DLA Piper, a global law firm, recently made a crucial addition to its ranks as Andrew Westgate has joined the New York branch. He will be renowned for his in-depth experience and knowledge as a partner within project and energy practice. This strategic move fortifies the firm’s continuing commitment to expand its areas of expertise,…
As corporate dynamics evolve, the role of in-house counsel is also undergoing significant changes. Today’s in-house counsel extend their influence and contribution beyond drafting and vetting of legal documents. They play a crucial role in bridging the gap between legal jargon and critical business decisions, serving as connectors between different sections of the company for…
Welcome to today’s legal news rundown for lawyers, law firms, and in-house counsel. The noteworthy headline of the day surrounds Roberta Kaplan, the renowned attorney who famously represented E. Jean Carroll in her defamation case against former President Donald Trump. Kaplan has publically stated that she drove Donald Trump “completely insane” during the deposition. The…
Welcome to the daily rundown of top legal news for corporate lawyers, law firms, and in-house counsel. At the forefront is the announcement that Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has been selected as lead plaintiffs counsel in a proposed nationwide consumer class action against Amazon. The case revolves around claims that Amazon has “duped” customers…
Geopolitical risks and worldwide crises have transformed the work of in-house legal teams in recent years. From surmounting regulatory responsibilities, the obstacles faced by these teams now encompass everything from pandemics and war, to disrupted supply chains and the deployment of artificial intelligence. Their role in risk management has expanded into grappling with a slew…
In an era where technological advancement is taking the lead, it’s not just about what technology is available, but how and what we are actually using it for. Legal operations professionals and in-house lawyers are the main focus of a recent survey that attempts to unveil the genuine use and advantages of technology in the…
When a lawyer decides to transition from private practice to an in-house role, the reaction from others can often be filled with words of caution, and sometimes even outright discouragement. It’s generally a mix of dreaded predictions and stereotypes about in-house practice that leaves the lawyer questioning their decision. These words of caution, however, are…
The US Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) recent guidance on patents for artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted inventions has clarified that these are not automatically dismissed, under one significant condition: the necessity of human engagement. This guidance strengthens the premise that the contribution of a human inventor is indispensable to qualify a patent application for approval. Link,…
Welcome, esteemed legal professionals. Today, we detail the notable headlines and developments that hold relevance for corporations, law firms, and in-house counsels alike. The recent actions of an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, Ali Awad, have come under scrutiny due to his social media posts involving the Israel-Hamas conflict. Georgia State University is facing mounting pressure…
The legal industry sees constant complaints about the ever-rising legal costs necessary for smooth business operations. Despite the grumbles, the fees continue to spiral, leading to a cycle wherein clients are forced to pay exorbitant amounts. The pertinent question is whether major law firms, often referred to as Biglaw, are ready to tackle this issue…
It’s that time of year again, where we turn our attention to compiling our annually anticipated list of the top law firms in the country. And who better to guide decisions than the legal professionals who work with these firms on a daily basis – the clients themselves. As part of this important process, we…
Advancements in technology are ever-growing and sectors such as the legal industry are embracing the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). In-house counsel faces inevitable waves of such technological changes in the coming few years. The year 2023 represented a significant shift in the acceptance and use of generative AI among legal professionals. A mid-year…
ALM, regarded as the top destination for professionals seeking in-depth business research and market trend analysis, facilitates more than 60 crucial events annually, providing platforms for industry leaders, strategic partners, and prospective clients to inform, celebrate, and engage in meaningful discussions. Notably, ALM’s most significant annual gathering is the must-attend LegalWeek NY, a trade show…
In a move indicative of strengthening its litigation capacity, premier law firm Quarles & Brady has announced the induction of former assistant US Attorney, Eric Pruitt, as a partner in the litigation and dispute resolution practice group based in Chicago. This information came forth via a recent announcement from the firm. Pruitt has earned renown…
A year ago, Bridget Mary McCormack, the former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, assumed the position of President and CEO of the American Arbitration Association (AAA). McCormack, known for her innovative approach to expanding access to justice, has amplified the AAA’s innovation techniques even further since her arrival, particularly in the adoption of…
January 2024 witnessed several noteworthy appointments in the legal departments of numerous corporations. Xerox and Kimberly-Clark, in particular, made conspicuous high-profile in-house hirings. As the new year commenced, these industry-leading companies moved to strengthen their internal legal teams. Leading the pack were Xerox and Kimberly-Clark, who leveraged their clout to secure top legal talents. The…
Contract review is key to any in-house legal profession. While any lawyer specializing in contracts might start out with a checklist of standard terms and conditions, experience teaches us a lot more about what to review in a contract. This is especially true with in-house counsel, as more than just the legal aspects are scrutinized…
Historically, in-house legal departments had a simpler approach to engaging with outside counsel. When a legal issue arose, they would quickly lean on the expertise of their General Counsel’s (GC) previous BigLaw firm. While such a strategy was straightforward and safe, it might not have been the most cost-efficient solution. Furthermore, it was almost impossible…
Bridget Mary McCormack, former chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, became president and CEO of the American Arbitration Association (AAA), the world’s largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, last year. McCormack, a vocal advocate for system innovation to broaden access to justice while on the court, has reportedly boosted the AAA’s…
Welcome to the daily rundown of the top news for lawyers, law firms, and in-house counsel. In a noteworthy development, Steve Bannon’s refusal to pay his attorneys could lead to complications in a separate criminal case involving allegations of defrauding donors to a privately funded US-Mexico border wall. Bannon’s attorney, Harlan Protass, noted in a…
Rajan Singh has recently returned to the corporate and securities practice at Womble Bond Dickinson, based out of Tysons, Virginia. The firm made the announcement public last Friday. Singh’s area of expertise encompasses mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, along with domestic and international transactions in a variety of sectors such as government contracting, technology, and financial…
Reflecting on the evolution of legal service billing, in-house counsel members will recall the days of block billing, where a firm would consolidate all services rendered into a bill sent to the client at the end of the month. The total, often unnerving, along with the lack of breakdown of times spent on specific tasks,…
Quarles & Brady announced the recent addition of Mary Kate Hogan as a partner in the business law practice group in their St. Louis, Missouri office; a positive development for the firm’s expanding practice group. This news reflects the ongoing efforts of law firms across the globe to strengthen their teams with experienced legal professionals…
The ongoing internal company dispute concerning the dismissal of Jennifer Whitney, a high-ranking in-house counsel for food and beverage major, J.M. Smucker Co., took a significant turn on Tuesday. Whitney approached the Ninth District Court of Appeals in Ohio, requesting her lawsuit filed in 2020 over the conditions of her termination to be reinstated. Whitney’s…
On an annual basis, a well-regarded list is assembled featuring the top law firms across the nation, with data collection for the latest 2024 edition underway. Key to the most accurate and comprehensive findings are the feedback and insights provided by one crucial demographic: the very clients these law firms serve. Thus, an invitation has…