The recent ruling in a California state court has placed significant scrutiny on the practices of the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, compelling the insurer to justify the division of its markets on a detailed, unit-by-unit basis. This decision was celebrated by hospital plaintiffs, who viewed it as a pivotal moment in ongoing litigation against…
The competitive landscape of the pharmaceutical and retail sectors is seeing a significant shift as Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. nears the acquisition of Boots, its UK-based pharmaceutical arm. This $8.9 billion transaction is being facilitated by top-tier legal advisors, underscoring the complexity and magnitude of the deal. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, Skadden, Arps, Slate,…
The Illinois Appellate Court recently issued a decision that narrows the scope of Covid-era immunity defenses for healthcare professionals, reviving legal claims against a nurse accused of negligence during the pandemic. This decision has significant implications, potentially affecting nearly a dozen pending cases in which similar immunity defenses have been invoked by healthcare providers. According…
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…
In a strategic move to bolster its capabilities in the life sciences sector, McDermott Will & Emery has announced the addition of Seth Flaum as a partner in its New York office. Flaum brings to the firm a wealth of experience in life sciences transactions, having previously served as the chief transaction counsel at Regeneron…
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a condemnation following a deadly airstrike on two humanitarian aid trucks in South Kordofan, Sudan. The attack, which took place early Saturday, tragically resulted in the death of one of the drivers. The trucks, clearly marked as humanitarian vehicles, were transporting food and essential commodities to…
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…
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…
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched the National Fraud Enforcement Division, which aims to function as a “full-fledged law firm” laser-focused on combating government fraud. In just under six months, this initiative is already influencing the department’s structure and instigating a rise in internal investigations within corporations, according to insights from white-collar experts….
In a significant development, the federal government has requested the full D.C. Circuit to review a decision regarding Teva Pharmaceuticals’ ability to contest Medicare’s drug pricing rules. This appeal follows a panel ruling permitting Teva to challenge the criteria Medicare employs to determine which drugs are eligible for price negotiations. The government argues that this…
Miller & Chevalier Chartered has announced the addition of a key player from the U.S. Department of Justice, marking a strategic expansion of their litigation capabilities. The firm welcomed a former deputy chief from the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s Health Care Fraud Section, who will bolster their healthcare fraud expertise. This move underscores Miller &…
The United Nations reports that the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza continues to face significant hurdles, despite a ceasefire agreement reached nearly a year ago. Palestinians in the region remain challenged by deprivation of basic human rights, particularly regarding access to essential services such as water, housing, healthcare, and education. As the UN strives…
Mori Hamada, one of Japan’s prestigious Big Four law firms, is embarking on a significant expansion with plans to establish new offices in Dallas, Houston, and Kyoto by 2027. This strategic move follows its recent forays into international markets, showcasing its ambition to broaden its global reach. The firm, already present in key locations such…
In a significant legal development, the US District Court for the Northern District of California has blocked President Donald Trump’s imposition of a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers. This decision marks the second federal court injunction against the policy, which critics argue was enacted without proper congressional authorization. The injunction…
In a significant development for the pharmaceutical industry, a Delaware federal judge has determined that Liquidia Technologies infringed upon a patent that protects methods for treating pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease. This conclusion stems from Liquidia’s attempts to secure approval for Yutrepia, a drug designed to address this medical condition. The ruling reinforces…
In a recent development from the U.S. District Court in Delaware, a temporary restraining order has been granted to Janssen Biotech, effectively stalling Accord BioPharma’s efforts to produce a biosimilar to its flagship arthritis medication, Simponi. This decision is pivotal as it underscores the ongoing battles within the pharmaceutical industry over patent rights and the…
A New Jersey state court has denied a motion to disqualify FBT Gibbons LLP from representing Cigna and associated employer-sponsored health plans in a lawsuit concerning alleged underpayments to a plastic surgery practice. The court determined that the motion appeared to be an attempt to gain a strategic advantage rather than to protect client interests….
Kirkland & Ellis has emerged as a prominent player in the realm of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), demonstrating a distinctive “get it done” approach that has propelled the firm to the forefront of big law dealmakers. This strategy emphasizes efficiency and results, aligning with the demanding pace of contemporary business transactions. As reported by Bloomberg…
President Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Cory Wilson, a partner at Phelps Dunbar LLP, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. This nomination comes as part of Trump’s ongoing effort to fill vacancies in the federal judiciary with conservative judges. Wilson has a robust legal background, having served as…
The mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape is facing a challenging period as global deal volumes have seen a noticeable decline of 10%, marking a considerable setback for dealmakers who had initially anticipated a record year. This downturn is primarily attributed to mounting economic uncertainties and more stringent regulatory environments, impacting the appetite and confidence of…
Greenberg Traurig, a high-profile international law firm, has strategically expanded its capabilities in FDA regulatory matters by welcoming Barbara J. Binagwaho Javitt to their Washington, D.C. office. Javitt, previously an integral part of Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, is renowned for her adeptness in navigating FDA guidelines and regulatory landscapes. Her appointment is poised to enhance…
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has drastically impacted the humanitarian situation, particularly for children. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals in a recent report that more than one in five Lebanese households surveyed have children who have gone to bed hungry. This alarming statistic underscores the severe toll on children’s access to fundamental needs…
The biosimilars sector is currently navigating a pivotal moment marked by increased mergers and acquisitions activity. In the first nine months of 2026 alone, deal value in this market reached approximately $13 billion, following a 15% year-over-year increase in average transaction size since 2025. This upward trend highlights the strategic importance of biosimilars as a…
Armstrong Teasdale LLP has bolstered its corporate services team in Chicago by welcoming a new partner from Polsinelli PC and a counsel from McDonald Hopkins LLC, as announced recently. This strategic expansion underscores the firm’s commitment to strengthening its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) capabilities in a competitive legal market. The strategic hires come amidst a…
In a notable development within the pharmaceutical industry, a New Jersey federal judge has denied motions to dismiss a complex antitrust multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving Celgene Corp.’s cancer medication Revlimid. The litigation accuses Bristol-Myers Squibb, Natco Pharma, AbbVie, and other pharmaceutical companies of engaging in “pay-for-delay” agreements, which allegedly delayed the entry of generic competitors…