On 28 September 2023, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) released drafts for new provisions aimed at regulating and promoting cross-border data transfers. The consultation period, which closed on 15 October 2023, provided a platform for public debate and input on the proposed provisions. The Draft Provisions put forth by the CAC have yet to…
After enduring several years of litigation, the U.S. Supreme Court has concluded the legal saga surrounding the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT programs. In a decisive move on October 2, 2023, the Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge mounted by a technology workers’ union against the Obama-era program. The OPT and STEM…
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made a significant alteration to its labor legislations, mandating employers operating in the UAE to transition their existing contracts with employees that are not already on fixed-term to fixed-term contracts by December 31, 2023. This change is driven by the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, which has…
In September 2023, significant changes and updates were witnessed in immigration laws both within the United States and globally. As per Cozen O’Connor’s Immigration Catch Up, these changes have the potential to have extensive implications on businesses and individuals alike. As legal professionals, it is crucial to comprehend these new developments and assess how they…
On October 4, 2023, a significant development in the global aluminum industry took place as the U.S. Aluminum Extruders Coalition (“the Coalition”) and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (“United Steelworkers” or “USW”) – collectively known as “Petitioners” – lodged a petition for the imposition…
Negotiations on a new trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom are set to commence within this month, as indicated in an October 3, 2023 report by POLITICO. This upcoming dialogue marks an important chapter in the economic relations between the two nations under the leadership of President Biden and Prime Minister…
Las Cruces police officer Brad Lunsford has been charged with voluntary manslaughter over the shooting and killing of a Black nurse, Presley Eze, in an announcement made by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez on Tuesday. The incident took place outside a gas station back in August 2022. Read More Here. Torrez expressed his condolences…
In an otherwise uneventful year for global Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), Mexico and the Caribbean have proven to be exceptions. In particular, Mexico’s M&A activity displayed a significant surge. Data published by Refinitiv showed a total of 127 deals, valued at $17.3 billion, announced in the first three quarters of 2023. This is a 38%…
On September 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) moved to issue two Russia-related licenses, shifting the landscape of international business with the Eurasian giant. This move, potentially significant for companies and law firms working with Russian entities, necessitates a deep dive to understand its implications on the…
In moves emblematic of its progressive and independent stance, California recently signaled a more welcoming attitude toward commerce through the voiding of out-of-state non-compete agreements. A gesture that showcases California’s continued strong opposition to non-compete agreements. The move stands as a marked contrast to the rest of the country where these agreements are permitted to…
Created to generate awareness around secure online practices, this October welcomes the landmark 20th edition of the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCAM). Led with the vision to ensure every user of technology, from individuals to large corporates, is guarded against potential digital threats. The significance of robust cybersecurity systems and the adoption of robust measures…
The UN Security Council (UNSC) has authorized a 1-year stabilization mission to Haiti aimed at restoring peace and security in the country, which has been grappling with escalating gang violence. The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, coordinated and led by the Kenyan government, will operate in cooperation with the Haitian government. This decision responds to…
As we mark the fifth year since Brazil enacted its General Data Protection Law (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados – LGPD), it’s important to look back and assess the transformative impact it has had on the international digital landscape. This law, heralded as a significant advancement in the safeguarding of digital privacy,outlined guidelines for…
Abir Moussi, a leading opponent of Tunisian President Kais Saied, was detained by police following her involvement in a sit-in protest at the presidential palace’s doorstep. The news has prompted concerns from the legal sector on the current state of political freedom in Tunisia. Authorities held Moussi for 48 hours on charges of “processing personal…
Climate Week NYC 2023 marked another critical event for world leaders and businesses gathered under the aegis of the international nonprofit, the Climate Group. That organization works tirelessly to address climate change, engaging in strategic dialogues with governmental figures and corporate leaders alike. The event takes place alongside the regular session of the United Nations…
A recent university report suggests that female lawyers in Australia are threatened by the increasing automation of legal tasks. The study, conducted by the University of Sydney Business School and Australian National University, indicates the potential for these women to not only lose their jobs to technology, but to also be subjected to tech-enabled overwork….
Strengthening its foothold in the European market, “Big Four” Japanese law firm Anderson Mori & Tomotsune is set to open an office in Brussels. Following the launch of its London office in September last year, the new Brussels branch signifies the firm’s second European location and only the second outside of Asia. Expected to begin…
Albemarle Corporation, a foremost global chemical manufacturer, has agreed to a $218 million settlement following investigations by both the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The agreement, reached on September 29, 2023, aimed to resolve investigations related to potential contraventions of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The…
Understanding the contemporary legal landscape requires an examination of both international and local principles, as well as the monitoring of regulatory changes and court decisions. The Compliance Notes, a product of Nossaman’s Government Relations & Regulation Group, offers a digest that encapsulates these elements, offering a comprehensive examination of recent developments in campaign finance, lobbying…
In a noteworthy international collaboration to curb Russia’s affirmative actions in Ukraine, the U.S. Department of Commerce along with the Export Enforcement Five (E5), have announced remarkable packages of sanctions and export controls. The E5, a coalition comprising of the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, revealed these measures with the intention…
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently initiated a far-reaching enforcement effort specifically aimed at partnerships. This move is projected to significantly impact big corporations and law firms dealing with complex pass-through business structures. In a bid to reinforce its Large Business & International (LB&I) division, the IRS is assembling a special group focused exclusively on…
In a significant enforcement action, Albemarle Corporation, a major American chemical company, has agreed to pay a hefty sum of over $218 million. This penalty results from investigations led by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) into Albemarle’s violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). As reported…
US law firm Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison has risen to become the second leading firm for M&A legal advisory in Europe, based on the performance over the initial three-quarters of 2023. The firm trails only UK’s elite firm, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, marking a significant shift in the legal landscape and reflecting the growing…
As we approach the end of a tumultuous 2023, the corporate legal landscape continues to evolve. Welcome to this month’s Corporate Briefing, where we will discuss the latest developments in UK corporate law – developments that could bring about impactful changes in the international corporate world. The majority of these changes stem from the latest…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released draft guidance on the protocol for cosmetic product facility registrations and product listings, in compliance with the requirements of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA). This newly issued guidance will have a significant impact on the global cosmetics industry, altering the usual practices…