In today’s challenging legal landscape, concerns are rising among leaders of in-house legal departments. Lawyers, increasingly faced with high levels of dissatisfaction and burnout, are searching for new employment, potentially adding to an already overwhelmed in-house counsel sector. A major concern is the perceived deficit of resources needed for them to fulfill their roles efficiently,…
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is putting forth new regulations that would require victims of malicious hacks to report the breaches. These regulations, which would be among the agency’s first, could mandate the disclosure of cyberattacks, particularly those involving ransomware and other network compromises. Under the proposed regulations, companies in 16 crucial…
On October 10, 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) amended the beneficial ownership reporting requirements under Sections 13(d) and 13(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). This change marks the most substantial reform to these regulations since the adoption of the Williams Act in 1968, according to Wilson Sonsini Goodrich…
As we move deeper into the digital era, the stakes for corporate legal departments are raised higher in the struggle to keep pace with ever-evolving technological advancements. Among the most impactful of recent advancements is generative artificial intelligence (AI). According to a recent Gartner poll, 55% of organizations are using generative AI to drive their…
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is stirring different emotions in legal departments across the globe. The early adopters, however, have reached a critical realization – the potential of AI to make them more efficient, strategic business advisers; a key success metric for the in-house attorneys of today. The interplay of emotions, ranging from anxiety to exhilaration,…
In 2024, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) employer-coverage affordability percentage will enter its lowest threshold since the ACA’s inception. Based on information the IRS recently released, the 2024 inflation-adjusted amounts will cause a decrease from the 9.12% affordability percentage in 2023 to 8.39% for 2024. This rate change is significant for employers who are obliged…
Welcome to another review of important legal news destined for the perusal of globally minded lawyers, Law firms, and in-house counsel. As the week wraps up, it brings with it a sentiment of unity in the legal world. In a significant show of solidarity, around 400 attorneys, from more than two dozen prominent law firms,…
Popular online tracking tools are posing new challenges for in-house legal counsel as concerns over privacy rise. Laws that have been resting on the shelves for years are being taken out, dusted off, and used in brand new privacy battles. At the same time, regulators are redefining what’s considered normal when it comes to commercial…
In the evolving landscape of law firm operations, the role of the general counsel (GC) has expanded from part-time legal consultation to a full-time ‘Risk Avoidance Monitor’. This shift in responsibility has been highlighted by William Connolly, who recently assumed the role of Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Nixon Peabody. In his position,…
Occupying the position of an in-house counsel is far from the stereotype of a humdrum and monotonous routine. It often proves to be a dynamic and engaging role that cuts across various legal issues, diverse projects, and involves liaison with numerous stakeholders. This is particularly evident from a detailed description of the workday of Meyling…
Good trials never tend to be dull and the current one involving FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried certainly proves the point. The case recently hit new heights of drama with accusations of bribery and illicit sexual activities surfacing. More details can be read in the full report on Axios. Shifting our focus to the Supreme Court,…
Welcome to our coverage of recent trends in the legal sector, notable numbers in specific markets, such as New York, that are likely to be of interest for law firms and in-house counsels. Today’s focus is on the recent uptick in Big Law attorney headcounts in New York. Recorded over the past year, the largest…
Understanding the developments in the False Claims Act (FCA) is crucial for legal professionals, particularly those specializing in corporate law. This in-depth analysis published by Morrison & Foerster LLP addresses important issues surrounding false claims and related legislation. Addressed to busy in-house counsel and compliance professionals, the regularly updated newsletter aims to clarify and explain…
With the increasing trend towards remote work and a shift from on-premise platforms to the cloud, businesses are transforming their operations to be more efficient. This change, however, also exposes companies to an array of new security risks and cyber threats. This issue is especially prominent within in-house legal departments, as three major themes emerge…
If you’re an in-house counsel dealing with high-stakes litigation, you would want the world’s finest litigators on your side. It’s essential to have a team that strikes fear in opposing counsels, a team known for its intense litigation strategies and records of success. However, how could you guarantee that you’ve chosen the correct firm? BTI…
In-house counsels grapple with an assortment of challenges in the corporate legal department. Among numerous variables that influence how legal departments align with businesses, one significant factor that can add enormous value lies in modifying business operations to incorporate digital technologies. Implementing such changes can propel efficiency, streamline collaboration, expedite delivery, and enhance outputs. Above…
One factor that can significantly shape the trajectory of an insurance case is the venue. Choosing between a federal or state venue is often a critical decision to make at the onset of a case, significantly impacting the eventual outcome for a client. As such, legal professionals specializing in the insurance realm need to be…
In-house lawyers are discovering the benefits of creating influence through an online presence, thereby establishing themselves as thought leaders in their respective fields. The importance of gaining trust and influence both within and outside your organization has become paramount to the success and resilience of the in-house counsel(Above The Law). Building a strong, authentic personal…
On September 29, 2023, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued its much-awaited Proposed Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace, marking the first time since 1999 that the agency has updated its guidelines on the topic. The recommendations from EEOC, expected to go through the usual rule-making process, will hold a significant influence on…
In June 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division published the fourth version of its “Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs (ECCP)” guidance, offering salient insights for in-house counsel and chief compliance officers. Although over six months have passed since this publication, the wisdom held within this document remains relevant and noteworthy. JD Supra reports…
Amusement park operators carry a heavy burden: they must ensure the safety and well-being of their patrons, above all else. In the realm of tort law, one of the most common causes of action for amusement park injuries is negligence. As such, amusement park operators have a legal and moral duty to protect their patrons…
The Securities Enforcement Forum Central 2023 convened on September 19, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois. Valuable insights were shared during this assembly, particularly important for those interested in the evolving landscape of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforcement investigations and actions. Legal professionals, private practitioners, and SEC alumni, including Senior Division of Enforcement officials from various…
As previously reported, the General Assembly of Maryland has been recognized for passing House Bill 209 (Chapter 560 of the Laws of Maryland 2023), which introduced pivotal amendments to the Maryland General Corporation Law (MGCL), the Maryland REIT Law (MRL), and the Maryland Statutory Trust Act (MSTA). Furthermore, certain amendments have also been made to…
Given the recent remarks of Daniel W. Glad – Director of the Procurement Collusion Strike Force (“Strike Force”) for the Department of Justice’s (“DOJ”) Antitrust Division – it is clear that criminal antitrust is rapidly rising as a top enforcement priority. Speaking at the Virginia Bar Association’s Annual White-Collar Fall Forum on September 14, 2023,…
Securing an in-house counsel role is often an aspiration for many ambitious legal professionals. However, once secure in such a position, some may find themselves in uncharted waters. To bridge this knowledge gap, Ashlyn Donohue, an experienced general counsel from LinkSquares, shares some invaluable advice on the ATL (Above The Law) Non-Eventcast podcast episode. Donohue…