FTX crypto exchange founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, is expected to employ an ‘advice of counsel’ defense tactic in his impending fraud trial. The heart of this strategy is to assign the blame, for the alleged illegalities, to what he sees as dubious advice provided by in-house counsel and a notable Biglaw firm. In essence, Sam Bankman-Fried…
Companies striving to enact diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are coming under scrutiny, as practices are discovered that could potentially incite lawsuits. Law firms have found that some corporate efforts have inadvertently taken the form of discriminatory preference for certain groups, such as racial quotas and ill-equipped hiring managers who misinterpret ‘diversity’ as means…
Law firms today face a critical decision: to embrace or ban the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). The debate is fuelled by concerns and anticipation about the evolving role of AI in legal processes. One law firm partner recently admitted to banning the use of ChatGPT in their firm, a decision that might not…
In a recent interview with the National Law Journal, retired federal appellate Judge Joseph A. Greenaway Jr. shared his thoughts on diverse aspects of the legal profession. Judge Greenaway, who recently retired, is joining Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer next month. Appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in 2010 by…
In our Weekly Notable Ruling Roundup, we strive to keep our professional legal audience informed on recent decisions in relevant sectors. Today, our focus is primarily on the food & consumer packaged goods space. Firstly, in Magdalena Bojko, et al. v. Pierre Fabre USA Inc., No. 22-cv-06728 (N.D. Ill. – June 27, 2023), the Northern…
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms and large language models are transforming organizations, altering traditional work norms and increasing productivity. Yet, they also bring complex legal ramifications, challenging in-house counsel to navigate this novel landscape. This issue is particularly significant for firms with an enhanced need to shield their Intellectual Property. This precis aims to underline…
Amid the new age of remote work, corporate legal teams are grappling with the challenge of demonstrating their value and building strong, trustful relationships whilst out of the office, as highlighted in the recent ALM General Counsel Summit in Sydney. According to several statements articulated by prominent general counsels, remote working setups are likely to…
The False Claims Act (FCA) has been a significant tool for combating fraud against the U.S. government. With the FCA allowing individuals (whistleblowers) who expose fraudulent behavior to potentially share in any government recovery, these exposures have become an important part of the regulatory environment. To help legal professionals stay abreast of the evolving landscape,…
Every year, leading legal news outlet Above the Law publishes a comprehensive compensation report for in-house attorneys. The purpose of this survey is to provide crucial benchmarking information for corporate counsel and their salaries across various factors. These factors include the size of the company they serve, the industry they work in, the size of…
In the demanding world of corporate law, the emphasis for in-house counsel is increasingly placed on fostering effective relationships, according to three high-profile general counsels. A detailed discussion on ensuring legal teams have a more significant impact outside the confines of the legal department can be found here. In-house counsels are finding that effective networking,…
General Counsels (GCs) speaking at the ALM General Counsel Summit in Sydney, have highlighted the need for corporate legal departments to demonstrate their value within the business setup. This sentiment becomes all the more relevant amidst the transition to work-from-home norms and tightened corporate budgets. While technological advances and generative AI have made remote work…
As global discussions about trade ethics and corporate responsibility intensify, Germany has led the charge with its Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains. However, recent developments reveal a much-elaborated landscape than initially perceived. Addressees of the legislation should, therefore, take keen note of the unfolding factors that are destined to shape its…
In the complex realm of patent law, the case of United Therapeutics Corporation v. Liquidia Technologies, Inc. offers some critical insights. This case, an appeal and cross-appeal originating from a District of Delaware decision, touches on several key issues relating to patent infringement and validity. The case centers around the status of several different claims…
Through a series of engaging conversations and expert analysis, seasoned criminal compliance commentator, Tom Fox, offers us an invaluable glimpse into some of this week’s most critical compliance news. In his regular feature, 10 for 10, Fox succinctly summarizes the key compliance stories and provides legal professionals with the insights they need to thrive in…
In a unanimous decision on July 21, 2023, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit once again confirmed a ruling by a California federal court. The ruling states that truck drivers, who deliver ingredients from Domino’s Southern California Supply Chain Center to Domino’s California franchisees, are exempt from the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). The reported…
Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) has recently appointed former in-house counsel at an insurance company, Rick Da Costa, as the head of its national corporate and regulatory insurance and reinsurance team. Da Costa, who joins from the law firm Cassels Brock & Blackwell, brings to the team his rich in-house experience from his time as VP…
In an unfolding legal scenario, Robinson & Cole LLP and a recruiter are seeking to prevent early victories in a breach of contract lawsuit. Both parties have requested this from a Connecticut federal judge. The law firm is disputing the recruiter’s interpretation of the contract while the recruiter argues that the firm is overlooking the…
When trying to resolve disputes, lawyers and in-house counsel alike must often grapple with the question of when the best time is to engage in mediation. This conundrum, among other mediation-related topics, is comprehensively explored by the JD Supra. In particular, the article focuses on how attorneys and mediators interact during the mediation process. Each…
As outlined in a thought-provoking piece on Above the Law, the realm of in-house legal titles proves to be quite elusive. For those new to the legal practice, there appear to be primarily two kinds of roles in law firms — associates and partners/shareholders. As one gains experience, variations such as senior associate or equity…
The sphere of defamation law is set to have its landscape altered with the breaking news that partners Clare Locke, who were instrumental in securing the $787 million settlement in the Fox News-Dominion case, are setting up their own defamation boutique. This shift comes at a time when the market for defamation lawyers is growing….