The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in our everyday lives cannot be overstated. Applications such as Siri, facial recognition, navigation systems, search recommendations and advertisement algorithms have become so commonplace, we often take them for granted. These traditional AI systems, while integral to our daily routines, represent a fundamental, somewhat narrow aspect of AI’s real…
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a proposal in the Federal Register Notice pertaining to the approval of revisions to the Arkansas State Implementation Plan (SIP). As per provisions of the Clean Air Act, the modification of the Arkansas SIP tackles specific environmental and air quality standards. The initiative bears significance for…
On August 23, 2023, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued its final guidance, a noteworthy shift in policy that endeavors to implement the Build America, Buy America (BABA) provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Hogan Lovells, a multinational legal practice, delivered a detailed examination of these developments. The…
In the dynamic world of data incidents, there is a common understanding that not all data incidents are created equal. In fact, a data incident does not automatically translate into a data breach. A recent article published on JD Supra by Troutman Pepper augments this idea. ‘Data Protection: One of These Incidents Is Not Like…
In a notable twist, the Fourth Circuit has recognized the ‘Equal Opportunity Harasser’ defense, according to an update from Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP. This development comes as legal professionals observe an increasing number of employees considering litigation against their employers for perceived ‘hostile work environments’. Usually, these complaints arise from employees who believe…
In a reversal of long-held legal precedent, a Federal Appeals Court has overturned a stringent rule followed by courts in the Fifth Circuit, affecting the viability for employees to sue under Title VII for workplace discrimination. The full details of this remarkable shift can be explored in detail here. For years, employees intending to bring…
After unexpectedly transitioning to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, top law firms across the country are grappling with the question of how often to require their associates to be physically present in the office. Following the trend of several top-ranked firms demanding office attendance four days a week, some West Coast firms have…
Requests for the adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools continue to surge within numerous organizations across the world. These compelling technological developments, such as ChatGPT, presents a potential game-changer in how corporations and law firms conduct their business operations. Uniquely designed to brainstorm ideas and generate content quickly, GenAI tools could play an integral…
The Mortgage Bankers Association and Housing Policy Council (MBA and HPC, collectively referred to as “the Associations”) recently filed an Amici Curiae brief backing the contentious position of Townstone Financial. The argument pertains to the scope of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and is central to the ongoing case of CFPB v. Townstone Financial,…
Recent actions of District of Columbia’s Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, suggest a heightened focus on wage theft issues across the jurisdiction. Most recently, AG Schwalb has secured a settlement with Prestige Drywall LLC, a construction company accused of misclassifying its employees as independent contractors. This misclassification allegedly led to workers not receiving their rightful overtime…
When addressing the complex issue of pay equity, one cannot overlook the significant steps taken by the European Union and Canada in fostering an equitable work environment. Key legislation in these regions, such as the EU Pay Transparency Directive and the Canadian Pay Equity Act, are making strides in closing the gender pay gap, setting…
On August 23, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enacted a final rule that implements a series of sweeping changes to the regulation of the private funds industry, as noted by the Law and Regulatory news platform, JD Supra. With the backing by a 3-2 vote, this decisive move hints at a gradual shift…
In a recent development that could significantly impact businesses and their duty-of-care obligations towards employees, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has redefined parameters governing “work-related” incidents. This new interpretation indicates that employers will be held accountable for incidents of workplace violence leading to injury, irrespective of whether the incident occurs within or outside…
On August 7, a critical legal precedent was set in the realm of patent law. In the case of Axonics, Inc. v. Medtronic, Inc., the Federal Circuit ruled that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) must consider an inter partes review (IPR) petitioner’s arguments even if they were made for the first time in…
In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, poses a significant threat to small and large businesses alike, an area of particular concern to professionals in legal fields. This issue was recently highlighted in a presentation given at the IRS’ National Tax Preparers Forum, an advanced session focusing on the ways threat actors are constantly innovating…
The How Appealing blog, hosted by Howard Bashman and dedicated to appellate litigation, has once again provided an intriguing roundup of the week’s most compelling legal developments. Highlighting a range of topics, one focus is on the investigation into Leonard Leo, co-chair of The Federalist Society and ex-Trump judicial adviser. Leo has reportedly used nonprofit…
On August 21, 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decided to charge a registered investment adviser (RIA) for violating the Investment Advisers Act of 1940[1], reinforcing the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards while managing investments. This accusation includes violations of the recently amended Rule 206(4)-1, also known as the “Marketing…
In an intriguing development within the USA’s National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the institution’s Democratic majority has announced a new rule aimed at ‘streamlining’ the union election process. The freshly imposed legislation will notably limit both the scope of pre- and post-election litigation and expedite the scheduling timeline for representation elections. Accordingly, the change is…
For corporations and law firms alike, securing patent rights has always been a delicate yet crucial aspect of business practice. Existing practices may, however, be insufficient in fully capturing these rights, particularly when relying on employee handbooks, as suggested by a recent Federal Circuit case, Omni Medsci v. Apple. The case of Omni Medsci v….
In a recent decision, the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirmed a lower court’s ruling that there was no actionable infringement where an uncompleted building, sold under the authority of a bankruptcy court, was later completed (Cornice & Rose International, LLC v. Four Keys, LLC et al., Case No. 22-1976 (8th Cir….
On August 23, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) announced a vote, with a split decision of 3-2, in favor of adopting a series of new and revised regulations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). This act primarily pertains to the regulation of private fund advisers. Commissioners Peirce and Uyeda were the…
Earlier this month, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC)’s petition was given the green light for renewing a marginally streamlined edition of its EEO-1 data collection form. This was a predictable outcome, as the EEOC, like its governmental you, is subjected to periodic scrutiny for mandatory public data collections by the Office of Management and…
Keeping abreast of the significant legal news and events around the world, especially those associated with the Supreme Court, remains an important aspect of a legal professional’s work. For the busy individuals working in the legal sector, consolidated news roundups such as The Morning Read for Friday, August 25, featured on SCOTUSblog, provide informative and…
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) continues to act upon its pledge to enforce non-quantitative treatment limitation (NQTL) requirements, representing a key point of focus in its ongoing mission to uphold standards set by the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. In a report issued to Congress last month, the Department demonstrated that it…
In an interesting turn of events, the real estate market experienced a surge in leasing activity by law firms recently. An early morning report from Law.com reveals that law firms, which usually are cautious about overt property investments, are showing signs of economic confidence by rebounding in their leasing activity. This pattern suggests that the…