As Friday, September 29, 2023, drew to a close, the United States Congress was at an impasse regarding a spending agreement. This presents a significant concern for corporations with international trade operations, who should commence preparations for a possible prolonged Federal government shutdown. The adverse effects are projected to begin as of 12:01 am October…
As many legal professionals may be aware, conventional doctrine in California holds that once a public agency adopts a resolution of necessity to acquire property by way of eminent domain, the resolution typically, and “conclusively,” sets forth the foundational findings of public use and necessity. Recently, however, a development that is worth paying close attention…
Corporate lawyers and in-house counsel at M&As face new challenges as regulators are stepping up enforcement against non-compete and no-poach clauses. Legal teams across the UK, EU, and US are being impelled to pay increased attention to drafting and regulating non-competes and other restrictive arrangements. This change of focus could have significant implications for the…
In the rapidly evolving world of corporate law, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division has published its fourth version of the ‘Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs (ECCP). Although this revised version has now been in circulation for over six months, the insights brought forth remain as relevant as ever for in-house counsel and chief…
In recent years, the legal discourse around white-collar offenses has frequently been embroiled in a perennial debate: does the value of self-disclosure trump the potential dangers that come with offering the government an illustration of the company’s alleged violation? This dialog was catalyzed by agencies such as the Department of Justice which have often responded…
Over the last two decades, the legal industry has been experiencing a profound transformation. One of the most significant changes has been the shift in the makeup of the legal workforce, where the number of in-house lawyers has more than doubled, growing at a rate far surpassing that of their counterparts in Big Law, which…
As the legal profession braces for the impending generative AI wave, crucial shifts are already happening beneath the surface. Over the past two decades, the legal industry has seen a significant rise in the number of in-house lawyers, more than double their number, outpacing the growth of lawyers in Big Law firms which saw less…
In an upcoming hybrid event, well-renowned law firm Vinson & Elkins LLP is set to host a discussion on the primary blunders that cause unease for securities lawyers. This event, titled “Securities Lawyer Nightmares: 13 Mistakes that Keep Securities Lawyers Up at Night,” is not one to miss for legal professionals involved in securities and…
Merinda Timpany, formerly a lawyer for lawyers, is now embracing her unique role as an In-House Counsel where her day-to-day involves communication not only with corporate management and regulators but also with auto mechanics. This shift in focus allows her voice to be heard in different contexts and establishes a diversified rapport that spans various…
A high-profile dispute is currently unfolding between a Nevada based toy manufacturer and Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. The toy company is entreaty a California federal judge to disregard Sony’s appeal for law firm Maschoff Brennan’s disqualification from representing them in an ongoing contract row against the entertainment behemoth. The root of Sony’s claim lies in…
Changes effective from July 1st have brought significant updates to Georgia’s voting leave law. Among these alterations, the Georgia statute now designates “advance in-person voting” (early voting) as a valid reason for employers to sanction unpaid time off. This move is a significant step for workers’ rights, providing the employed populace with greater flexibility and…
The increasing popularity of remote work is significantly influencing the decisions of candidates in the legal hiring market. While businesses are indeed booming with more in-house counsel needs, potential hires are reconsidering opportunities that require more in-office presence. According to a recent report by Major, Lindsey & Africa, job candidates are open to working up…
We are pleased to announce that we are in the process of updating our annual compensation data for corporate counsel and we seek your valuable contribution. If you’re functioning in the capacity of an in-house lawyer, we’re inviting you to take a moment to complete our brief, anonymous survey. In the near future, we plan…
Noted international law firm, Shearman & Sterling LLP, recently discussed the Law Commission of England & Wales’ final report, published on September 6, 2023, concerning reform propositions to the English Arbitration Act 1996. The report suggests modifications in six crucial areas, in addition to several minor amendments. More importantly, the report introduces a draft bill,…
The Democratic members of the United States Congress have recently reintroduced a set of bills that seek to establish the necessity of spousal consent for distributions from 401(k) retirement plans. If passed into law, the regulations would extend additional protection to spouses in matters related to retirement savings and assets distribution.More details can be found…
In a recent address to New York’s legal community, the state’s Chief Judge emphasized the critical role of in-house counsel in addressing the unmet needs of civil litigants. The Chief Judge specifically pointed out that the issue is not just a matter of justice and fairness; it’s an economic one as well. Marking a clear…
The legal landscape concerning non-compete agreements continues to shift in California, presenting fresh challenges and additional considerations for employers. According to the state’s prevailing law, not only are non-competes considered void, but employers who impose such restrictions may now also incur liability. As established with the California Business and Professions Code Section 16600, any contract…
September 2023 marked the first issue of WilmerHale’s ‘The Interplay: Key Decisions at the Intersection of Antitrust & Life Sciences’, a significant new monthly bulletin designed to enlighten readers on recent developments in the antitrust and life sciences sector. During a time when antitrust enforcement is reaching into an increasingly broad array of industries, it…
In a significant development prior to the summer adjournment in July, the French Senate passed legislation granting in-house counsel the right to legal professional privilege for written advice. It should be noted that this legal shield is only applicable to advice in relation to commercial, civil, and administrative legal matters. However, the legislation still requires…
August 2023 has been bustling with significant changes and developments within the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). From important enforcement developments to the settlement of legal actions, the month that just ended has witnessed critical shifts that will impact corporate legal departments and law firms alike. Here’s a summary of the Top 5 SEC developments…
The deadline is swiftly nearing for space licensees who are holders of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) satellite or earth station authorizations. According to a recent report, their annual regulatory fees must be paid by September 20, if the satellite was authorized and operational, or the earth station was authorized on or before October 1, 2022….
The latest IRS roundup from September 4, 2023, to September 8, 2023, provides key insights into the most recent Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance and significant tax matters. The roundup, a publication of McDermott Will & Emery, is an essential resource for legal professionals keen on staying up-to-date with pressing tax law issues and trends….
In July, just before lawmakers went on summer break, the French Senate passed a bill that would extend legal professional privilege to written advice provided by in-house counsel. It’s worth noting that this legal shield will only apply to advice pertaining to commercial, civil, and administrative legal matters. However, before it can come into effect,…
Google’s chief legal officer, Kent Walker, has found himself under the spotlight due to a recent trial, as noted in a report from Law.com. Known for his high-powered position amongst American lawyers and his inherently reputable persona, Walker may be the archetype of the legal professional, as per a profile in The New York Times….
When you’re an in-house counsel at a bustling corporation, daily routine responsibilities might push personal and professional growth to the back-burner. However, regardless of how hectic the year has been, personal development remains an essential aspect of career growth, and it’s never too late to invest time in yourself. Here, we highlight ten ways in…