In a significant change in policy, the UK Government is looking to increase the scope of the Serious Fraud Office’s (SFO) power to order individuals and companies to provide information before resorting to a formal investigation. As it stands, such power can only be invoked in international bribery and corruption matters. However, the forthcoming modifications…
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has recently conducted an evaluation of sanctions systems and controls compliance across more than 90 firms in a variety of sectors, providing a valuable insight into best and poor practices observed. With the increasing size, scale, and complexity of sanctions imposed in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,…
In a prominent decision, the High Court of South Africa has ruled definitively against a public policy challenge to acknowledging a foreign arbitral award. The event took place on August 24, 2023, and saw the Gauteng Division of the High Court dismiss an appeal application, firmly upholding the recognition and enforcement of a foreign arbitral…
On September 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of Treasury (“Treasury”) conducted its Second Annual CFIUS Conference. This conference, concerning the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS” or the “Committee”), was headlined by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Assistant Secretary for Investment Security Paul Rosen. Full Coverage Here. The conference’s agenda encompassed discussions…
French journalist Ariane Lavrilleux was detained on Tuesday by the French General Directorate of Internal Security (CGSI) following accusations that her 2021 published report on a covert French military operation in Egypt leaked national defense secrets. The compromising report, the Egypt Papers, was released on Disclose, an independent media platform. In addition to the written…
The legal practice, King & Spalding, recently provided a reflection on the first Stockholm Chamber of Commerce (SCC) Express Dispute Assessment. Sweden, renowned for its visionary contributions in various sectors, is making significantly innovative strides in international arbitration. The SCC Arbitration Institute holds a notably high position in this field and continues to spearhead technological…
As lawyers and legal practitioners keeping a close eye on international regulations, it may be of particular interest that China recently made significant strides in merger control legislation. This comes as the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) issued its inaugural set of Antitrust Compliance Guidelines for Concentrations of Undertakings (Guidelines) on 11 September 2023….
In a ruling that has sent ripples through the corporate world, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in June 2023 to strike down race-based affirmative action in higher education. This decision effectively dismissed the consideration of race as a factor in itself in that particular context. While the Court’s ruling directly impacted higher education, the effects…
As global law firms continuously seek to expand their reach and services, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has confirmed its current discussions with Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP. The two firms have signed a nonexclusive letter of intent, which brings them a step closer to a potential merger. The development is part of the…
Recently, Colombia’s Congress ratified Law No. 2327, which stands as a pivotal step towards the country’s commitment to environmental preservation and safeguarding. This law serves to establish a clear definition of environmental liabilities and outlines comprehensive directives for their management. The law was sanctioned on September 13, 2023, as highlighted by leading international law firm…
In an increasingly globalized world, tax regulations continue to grow in complexity, especially for multinational enterprises navigating different jurisdictions. Consequently, more corporations have begun to seek shelter in international tax safe harbors. These provisions can provide valuable protection. However, it’s also crucial to remember that these safe harbors can be temporary in nature. An overview…
In an interesting development, a professor from China raised serious concerns about Japan’s decision to discharge nuclear water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during the 54th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council held on Tuesday. The concerns were voiced in a dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights,…
In an important recent development, the Mexican Supreme Court ruled on the constitutional applicability of the Labor Reform on Subcontracting Matters, which has been effective since April 2021. The court’s ruling and the ensuing criterion acts as a significant precedent. Its implications could potentially be far-reaching, affecting many domestic and international corporations that operate within…
Recent discussions among global legal communities have revolved around the proposed development of an international standard for internal investigations. This move has sparked widespread debate, with pundits discussing the overall utility and potential disadvantages of such a course of action. Much of this conversation has been spurred by an article titled “Do We Really Need…
In the face of evolving legal landscapes, regulatory compliance is consistently a primary concern for international law firms and global corporations. The fusion of regulatory insights and technology, as explored in this special five-part series on JD Supra, is essential for creating and maintaining a stronger culture of compliance. The series, sponsored by Diligent and…
In the evolving landscape of environmental and sustainability marketing, corporate legal teams worldwide are paying close attention to recent developments in Australia. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has taken steps to improve the credibility of environmental claims made by businesses as well as to protect consumers from questionable practices, colloquially referred to as…
Noted international law firm, Shearman & Sterling LLP, recently discussed the Law Commission of England & Wales’ final report, published on September 6, 2023, concerning reform propositions to the English Arbitration Act 1996. The report suggests modifications in six crucial areas, in addition to several minor amendments. More importantly, the report introduces a draft bill,…
In an expropriation suit against Argentina, shareholders of an unnamed energy company have secured a squaring victory as a federal judge in Manhattan sided with their representatives from esteemed law firms Clement & Murphy, Kellogg Hansen, and King & Spalding. The lawsuit was a reaction to the Argentine government’s decision in 2012 to seize majority…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published an updated final guidance on the use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, “Biological evaluation of medical devices – Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process”. This move aims for further harmonization of the agency’s advice regarding the assessment of biocompatibility with international standards,…
The International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA) is returning to MJBizCon to host its annual series of continuing legal education sessions. Scheduled for Tuesday, November 28, 2023, in Las Vegas, NV, The Cannabis Laws Sessions: Building Your Team aims to be an enriching event for professionals involved in the cannabis industry. This includes not only attorneys,…
Legal professionals and corporate import-export teams may find interest in an informative webinar that is set to take place on the 26th of October at 8:00 am PT. The webinar titled ‘Harmonized Tariff Schedule Classification’ promises to provide an understanding of the Harmonized System (HS), widely used by nearly all countries for the evaluation of…
While the interplay of international philanthropy and its cinematic representation is often overlooked, a recent event entitled “An Entertaining Look at International Philanthropy in the Netflix Film Holiday in the Wild” aimed to spark a fascinating discussion on such subjects. Hosted on October 12th in San Francisco, California, it drew diverse audiences from various legal…
In a latest move bolstering the international arbitration practice, Shin & Kim has procured the expert services of Young Suk Park, a former lead at KL Partners. This transition comes as the second significant departure from KL Partners in recent weeks. Young Suk Park’s immense experience and established reputation in international arbitration are expected to…
Beijing-based Jingsh Law Firm is set to expand its global footprint, with plans to open offices in Australia and Mexico, adding to its growing international presence. With over 5,000 employees, Jingsh is one of China’s largest law firms by headcount. Earlier this year, the firm announced plans to establish an office in Paris, which will…
In a clear statement about the severity of sexual harassment in the corporate environment, a former partner at the Polsinelli law firm has initiated a $20 million lawsuit. The claim challenges the implicit toleration such issues have often seen in the past, emphasizing that preemptive admissions of misconduct are no safeguard against legal proceedings. Insider…