International

Law Firms Increasingly Prioritize National Security Expertise Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Pieter Gunst03 mins

As global economic and political landscapes become increasingly complex, law firms are rapidly recognizing the critical importance of national security expertise. This shift is influencing recruitment priorities in major law firms, where professionals with national security skills have become highly sought-after assets. National security law, traditionally associated with government agencies, now commands significant attention from…

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UN Warns UK’s Revised Equality Act May Institutionalize Discrimination Against Transgender Individuals

Pieter Gunst04 mins

United Nations experts have issued a warning regarding recent revisions to the United Kingdom’s Equality Act 2010, expressing concerns that the changes could lead to discrimination against transgender individuals. The updated guidance, which became statutory on August 5, 2026, has sparked a profound debate about the implications for transgender rights within the UK. The revisions…

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Navigating AI Taxation: Complex Challenges and Opportunities for Workforce Support

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The conversation around taxing artificial intelligence as a means to provide support for displaced workers has gained traction. With automation reshaping industries, the idea is to impose levies on companies that benefit from AI technologies to support those affected by job displacement. While the intention seems promising on the surface, there is a need for…

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White & Case Expands Global Investment Strategy with Strategic Hire from Mayer Brown

Pieter Gunst02 mins

White & Case LLP has strategically bolstered its global investment funds practice and global private capital industry group by bringing on board the global head of private funds and investment management from Mayer Brown LLP. This move highlights White & Case’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its capabilities in advising major institutional investors and fund sponsors…

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Altria’s Legal Challenge Against ITC Puts Focus on Patent Dispute Jurisdiction Limits

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Altria Group Inc. has brought a constitutional challenge against the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) before the Fourth Circuit, arguing that the agency lacks the authority to resolve private patent disputes and to restrict the importation and sale of products allegedly infringing on patents. This legal maneuver comes in response to a patent case initiated…

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Navigating Legal Complexities: The Ongoing Battle Against Counterfeit Goods in E-Commerce

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The challenge of counterfeit goods in the e-commerce market has emerged as a significant legal battlefront for major brands, with a recent case involving NASCAR illustrating the complexities. A federal judge in North Carolina addressed the issue by blocking international retailers from selling counterfeit NASCAR merchandise online. However, the court refrained from completely shutting down…

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Increased Judicial Scrutiny of Electronic Service Practices in Northern Illinois Raises Questions on Due Diligence in Transnational Cases

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Northern District of Illinois is currently experiencing increased scrutiny over its Schedule A practices related to electronic service of process. This development follows the recent Kangol ruling, which challenges the adequacy of steps taken to meet the “reasonable diligence” standard necessary before electronic service can be approved, particularly for defendants based in China. Experts…

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Clifford Chance Seeks Arbitration in Multi-Million Dollar Partner Pay Dispute, Reflecting Industry Trend

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a notable development within the legal sector, Clifford Chance LLP is seeking to move a contentious partner pay dispute into arbitration. The case involves a claim by two former partners, who allege they are confronting a $6 million clawback demand. The firm has countered by suggesting that the ex-partners are engaging in “gamesmanship” by…

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Clifford Chance Engages in Legal Battle Over $5.8 Million Compensation Dispute with Former Partners

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Clifford Chance, one of the leading global law firms, has taken decisive legal action against certain former partners involved in a compensation dispute. The firm is embroiled in a complex $5.8 million lawsuit that highlights the challenges associated with partner exits and their subsequent financial entitlements. According to Bloomberg Law, Clifford Chance is contesting claims…

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Reevaluating Patent Strategies: A Crucial Step for Tech Startups Post-Funding

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Securing a fresh round of funding is a critical milestone for tech startups, often accompanied by new expectations and pressures. While the influx of capital provides an opportunity to scale operations and advance innovations, it also introduces heightened investor scrutiny and market competition. In this context, reassessing and fine-tuning your patent strategy becomes essential to…

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UN Urges Mozambique to Prioritize Human Rights in Counter-Terrorism Efforts Amid Ongoing Insurgency

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The United Nations has issued a call for Mozambique to prioritize human rights in its ongoing battle against terrorism. UN special rapporteur Ben Saul emphasized the importance of not only focusing on a military approach but also addressing the root causes of terrorism after concluding his lengthy examination in Mozambique. Saul acknowledged the progress made…

