Recent developments in Europe signal a shift in the legal landscape, with law firms increasing their resources in expectation of rising compliance work. Notable among these is the internationally prominent law firm Freshfields, which has fortified their white-collar defense team in Paris by recruiting a veteran partner from White & Case. Details regarding this strategic…
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea’s public hearings began in Hamburg, Germany, on a noteworthy note this Monday, following a request from the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS). Representatives of COSIS, specifically Kausea Natano of Tuvalu and Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, will testify…
In the realm of international trade law, August offered substantial activity as far as enforcement actions are concerned, with a couple of significant Russia-related cases capturing the spotlight. The first case of note involved a dual Russian-German citizen. The individual was arrested and subsequently charged with breaching the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) by allegedly…
In a recent development, the Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts found itself in an unusual position. An ancient bronze bust, which was believed to be a depiction of the daughter of the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, has been seized by Manhattan Prosecutors. This artifact, titled “Portrait of a Lady (A Daughter of Marcus Aurelius?), has…
A transaction involving international law firms including Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz, Ropes & Gray and Sullivan & Cromwell has resulted in the sale of a majority stake in Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to Artémis, a Paris-based holding firm run by the prominent Pinault family of France. The precise financial…
Leading international law firm, Slaughter and May, has taken a notable step by agreeing to meet with a climate pressure group called Lawyers Are Responsible (LAR). LAR, a group of lawyers advocating for legal firms to sever ties with the fossil fuel industry, has previously written to other prominent law firms, including Allen & Overy,…
The family of Swedish EU Diplomat Johan Floderus, who turned 33 while detained in Iran’s Evin prison, is tirelessly working towards his release. Arrested on 17th of April 2022 at Tehran Airport, Floderus has been held without charges for over 500 days. In a public statement made by his family, allegations of severe violations of…
The German prosecutors office has officially charged two individuals, Carsten L and Arthur E, with suspected treason. They were indicted late August for reportedly passing on state secrets to Russia’s Secret Service and are currently in pre-trial detention. As an officer in the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), Carsten L has a professional duty of confidentiality and loyalty…
The Trade Unions Congress (TUC) recently announced they are reporting the UK government to the UN watchdog on workers rights over the implementation of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023. The TUC is of the view that this law falls short of international standards on account of its restrictions on industrial action, and has…
In an increasingly challenging Chinese business landscape, the litigation boutique co-founded by ousted Hong Kong legislator, Dennis Kwok, is expanding its specialized practice. This move is aimed at providing conflict-free representation for organizations looking to reassess their regional operations. According to a report on Law.com, the white-collar defense firm, Elliott Kwok Levine & Jaroslaw, recently…
Last week, Nairobi, Kenya, played host to a significant event—the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS), which ran from September 4th to 6th. This crucial assembly brought together African nations, organizations, and world leaders who all share a commitment to addressing climate change and a mutual understanding of the essential actions that must guide future action….
Nine small island countries have filed a legal action with a Germany-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. This could clarify governments’ responsibilities concerning the reduction of greenhouse gas pollution and the protection of oceans. The Hamburg tribunal will oversee the hearings, resolving disputes associated with the application and interpretation of the 1982…
On Friday, UNICEF’s Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Grant Leaity, condemned the heinous acts of violence against children in the DRC. The conflict, as Leaity states, has resulted in one of Africa’s largest displacement crises, with children bearing the brunt of its disastrous impact. “Violence against children in the eastern Democratic…
The United States Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Departments of Commerce and Treasury, have taken a crucial step that will impact global businesses. Affecting specifically companies with potential sanctions and export control violations, a joint voluntary disclosure program has been announced. Devised as a new tool to manage coordinated prosecutions of these violations,…
The Australian government has announced plans to consider the quantity of pro bono work conducted by law firms when making decisions on work allocations. The policy shift suggests that firms’ commitment to pro bono work could play a significant role in securing government contracts. Undertaking pro bono work may become an important business strategy for…
Last Friday, a group of approximately 150 Japanese fishermen from Fukushima Prefecture filed a lawsuit against the government and the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). The lawsuit disputes the release of treated, but still radioactive, water from the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant. Arguing that discharging the hazardous material infringes on their right to fish, the…
In June, the European Union (EU) declared its plan to persist funding Uganda, causing criticism among LGBTQ+ activists due to the country’s recent institution of a rigorously disputed anti-LGBTQ+ law. The law, which was adopted in May, is noted for its stern penalties including the death punishment for certain same-sex acts and has drawn vast…
Human Rights Watch (HRW) made an announcement on Friday that Taliban authorities continue to perpetrate gender-based crimes against women and girls in Afghanistan. The announcement comes with a call from Elizabeth Evenson, the international justice director at HRW, for coordinated international community support to ensure that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has the necessary resources…
The European Commission has recently approved the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (DPF) geared towards the transfer of data from the EU to the United States. In this respect, the privacy, cyber, and data strategy team of international law firm Alston & Bird has been discussing what companies need to consider when choosing between using the…
Earlier this month, United States Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer proposed a piece of bipartisan legislature known as the Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency Act, more commonly referred to as the PROVE IT Act. JD Supra reports that this bill would require the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct an encompassing…
In a recent development, a US federal appeals court has ruled that Texas is permitted to keep the floating barrier in place in the Rio Grande, contradicting a previous decision by a district court which had demanded its removal just a day prior. The decision was made after an appeal by Texas Governor Greg Abbott…
As 2023 approaches, compliance with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is becoming a critical priority for financial institutions and businesses subject to its oversight. This is especially true considering the increasingly active role that OFAC is playing in managing financial transactions between U.S. and foreign entities. This enforcement is keyed towards safeguarding national…
Compliance professionals worldwide should take note of the latest edition of Compliance Notes from Nossaman’s Government Relations & Regulation Group. This periodic digest touches on an array of legal matters that are pivotal for those maneuvering in the labyrinth of modern corporate regulation. Within the notable headlines, statutory alterations, regulatory adjustments, and court rulings discussed,…
In a recent development, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted new rules targeting private fund managers. The regulations tackle issues concerning the preferential treatment of investors, a subject previously dealt with by the EU Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD). Goodwin law firm provides in-depth discussions on these topics. The SEC’s updated guidelines…
The much-anticipated Financial Promotions Gateway has officially become law. This transition is part of a large-scale alteration currently taking place in the UK’s financial promotions regime. This key change, along with other ongoing revisions, has been discussed in a previous article authored by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. As the financial promotions gateway progresses from promise…