In the evolving legal landscape, legal operations have emerged as an essential function within corporate legal departments. This perspective is shared by numerous Chief Legal Officers (CLOs) who view legal operations as a vital asset, rapidly gaining recognition for enhancing efficiency and strategic impact. A prominent CLO recently discussed how legal operations serve as a…
In today’s dynamic global trade environment, legal professionals within corporations are confronted with the multifaceted challenges of navigating tariff uncertainties. The complexities arise not only from shifting geopolitical tides but also from rapidly evolving regulatory frameworks. For in-house counsel, developing effective strategies to manage these uncertainties is paramount. A practical approach to address tariff volatility…
The complex landscape of corporate law continues to evolve as general counsels (GCs) grapple with unprecedented political dynamics, further intensified by the Trump era. In-house legal teams are carefully considering their options when selecting outside counsel, often weighing the political affiliations and public stances of potential law firms. As reported in Law.com, there’s a noticeable…
The demand for in-house attorneys in Japan is witnessing a surge, primarily driven by a growing focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), as well as heightened concerns over cyber and privacy issues. Japanese corporations are increasingly seeking legal expertise to navigate complex, cross-border transactions and to ensure compliance with evolving data protection regulations. This trend…
Michelle A. Behnke, a seasoned business attorney from Wisconsin, has commenced her tenure as president of the American Bar Association (ABA), emphasizing the organization’s commitment to “defending liberty and pursuing justice every day.” ([abajournal.com](https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/lawyers-essential-to-fighting-tyranny-says-aba-president-elect-michelle-behnke?utm_source=openai)) With over 35 years of legal experience, Behnke has a distinguished career in business mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and estate…
In the legal profession, the trajectory from law firm to in-house counsel is often seen as a one-way street toward a more balanced lifestyle and a narrower focus. However, there is an emerging narrative that turning back toward the law firm environment can be equally rewarding. According to a recent article on Bloomberg Law, various…
Recent analyses of in-house legal compensation reveal nuanced trends across the industry. According to BarkerGilmore’s 2025 In-House Counsel Compensation Report, salaries for in-house counsel increased by an average of 2.8% in 2025, a deceleration from the 4.4% rise observed in 2024. Specifically, General Counsel saw a 2.5% increase, Managing Counsel 3.0%, and Senior Counsel 2.9%….
In July 2025, several prominent corporations announced significant additions to their legal departments, reflecting ongoing trends in the in-house legal landscape. Warner Bros. Discovery appointed a new General Counsel to oversee its global legal operations. This move comes as the company continues to navigate the complexities of the evolving media landscape. Deutsche Bank strengthened its…
In recent findings, a significant portion of in-house attorneys have been actively engaging in negotiating their compensation. This trend highlights a shift in the dynamics between legal professionals and their corporate employers. According to a report from Law360, this move towards negotiation is becoming increasingly common as lawyers seek to align their compensation with their…
Jones Day, a leading global law firm, has added significant pharmaceutical industry expertise to its Washington, D.C. office with the hiring of a former in-house counsel from a prominent pharmaceutical company. This strategic move reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to expanding its capabilities in the health care and life sciences sectors. The new hire, whose…
Patent litigation is experiencing a significant transformation as damages awarded in plaintiff-won federal cases have markedly increased over the past decade. This trend is starkly contrasted by declining damages in environmental and other civil litigation arenas. The report by Lex Machina highlights these shifts, indicating broader changes within the legal landscape here. The escalation in…
For legal professionals seeking to stay informed on developments pertinent to the United States Supreme Court, SCOTUSblog offers a brief, carefully curated selection of articles and commentary each weekday. Designed to facilitate quick yet comprehensive updates, this feature is tailored for those whose demanding schedules necessitate efficient access to essential information. The edition for Monday,…
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has announced the addition of a veteran general counsel from Colorado to its innovative Residence Program. This move highlights the ongoing trend of law firms seeking to bridge the gap between in-house legal departments and external counsels by integrating seasoned professionals directly into their operations. The Residence Program, known for…
Fidelity Investments is making significant strides in enhancing its workplace offerings by introducing a new product aimed at improving in-house counsel (IHC) capabilities. This move underscores the growing trend among financial service firms to cater to corporate legal departments, emphasizing the strategic importance of legal operations in corporate settings. According to Bloomberg Law, the new…
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is increasingly delegating tasks traditionally handled by his office to private lawyers. This development has sparked a conversation among legal professionals about the implications of such a move on state governance and legal accountability. According to recent reports, Paxton’s decision to transfer more responsibilities to external counsel arises amid internal…
In an effort to help corporate legal departments navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has developed a tool designed to assess AI-related risks. As the use of AI accelerates within various industries, the potential for legal and ethical challenges grows, prompting in-house counsel to seek effective strategies to mitigate potential issues….
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP has expanded its legal expertise by hiring former Charles Schwab associate general counsel, Anthony Giorgini, to join their San Francisco office. This move marks a strategic effort to bolster their financial services practice with seasoned professionals possessing deep industry knowledge. Giorgini brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Charles…
McDermott Will & Emery has made a significant addition to its European operations by appointing Johannes Eckhardt as a partner at its Frankfurt headquarters. Eckhardt, who previously served as the head of legal for Merck, exemplifies the ongoing trend of experienced in-house counsel transitioning into private practice. This move is expected to bolster McDermott’s capabilities…
Seward & Kissel LLP has announced the addition of Jacob Comer as a partner in its Investment Management Group, focusing on venture capital formation and transactions. Comer brings extensive experience in fund formation, cross-border fundraising, and complex deal structuring. Prior to joining Seward & Kissel, he served as a member of the executive committee at…
Pilot Travel Centers Chief Legal Officer, Shameeka D. Mattis, is driven by a profound commitment to both the practice of law and the mentorship of emerging legal minds. Her journey into the legal profession is one characterized by a passion for justice and an intrinsic desire to impact the corporate world positively. This dedication is…
Two prominent product safety lawyers from Amazon have recently transitioned to the law firm Crowell & Moring, marking a notable shift in the legal landscape for consumer product compliance. The move, involving attorneys who have handled complex regulatory issues for the tech giant, reflects broader trends in legal practice as firms increasingly recruit in-house corporate…
In-house counsel play an increasingly critical role in assessing risk during the trial process. As legal complexities grow and litigation costs rise, corporate legal teams are pivotal in navigating these challenges, ensuring that companies make informed, strategic decisions. According to Bloomberg Law, these legal professionals are integral not just in managing external legal resources but…
Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC has announced the addition of Joao Magalhaes as a partner in its commercial litigation practice group at the firm’s Princeton, New Jersey office. Magalhaes brings extensive experience in complex commercial disputes, including mass tort defense and construction litigation. His background also includes serving as in-house counsel, providing him with…
The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), representing almost 50,000 members worldwide, has unveiled a new think tank dedicated to exploring the deployment of artificial intelligence within the corporate legal sector. This initiative underscores the growing influence of AI technologies in legal practice and aims to provide guidance and best practices for legal professionals navigating these…
The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) has introduced a new initiative aimed at equipping in-house legal teams with the tools needed to manage the legal, ethical, and training challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Recognizing the transformative impact of AI on the legal landscape, the organization has launched the AI Center of Excellence for In-House Counsel…