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Legal Pressures Mount as Prediction Markets Face Growing Consumer Protection Suits

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Prediction markets, platforms where individuals can wager on the outcomes of various events, are under increasing legal scrutiny as consumer protection suits begin to mount. These platforms have gained attention for their ability to aggregate diverse opinions and accurately forecast events ranging from political elections to economic indicators. However, as interest and stakes in these…

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Russia’s Use of Cluster Munitions in Ukraine Sparks War Crime Concerns from Human Rights Group

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Human Rights Watch has raised serious concerns over a recent Russian attack on Kyiv, which allegedly used cluster munitions in a densely populated residential area. This action, according to HRW, could potentially qualify as a war crime under international law due to the indiscriminate nature of the weapon and the significant civilian casualties it caused,…

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Myanmar Moves Forward with Rohingya Repatriation Amid Ongoing ICJ Genocide Deliberations

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Myanmar’s recent announcement to proceed with the repatriation of Rohingya refugees marks a crucial juncture as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) continues to deliberate on allegations of genocide. Myanmar has stated its intention to work closely with Bangladesh on this issue, emphasizing the bilateral nature of the agreement and resisting international involvement. Despite Myanmar’s…

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Court Upholds Trump’s Authority to End De Minimis Tariff Exemption Amidst National Emergency

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The US Court of International Trade recently issued a pivotal summary judgment supporting the Trump administration’s authority to rescind the de minimis tariff exemption for imports valued under $800. The court’s decision came in response to litigation initiated by Detroit Axle, a US auto parts dealer, which challenged the closure of a tariff loophole under…

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Juul’s Patent Battle with Altria Reignites as ITC Reverses Ruling, Impacting Vaping Industry Dynamics

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has taken a significant step in the ongoing legal battle between Juul and Altria by vacating an administrative law judge’s prior ruling that had deemed a Juul patent invalid. This decision effectively revives Juul’s case against Altria’s NJOY, creating renewed legal tensions in the competitive vaping industry. The ITC’s…

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ITC Asserts Jurisdiction in Baby Carrier Dispute, Highlights Challenges in Parallel Legal Proceedings

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has urged an Idaho federal court to dismiss a request from a baby carrier manufacturer seeking to compel a rival to withdraw its concurrent ITC complaint. The move underscores the ITC’s stance on maintaining its jurisdiction over such disputes and highlights the complexity of navigating parallel proceedings in different…

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Ninth Circuit Upholds $2 Billion Arbitral Award, Reinforcing U.S. Stance on International Arbitration

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Legal Lions of the week, as highlighted by Law360, prominently feature Baker Botts LLP and King & Spalding LLP. This recognition follows a significant ruling by the Ninth Circuit, which upheld an arbitral award exceeding $2 billion for a satellite communications company. The court’s decision emphasized that the concept of an optimal venue does…

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Orrick Enhances Capital Markets Expertise with Strategic Hire from Kirkland & Ellis

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP has recently enhanced its capital markets capability by hiring a prominent legal figure from Kirkland & Ellis LLP as the new global head of capital markets. This strategic move signals Orrick’s intent to strengthen its standing in the competitive legal landscape, particularly within capital markets, which have become increasingly complex…

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AI in the Courtroom: Emerging Challenges and the Imperative for Safeguards Against Manipulation

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a recent legal twist, a Connecticut court faced an unusual challenge: an attempt by a plaintiff to exploit artificial intelligence by embedding hidden text in court filings. The case, presided over by Judge Walter Spader Jr., involved a plaintiff accusing a healthcare provider of improperly withholding access to records. Although the attempt did not…

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Is Slaughter and May’s Intimate Approach Sustainable in the Fast-Paced Private Equity Era?

Pieter Gunst03 mins

As Europe’s bustling M&A summer fades, legal minds are reconsidering the stature of Slaughter and May in the context of the private equity age. Traditionally known for its bespoke service model, Slaughter and May’s unique approach contrasts sharply with the sprawling, networked operations typical of many international law firms classified under “Big Law”. In recent…

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