A UN independent committee stated on Tuesday that there is “already clear evidence that war crimes may have been committed” in the recent outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory emphasizes that all parties who have violated international law “must be held accountable…
Professionals in the legal sector continue to track how different nations are handling laws and regulations as they pertain to COVID-19 and workers’ rights, as these changes can introduce implications both domestic and internationally. One such locale that is subject to much attention is Israel, currently going through a tumultuous time in the face of…
In an intriguing development, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has instigated proceeding against Malaysia in a UK court. The driving factor behind this unexpected move appears to be an ongoing disagreement over a settlement related to the investment banking titan’s involvement in the 1MDB investment-fund scandal, an event that has significantly impacted the global financial landscape….
In an unprecedented move intended to address persistent delays in the processing of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced an extension of the maximum validity period for specific EAD categories to five years. The development is a welcome change for global employers as well as foreign nationals who…
US companies have been given the go-ahead to digitally transfer consumers’ personal data from the United Kingdom under a new arrangement that avoids additional protective measures. The newly revised compliance framework came into operation on Thursday, enabling companies satisfying eligibility criteria to use the international data bridge. The conditions for eligibility include companies’ self-certification of…
The governments of the United Kingdom and the United States have officially implemented the much-discussed UK-U.S. Data Bridge. This strategic move is a direct result of the U.S. Attorney General acknowledging the UK as a “qualifying state” according to Executive Order 14086, a decision that came into effect on September 18, 2023. The UK’s regulations…
A report from “Autonomous Akin”, an influential legal platform that caters to professionals working in conjunction with autonomous systems and advanced mobility, outlined several key updates which might hold considerable significance for the legal models used by global corporations and international law firms dealing with the same sector. This information was provided in its October…
A UN special advisor expressed deep concern over the escalating threat of genocide and its associated crimes in Ethiopia. UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, drew attention to the unending tussles between government military forces and local militias, emphasizing the urgent need to address grave human rights violations…
The recent development of the EU-US Data Privacy Framework has significant implications for businesses globally. Particularly, for corporations that maintain entities or execute business transactions in the European Union, this new framework prompts a revaluation of their data transfer protocols to ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR, a law established…
The U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has started consulting on proposed rules and policy changes concerning the setup and maintenance of third-country branches and subsidiaries within ring-fenced banking groups. The consultation stems from HM Treasury’s Smarter Ring-Fencing Regime consultation, part of which involves proposing the lifting of the ban on Ring-Fenced Banks (RFBs) that prohibits…
In a pivotal legal decision, the Supreme Court of British Columbia ruled in the Gitxaala v. British Columbia case that the issue of mining claims in the province necessitates mandatory consultation with Indigenous nations. Not only does this ruling impact the mining industry, but also sets a significant legal precedent for future Indigenous-related treaties and…
The month of September 2023 saw an increase in enforcement actions in the sphere of international trade, particularly concerning Iran. Notably, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced settlements with two prominent entities, 3M and Emigrant Bank, both accused of contravening the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR). In addition to corporate indictments, individuals…
In a significant move toward ensuring safer food options for consumers, California has instigated a ban on the use of certain food additives. This has been ratified through the adoption of a new law termed as the California Food Safety Act, which specifically targets the sale of foods containing four precise chemical additives. As per…
On October 10th, 2023 Ireland presented the budget for 2024 amid an upbeat atmosphere of economic triumph, complete with full employment, budget surpluses, a growing populace, and a decreasing national debt. However, the optimism was tempered by the omnipresence of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The finalized budget, a balanced blend of expenditure and savings,…
In a crucial judicial development for corporations, the Court of Appeal delivered a judgment on Friday, 6 October 2023 in the case of Mints v PJSC National Bank Trust & Anr [2023] EWCA Civ 1132. This judgment is remarkably noteworthy as it provides a key preview, despite being non-binding, of the UK Courts’ possible interpretation…
On September 27, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put into motion its definitive guidelines on the matter of premarket cybersecurity for medical devices. Officially titled “Cybersecurity in Medical Devices: Quality System Considerations and Content of Premarket Submissions”, this Final Guidance replaces the direction provided in 2014 and the subsequent draft guidance that…
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced workplaces to shutter three years ago, there was little time for organizations to plan for this unprecedented shift to remote work. What they knew, however, was the need for a reliable collaboration tool to maintain business continuity. The majority in the legal community sought refuge in Microsoft Teams, partially propelled…
There has been a significant development in the realm of US-UK data transfers. For those UK companies handling personal information—including legal firms and large corporations—there’s no longer a need to stress over data transfer issues. As of today, the UK adequacy decision for US data protection measures has gone into effect. This means that these…
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UN Human Rights Office have launched new guidance to promote human rights in mental health care. The guidance advises countries to alter their approach to mental health policies to ensure every individual’s dignity and human rights become a focal point in conversations and care. The guidance, entitled “Mental health,…
In a recent development, Steptoe & Johnson, a prominent international law firm, has announced the addition of Michael Boucher as a partner. Boucher is set to join the chemical and life sciences team in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Bloomberg Law Automation reported the move on Wednesday. Michael Boucher will primarily focus on environmental regulation…
Willkie Farr & Gallagher, the prestigious international law firm, has announced a new addition to its partner lineup. Tony Johnston, a well-versed veteran in Corporate and Financial services law, has joined the firm’s ranks in a move announced on Wednesday. Johnston is set to become a pivotal member of Willkie’s Corporate and Financial Services Department….
As the climate situation becomes an increasing global concern, a consequential adjustment in the world’s economic policies is emerging. In the latest development, the European Union launched a new climate-linked tariff on October 1, which, though subtly introduced, may cause significant disruptions in international trade. According to Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, the new tariff…
In a recent stint of activities, notable Justice of the Supreme court, Clarence Thomas, pushes for an opinion stating that the First Amendment should protect him more, sparking debate within legal spheres. Following the digital information era, internet persona Mr. Beast finds himself embroiled at the center of a sophisticated AI impersonation scam. Cybercriminals, allegedly…
The intricate dynamics of the barrister-solicitor relationship is a crucial, yet often under-explored, component of the legal profession. In recent discussions with silks and senior juniors at major London commercial sets, they described the process of selection akin to a “beauty pageant”, with fees posing additional challenges. The barrister-solicitor bond is a delicate equilibrium, at…
In a recent movement reshaping the legal scene, Arie Eernisse, a senior disputes lawyer from Shin & Kim, has joined the Swiss-Korean boutique firm, Peter & Kim. This move further strengthens the boutique’s presence in Seoul with 23 lawyers now forming the South Korean team. Peter & Kim’s global footprint extends to Switzerland, Australia, and…