FDA Finalizes Guidance on Informed Consent in Clinical Investigations: Ensuring Compliance and Patient Rights

Providing clarity on patient rights for informed consent in clinical investigations, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its final guiding document as of August 15, 2023. Titled ‘Informed Consent: Guidance for IRBs, Clinical Investigators, and Sponsors’ (final guidance), this decisive documentation finalizes, with new examples and minuscule updates and alterations, the FDA’s…

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Labor Law Shakeup: Proposed Increase of White-Collar Exemption Salary Threshold to Impact 3.4 Million Workers

In a significant proposal from the US Department of Labor, the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) may undergo a critical adjustment, looking to increase the white-collar exemption salary threshold for employees to qualify as exempt. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, announced on August 30, 2023, outlines this considerable boost, which elevates the cap from $35,568…

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Minnesota Bankruptcy Court Upholds Non-Compete Clause, Protecting Franchisor’s Interests

In a recent case, a Minnesota bankruptcy court made a significant ruling that is of particular consequence to legal professionals dealing with franchise law. The court granted Fantastic Sams, a well-known hair salon franchise, a preliminary injunction against a former franchisee. The plaintiff was operating four new hair salons, which the court found to be…

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Unlocking E-Discovery Strategies: ACEDS Webinar Analyzes Sedona Small Law Firm Guide

High profile business litigations and the success of small e-discovery cases often involve fascinating interplays of various complex legal strategies. This September provides an excellent opportunity to delve into these intricate relationships, as ACEDS Advisory Board Members are scheduled to analyse the Sedona small law firm guide to e-discovery on the 15th, at 2:00 pm…

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Navigating Legal Hurdles: The Highs and Lows of Working as In-House Counsel for Elon Musk

Work for Elon Musk: opportunity of a lifetime or accelerated path to gray hairs? It’s a thought-provoking question for attorneys, considering the innovative brilliance and sometimes perplexing mannerisms of the billionaire mogul. Musk’s dynamism propels some of the world’s most avant-garde companies, a characteristic that aspirant in-house counsel might find irresistible. But this comes with…

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In-House Counsel Compensation Survey: Analyzing Trends and the Gender Pay Gap in the Legal Industry

Above the Law annually publishes a comprehensive report about in-house lawyers’ compensation. As a part of this annual custom, it is once again time to collect data for this year’s report. If you are an in-house attorney interested in participating, you are kindly requested to contribute by completing a brief, completely anonymous survey. Central to…

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Discrepancy in Contract Turnaround Times Strains Latin American Corporate Legal Departments: ODDS Legal Survey

A recent survey indicates a significant discrepancy in the expectations for contract turnaround times within corporate legal departments in Latin America, potentially raising tensions among business sectors. The study was conducted by ODDS Legal, a consultancy for legal operations. The survey involved interviewing 72 in-house counsels from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Spain….

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Surgical Robot Liability: The Emerging Legal Landscape for Healthcare Providers and Manufacturers

In an intriguing shift away from conventional thinking, there has been recent discussion concerning product liability lawsuits pertaining to surgical robots. While it’s common to envision liability suits from patients after unsuccessful operations, it’s considerably less common to consider potential claims from healthcare providers over injuries sustained while operating these technological wonders. Shook, Hardy &…

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NYSE and Nasdaq Mandate Compliant Clawback Policies by December 2023: Implications for Corporate Governance

In an effort to enhance corporate governance norms and ensure fair market practices, both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq have mandated that issuers must adopt compliant clawback policies by December 1, 2023. This pertinent development, recognized in a recent write-up by Snell & Wilmer, necessitates immediate attention from corporations and law firms…

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Stephenson Harwood Assembles Multidisciplinary Compliance Team in Paris Amid Rising Regulatory Complexity

In reaction to heightened client demand for counsel on issues such as white-collar investigations, competition, litigation, and other compliance concerns, Stephenson Harwood has convened a multidisciplinary compliance team based in its Paris office. The composition of the team combines both existing lawyers from Stephenson Harwood and distinguished recruits from external institutions, including a compliance specialist…

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Navigating AI Legal Landscape: Top Considerations for In-House Counsels

In the rapidly evolving legal landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), privacy, and data protection, in-house counsels play a critical role. This role often involves a careful balancing act between legal requirements, regulatory guidance, and business needs. As AI becomes increasingly pervasive in everyday business functions, counsels must proactively address potential privacy and data protection issues…

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Crypto Exchange Founder Leans on ‘Advice of Counsel’ Defense in Fraud Trial: Implications for the Legal World

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…

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Companies Risk Lawsuits Amid Deeper Scrutiny of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs

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…

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Navigating Legal Complexities: In-House Counsel’s Guide to AI and Intellectual Property

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…

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Navigating the Remote Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities for Corporate Legal Departments

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…

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Cozen O’Connor Launches “Whistleblower Watch” for False Claims Act Updates and Analysis

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,…

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