Jones Day, a leading global law firm, has added significant pharmaceutical industry expertise to its Washington, D.C. office with the hiring of a former in-house counsel from a prominent pharmaceutical company. This strategic move reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to expanding its capabilities in the health care and life sciences sectors. The new hire, whose…
Patent litigation is experiencing a significant transformation as damages awarded in plaintiff-won federal cases have markedly increased over the past decade. This trend is starkly contrasted by declining damages in environmental and other civil litigation arenas. The report by Lex Machina highlights these shifts, indicating broader changes within the legal landscape here. The escalation in…
For legal professionals seeking to stay informed on developments pertinent to the United States Supreme Court, SCOTUSblog offers a brief, carefully curated selection of articles and commentary each weekday. Designed to facilitate quick yet comprehensive updates, this feature is tailored for those whose demanding schedules necessitate efficient access to essential information. The edition for Monday,…
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has announced the addition of a veteran general counsel from Colorado to its innovative Residence Program. This move highlights the ongoing trend of law firms seeking to bridge the gap between in-house legal departments and external counsels by integrating seasoned professionals directly into their operations. The Residence Program, known for…
Fidelity Investments is making significant strides in enhancing its workplace offerings by introducing a new product aimed at improving in-house counsel (IHC) capabilities. This move underscores the growing trend among financial service firms to cater to corporate legal departments, emphasizing the strategic importance of legal operations in corporate settings. According to Bloomberg Law, the new…
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is increasingly delegating tasks traditionally handled by his office to private lawyers. This development has sparked a conversation among legal professionals about the implications of such a move on state governance and legal accountability. According to recent reports, Paxton’s decision to transfer more responsibilities to external counsel arises amid internal…
In an effort to help corporate legal departments navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has developed a tool designed to assess AI-related risks. As the use of AI accelerates within various industries, the potential for legal and ethical challenges grows, prompting in-house counsel to seek effective strategies to mitigate potential issues….
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP has expanded its legal expertise by hiring former Charles Schwab associate general counsel, Anthony Giorgini, to join their San Francisco office. This move marks a strategic effort to bolster their financial services practice with seasoned professionals possessing deep industry knowledge. Giorgini brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Charles…
McDermott Will & Emery has made a significant addition to its European operations by appointing Johannes Eckhardt as a partner at its Frankfurt headquarters. Eckhardt, who previously served as the head of legal for Merck, exemplifies the ongoing trend of experienced in-house counsel transitioning into private practice. This move is expected to bolster McDermott’s capabilities…
Seward & Kissel LLP has announced the addition of Jacob Comer as a partner in its Investment Management Group, focusing on venture capital formation and transactions. Comer brings extensive experience in fund formation, cross-border fundraising, and complex deal structuring. Prior to joining Seward & Kissel, he served as a member of the executive committee at…
Pilot Travel Centers Chief Legal Officer, Shameeka D. Mattis, is driven by a profound commitment to both the practice of law and the mentorship of emerging legal minds. Her journey into the legal profession is one characterized by a passion for justice and an intrinsic desire to impact the corporate world positively. This dedication is…
Two prominent product safety lawyers from Amazon have recently transitioned to the law firm Crowell & Moring, marking a notable shift in the legal landscape for consumer product compliance. The move, involving attorneys who have handled complex regulatory issues for the tech giant, reflects broader trends in legal practice as firms increasingly recruit in-house corporate…
In-house counsel play an increasingly critical role in assessing risk during the trial process. As legal complexities grow and litigation costs rise, corporate legal teams are pivotal in navigating these challenges, ensuring that companies make informed, strategic decisions. According to Bloomberg Law, these legal professionals are integral not just in managing external legal resources but…
Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC has announced the addition of Joao Magalhaes as a partner in its commercial litigation practice group at the firm’s Princeton, New Jersey office. Magalhaes brings extensive experience in complex commercial disputes, including mass tort defense and construction litigation. His background also includes serving as in-house counsel, providing him with…
The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), representing almost 50,000 members worldwide, has unveiled a new think tank dedicated to exploring the deployment of artificial intelligence within the corporate legal sector. This initiative underscores the growing influence of AI technologies in legal practice and aims to provide guidance and best practices for legal professionals navigating these…
The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) has introduced a new initiative aimed at equipping in-house legal teams with the tools needed to manage the legal, ethical, and training challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Recognizing the transformative impact of AI on the legal landscape, the organization has launched the AI Center of Excellence for In-House Counsel…
Cuatrecasas, a prominent Spanish law firm, has strategically enhanced its Latin American team by adding three new partners across various practice areas. This recruitment drive reflects the firm’s focus on strengthening its presence and capabilities in key sectors within the region. The new partners include a professional drawn from Deloitte’s ranks, an experienced in-house counsel,…
A recent survey of Washington State Bar Association members reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among legal professionals remains cautious, despite burgeoning interest. The survey highlights substantial gaps in both technology knowledge and cybersecurity practices, presenting potential vulnerabilities within the legal landscape. Conducted from September to October 2024 and published by the WSBA Legal Technology…
The Trump administration has recalibrated its approach to foreign bribery enforcement, shifting the focus primarily towards cases that intersect with national security interests. This shift is part of a broader resumption of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) cases, which had been temporarily halted since February. The Department of Justice memo emphasizes scrutinizing cases involving payoffs…
The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in corporate environments has been met with both enthusiasm and caution, as companies navigate the complexities of implementing these nascent technologies. For in-house counsel, the rapid rollout of AI can pose significant challenges, particularly when it comes to addressing the legal, operational, and communication hurdles that often accompany…
In recent years, the traditional lockstep remuneration system used by many U.K. law firms has evolved into more complex and varied structures. This shift has been partly driven by the desire for flexibility and the ability to reward performance, as opposed to solely relying on seniority. However, this transformation has also introduced new challenges. It’s…
Welcome to Bloomberg Law’s Wake Up Call, which provides a daily rundown of the top news for legal professionals, including key developments for law firms and in-house counsel. Recently, concerns have arisen from the legal community in Europe, notably from the Dutch and German bar associations, regarding potential conflicts of interest in deals tied to…
Building effective partnerships between in-house counsel and law firms relies heavily on real human connection, as discussed in a recent webinar hosted by Axiom, a provider of on-demand legal services. Experts from both corporate and legal sectors emphasized that cultivating these relationships demands trust and authentic engagement, elements that technology cannot replicate. As Seth Spitzer,…
Law firms Mayer Brown and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati have adopted an innovative approach by embedding in-house counsel within their firms for short-term engagements. This strategic move mirrors the entrepreneur-in-residence programs often seen in venture capital firms, where external experts bring unique perspectives to internal operations. The initiative, pioneered by Nina Flax at Mayer…
The California State Bar has initiated legal proceedings against ProctorU Inc., following a system collapse during the February Bar Exam. The suit seeks damages and a court-mandated audit due to allegations that the vendor, operating as Meazure Learning, failed to provide crucial information about the malfunctioning incident. On the day before state lawmakers were scheduled…