In a landmark decision, KPMG LLP has become the first of the Big Four accounting firms to be licensed to practice law in the United States. This development follows the Arizona Supreme Court’s approval of KPMG Law US as an alternative business structure (ABS), a designation allowed under Arizona’s progressive rules designed to expand innovation…
Sysco Corp., renowned as the world’s largest food distributor, has announced the appointment of Jennifer Kaplan Schott as its new chief legal officer, effective April 1. Schott, who has been serving as the general counsel at Illinois Tool Works Inc., boasts a robust career in the legal realm, having initiated her journey as a litigator…
In a recent development, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has come under scrutiny for his decision to dismiss military’s top lawyers, a move he justifies by asserting that the lawyers were not suitably equipped to offer recommendations on lawful orders. Hegseth’s rationale centers on his desire to instill a “meritocracy” within military leadership. However, specifics on…
Bird & Bird, the international law firm, is rolling out firm-wide access to the artificial intelligence (AI) platform Legora for all its lawyers. This move follows a successful six-month trial period. Legora, formerly known as Leya and developed in Sweden, is set to enhance the firm’s capabilities in handling legal tasks by leveraging AI technologies…
In the realm of corporate legal operations, the integration of cutting-edge technology often grabs the spotlight, yet it is fundamental improvements that sometimes drive the greatest impact. At BHP, an Australian mining giant, the creation of a legal operations team led by Lauren Ziegelaar has demonstrated this principle. According to Ziegelaar, the focus should initially…
In a notable development for legal professionals with an interest in sports law, the Seattle Mariners have announced the promotion of Melissa Robertson to the position of senior vice president and general counsel. Her promotion was confirmed on Tuesday, as the team continues to strengthen its leadership structure by entrusting experienced individuals with significant operational…
In the legal landscape, firms must now grapple with the challenges posed by a world marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). This concept, originally rooted in military strategy, has increasingly reshaped how law firms operate and adapt to an ever-evolving work environment. As firms navigate this VUCA landscape, they face the pressing need…
Factor, a managed services company specializing in “integrated law” for corporate legal departments, has acquired Theory and Principle, a legal technology design and development firm. This move signals Factor’s intensified focus on developing AI-driven legal services, as the integration seeks to meld Factor’s capabilities in handling complex legal work with Theory and Principle’s technological design…
Edison International Inc., the California-based public utility, has recruited Chonda Nwamu, general counsel of Ameren Corp., as its new head of legal operations. This appointment comes in the wake of last month’s severe wildfires in Los Angeles, creating challenges for the utility giant as it navigates complex legal and operational issues. Nwamu is set to…
Lori Baggett has been appointed as the chief legal officer and senior vice president at PODS Enterprises, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its legal and compliance framework. In her new role, Baggett will be responsible for managing all facets of the company’s legal operations. This includes regulatory compliance, corporate governance, risk…
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has appointed David Kelly as its new managing director and general counsel. This significant hire was made public on Thursday, marking a strategic move for the organization as it aims to enhance and streamline its legal operations. Read more. David Kelly transitions to the NBPA from the Golden State…
Berkshire Hathaway Inc., known for its longstanding relationship with the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson, has recently made a strategic shift in its legal representation for certain transactions. The firm’s finance arm has appointed Baker McKenzie as its legal counsel for potential bond sales, as indicated in a recent filing with the Securities and…
In a move that signals a significant advancement in legal technology, SmartEsq, a startup founded by industry veterans, has launched an AI-driven platform aimed at streamlining legal operations for private investment funds. Founded by Esther Chiang, a Stanford-trained engineer, and Kristen Gandhi, an AI and cybersecurity expert, the New York-based company plans to release its…
An Australian insurance company has reportedly reduced its legal expenses by $20 million through the strategic use of artificial intelligence. The AI system enables the insurer to provide law firms with detailed playbooks that outline the most effective strategies for case handling, thus optimizing legal processes and reducing costs. Murtuza Vohra, managing director at Morae…
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has leveraged artificial intelligence to significant effect, reportedly reducing its legal expenses by $20 million. The company, Australia’s third-largest insurer, utilized AI-driven tools such as invoice review, automated case playbooks, and real-time spend tracking to streamline its legal operations. This approach enables IAG to offer law firms detailed guidance on handling…
Artificial intelligence has significantly impacted the legal operations of a major insurance firm, leading to a reported reduction in legal costs by $20 million. Murtuza Vohra, managing director at Morae Global, described an innovative approach wherein AI-generated playbooks are provided to legal teams to streamline their case management processes. By utilizing AI, the legal department…
In a significant move for the legal technology landscape, Onit, a leader in AI-enabled workflow automation products for the legal sector, has announced the acquisition of Legal Files Software, Inc.. Legal Files, established in 1990, is renowned for its comprehensive legal case and matter management software, which serves a wide range of customers, including corporate…
US law firms experienced notable financial growth in 2024, as their revenue expanded by nearly 13%, according to a recent survey conducted by Wells Fargo’s legal banking unit. This report marks a standout performance for the industry since the Great Financial Crisis. In tandem with revenue growth, net income, comprising the total profits distributed among…
Starbucks Corp.’s chief legal officer, Bradley Lerman, experienced a 40% rise in total compensation, a substantial increase amid shifts within the company’s executive ranks. This boost comes as a result of the endorsement by Starbucks’ new CEO, Brian Niccol, highlighting the importance of Lerman’s role in navigating the company’s recent legal and governance challenges. The…
The shift toward digital document centers is gaining momentum as legal services industries increasingly embrace technological advancements. As noted in a recent discussion, the integration of technologies like AI and blockchain can significantly enhance the efficiency of law firms, especially those that have already adopted digital-first practices. These digital document centers are poised to evolve…
In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate legal operations, in-house legal teams are continuously striving for efficiency and integration. As legal professionals champion the cause of streamlined operations, LexisNexis has introduced CounselLink+™, a platform aimed at enhancing the functionality of law departments by integrating a multitude of tools under one cohesive system. Central to CounselLink+ is…
The legal community is witnessing an intriguing development as The L Suite, a network designed for general counsels and chief legal officers, has acquired Luminate+. This platform, known for offering a range of continuing legal education (CLE) content from renowned law firms in a streaming service format, is set to expand The L Suite’s educational…
In a notable shift within the legal sector, senior associates at leading Biglaw firms are commanding rates that rival those of some junior partners. Recent insights from the American Lawyer highlight findings from the 2024 Real Rate Report by Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions, which underscore substantial climbs in billing rates for these professionals. Across 2023…
The integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in legal practice presents a potential threat to the integrity of attorney-client privilege. As these tools become increasingly prevalent in drafting documents, conducting research, and executing other tasks, they raise critical concerns about maintaining confidentiality in privileged communications. Attorney-client privilege safeguards communications made in confidence between attorneys…
In a strategic move within its executive team, Church’s Texas Chicken has named Alisa Cleek as its new Chief Legal Officer, effective immediately. Her appointment was announced on January 15, 2025, marking a significant step in enhancing the legal and compliance frameworks of the organization. Cleek transitions to this role from her previous position at…