics and environmental policy, Justice Samuel Alito Jr. has stepped back from participating in a significant case poised to address whether municipalities have the authority to bring lawsuits against energy companies over climate change impacts in state courts. This decision comes ahead of the much-anticipated…
O’Melveny & Myers LLP has welcomed back a familiar face to its Washington, D.C. office. The law firm rehired a former partner who recently concluded a significant tenure at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an associate general counsel focused on oversight and investigations, specifically relating to False Claims Act matters. This strategic…
In a notable return, Jaime Klima, a former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) official and legal advisor on Capitol Hill, is rejoining O’Melveny & Myers LLP. Klima’s return to the firm comes after her impactful tenure at the SEC, where she played a pivotal role in policy initiatives and regulatory matters. Klima, who previously…
In a significant development within the Southern District of New York (SDNY), the top prosecutor handling cases related to the Venezuelan government under Nicolás Maduro is stepping down. This departure was confirmed by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams in an official statement to the court. The prosecutor, whose identity has been crucial to high-profile cases involving…
The Trump administration has petitioned the Supreme Court to halt a federal judge’s order that prevents the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) from implementing a recent policy change regarding healthcare for transgender inmates. The new policy, enacted in February 2026, reverses prior provisions by disallowing gender-transition surgeries, hormone therapy, and “social accommodations” for transgender inmates….