Coursera, a prominent online learning platform, has appointed a new Chief Legal Officer. Industry veteran, Arundhati Bakshi, steps into the role, bringing a wealth of experience that spans complex legal landscapes in technology and education. This move is anticipated to fortify Coursera’s legal strategy as it continues to expand its global reach. Arundhati Bakshi, who…
Since the landmark Marbury v. Madison case in 1803, the U.S. Supreme Court has held the power of judicial review, acting as the ultimate arbiter of constitutionality. The Court’s influence is substantial; nine unelected justices routinely make decisions that shape American life, sometimes more so than elected officials. In recent years, they’ve leveraged the “shadow…
The legal industry stands at a crossroads as artificial intelligence tools increasingly integrate into everyday practice. The introduction of AI platforms like Astra for Law prompts difficult questions about the future of legal services. On one hand, these tools might be disruptive forces reshaping the competitive landscape. On the other, they could coexist within the…
The University of California, Berkeley School of Law is contemplating the introduction of a specialized certification for law students focused on the legal dimensions of artificial intelligence (AI), as indicated by the school’s dean during a recent announcement. This prospective certification aims to equip future legal professionals with the tools to navigate the growing intersection…
The University of California, Berkeley School of Law is considering introducing a certification program focused on legal issues related to artificial intelligence. This initiative, announced by the dean, reflects the growing importance of AI across diverse legal domains, from intellectual property to constitutional rights. The proposed certification emphasizes that AI’s impact is too pervasive to…
This week, the Law360 Legal Lions spotlight shines brightly on Schemery Zicolello following a significant ruling by a Third Circuit panel. The court declared that police are prohibited from conducting warrantless strip searches outside of jails or prisons, unless consent is given or in the presence of an emergency. This decision emphasizes the protection of…
UN experts recently expressed concerns over Meta’s proposed settlement with US state attorneys general, emphasizing that private settlements should not supplant transparent regulatory processes. The settlement, which involves payments up to $17 billion over a decade, seeks to address allegations that Meta designed features on Facebook and Instagram that negatively impacted children and teenagers, as…
OpenAI’s latest iteration, GPT-6 Astra, is making significant inroads into the legal sector, further solidifying the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping the landscape of big law. The potential of GPT-6 Astra to streamline legal research and document drafting is capturing the attention of major law firms. According to Bloomberg Law, firms are increasingly adopting…
In a significant development, a California federal judge has finalized a settlement that effectively prohibits two software companies from engaging in large-scale data scraping from LinkedIn, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle over data privacy and unauthorized data collection. This judicial order permanently bars the companies from accessing LinkedIn’s platform and mandates the…
In what could mark a significant shift in the battle against online piracy, U.S. Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) has introduced legislation aiming to empower copyright holders in their fight to limit access to foreign piracy websites. The proposed law would facilitate judicial blocking orders compelling Internet service providers (ISPs), domain name resolution services, and virtual…
OpenAI has unveiled Astra for Law, a legal-specific configuration of its latest language model, GPT-6 Astra. This launch marks a significant development aimed at transforming the legal landscape. Targeted specifically at Am Law 200 firms and legal technology vendors, Astra for Law is designed to address the unique challenges and needs of the legal profession….
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how startups navigate their initial phases, particularly in terms of legal strategy. During a recent conference at the University of California, Berkeley, a panel of general counsel from various AI firms highlighted a burgeoning trend: early-stage companies are increasingly prioritizing legal expertise. The complexities and rapid developments associated with AI technologies…
Legal professionals and scholars are keenly watching for the anticipated verdict surrounding the citizenship database. As the judiciary prepares to render its decision, the implications for both individual privacy rights and governmental operations are widely speculated upon. The case is likely to set a precedent on how citizenship information is accessed and stored by federal…
Recent insights reveal that corporate executives view international expansion as presenting a significantly heavier legal and compliance burden compared to mergers and acquisitions. A study highlighted that the complexities involved in navigating international jurisdictions can be nearly three times greater than those encountered in M&A activities. The intricacies of differing legal systems, regulatory requirements, and…
The revival of a dormant law addressing the use of license plate reader technology has ignited a surge of privacy-related lawsuits in a major state. While there is no federal legislation governing the use of this technology, regulations have been enacted in Washington D.C. and several states, as noted by New York University Law School’s…
In a move that underscores growing concerns over privacy and civil liberties, a bipartisan effort in the United States Congress is taking aim at the widespread use of automated license plate readers, particularly those produced by Flock Safety. The initiative seeks to curtail the use of these surveillance tools by leveraging federal highway funding. Lawmakers…
The recent verdict involving Flo, a popular menstrual tracking application, underscores the increasing scrutiny health app makers face under privacy law. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the legal responsibilities these companies must uphold to protect user information. In a decision reported by Bloomberg Law, Flo was scrutinized for allegedly sharing sensitive user…
The $17.1 billion settlement with Meta Platforms Inc. has drawn considerable attention, not least for the unexpected twist introduced by a quick-thinking trial attorney and his team representing 29 states. This unexpected pivot, which some have termed a “Perry Mason moment,” played a crucial role in shifting legal strategies midtrial, according to legal reports. During…
The recent introduction of the “Siri Recap” feature on Apple Watches has raised significant concerns among legal professionals. This feature, which uses AI to generate conversation summaries, poses potential legal risks despite Apple’s assurances that raw audio is deleted after processing. An eData attorney highlighted these concerns, emphasizing that, although the summaries are generated without…
Major legal tech providers remain confident despite increasing discussions around artificial intelligence regulation, suggesting that such oversight will not hinder their ability to deliver effective services to attorneys. This sentiment was conveyed during recent conversations reported by Law360, where industry leaders expressed optimism that regulations will be balanced and considerate of technological advancements. The persistent…
The legal battle involving the Trump administration’s efforts to utilize a centralized voter database has reached the U.S. Supreme Court. Lawyers representing the League of Women Voters and the Electronic Privacy Information Center have called on the justices to uphold a previous ruling by a federal judge in Washington, D.C., which blocked the federal government…
In a significant move, the city of Boston has ended its association with Flock Safety, a firm known for its automated license-plate reader (ALPR) technology. This decision followed the revelation that Flock shared data on a nationwide scale, violating the terms of their contract with the city. Mayor Michelle Wu confirmed during a live radio…
In a strategic move that underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity within legal spheres, Jones Day has enhanced its capabilities by bringing on board Mark W. Southwell, a distinguished cybersecurity litigator from McDermott Will & Emery. Southwell, known for his expertise in complex litigation surrounding data privacy and breach response, will join Jones Day’s expansive…
The integration of artificial intelligence technologies within legal practices has become a subject of intense debate and scrutiny. Recent advancements in AI tools that make outbound calls have sparked particular concern among legal professionals. The potential risks posed by these tools, especially regarding client confidentiality and firm liability, cannot be underestimated. Recent insights emphasize that…
Litigators across the United States are closely monitoring a pivotal case in the federal court in Chicago that may clarify a critical aspect of the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), a statute renowned for its rigorous requirements in the realm of biometric data protection. The core issue awaiting judicial interpretation is whether a biometric identifier…