Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP has announced the return of a seasoned business litigator to its Los Angeles office. The firm, known for its deep roots in the Southern California legal landscape, welcomes back Michael Scarborough, who brings extensive experience in complex business disputes. Previously, Scarborough had been instrumental in expanding the firm’s litigation…
Sidley Austin LLP is enhancing its California presence with a strategic move by adding a corporate and securities expert partner from Cooley LLP to its San Diego office. This development reflects Sidley’s ongoing expansion efforts on the West Coast, as the firm seeks to bolster its capabilities in key markets. The addition comes as part…
In a notable shake-up within the legal profession, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has successfully attracted two prominent partners from Paul Hastings LLP. Corporate partner Christian Nagler, based in New York, and finance partner Hyungseok (H.S.) Park, from the Chicago office, are set to join Skadden’s ranks. Christian Nagler is recognized for his…
McGuireWoods has announced the recruitment of two prominent legal figures to bolster its Los Angeles office, a strategic move signaling the firm’s commitment to expanding its capabilities in the region. Caroline Leung, previously the Associate Regional Director in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, is set to join the firm. Her extensive experience in securities and…
In a strategic move to bolster its corporate practice, Sidley Austin LLP has successfully recruited corporate partner John Przesmicki from Cooley LLP in San Diego. This lateral hire is part of Sidley’s ongoing effort to enhance its capabilities in key markets, particularly in Southern California, which has seen a surge in demand for corporate legal…
In a strategic move to bolster its legal acumen in key practice areas, Mayer Brown has welcomed six attorneys previously affiliated with McGuireWoods LLP, enriching its litigation and dispute resolution, as well as corporate and securities practices. Among the new hires is the former managing partner of McGuireWoods’ Houston office, underscoring Mayer Brown’s commitment to…
The recent departure of Stanley Black & Decker’s former General Counsel has attracted attention due to the significant reduction in compensation and lack of severance. This events underscore a broader trend affecting top legal executive roles across various industries. Jeffery D. Ansell, who served as the General Counsel for the multinational tool company, witnessed a…
Barnes & Thornburg has strategically bolstered its public finance capabilities by welcoming two new partners to its teams in Los Angeles and Minneapolis, reflecting the firm’s ongoing expansion in key markets. This development comes as the firm seeks to enhance its offerings in the public finance sector, leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals. The addition…
In a strategic move to bolster its securities litigation capabilities, Paul Hastings has acquired a team of prominent litigators from Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling in California. This transition marks a significant enhancement of Paul Hastings’ litigation team, which continues to expand its reach in highly competitive markets like California. The full article…
In the world of high-stakes legal firms, the decision to leave a partnership can often be just as complex as any major court case. When firms engage in drawn-out departure battles, it raises questions regarding the firm’s internal dynamics such as confidence, culture, and control. Such cases not only reflect on the departing partners but…
In recent developments within the corporate legal landscape, several key events have emerged that are of particular interest to general counsel and legal professionals. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is considering the adoption of regulations to standardize how publicly traded companies report their use of artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to provide investors…
Investors have initiated a class-action lawsuit against the law firm Alston & Bird, alleging that the firm played a pivotal role in facilitating a $328 million Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Goliath Ventures, a cryptocurrency investment firm. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, contends that Alston & Bird…
OpenAI, the research organization renowned for its contributions to artificial intelligence, is signaling its readiness to go public. The company has reportedly enlisted the services of two prestigious law firms, Cooley LLP and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, to aid in its initial public offering (IPO) preparations. The decision underscores OpenAI’s commitment to aligning with…
In an unexpected turn of events, shareholders have found themselves pleasantly surprised by an increase in corporate engagement on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, despite a recent retreat by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This comes as many companies continue to prioritize ESG dialogues amid shifting regulatory signals. More information on this…
The rapid proliferation of stablecoins, a subset of cryptocurrency pegged to fiat currencies such as the U.S. dollar, highlights the growing complexity of digital currency regulation. As these assets become more mainstream, they pose distinct challenges for financial oversight. Their unique position—straddling the lines between currencies and investments—places regulators in a difficult spot as they…
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a proposed settlement with Justin Sun, a well-known figure in the cryptocurrency world and founder of TRON. According to the filing, Sun has agreed to a settlement that involves one of his companies paying a $10 million penalty. This development marks a significant step in the…
Dorsey & Whitney LLP has announced a significant strengthening of its Southern California mergers and acquisitions (M&A) practice with the addition of three experienced partners. This strategic move underscores the firm’s commitment to enhancing its market presence and supporting its clients in the region. The firm has welcomed partners William S. Anderson, Gavin E. Mercado,…
Leib Orlanski, a seasoned attorney renowned for his expertise in corporate law, has joined the Los Angeles office of Greenspoon Marder LLP, further enhancing the firm’s capabilities in its corporate practice. Orlanski brings with him an extensive background in mergers and acquisitions, securities, and finance, which aligns with Greenspoon Marder’s strategic objectives to expand its…
In a strategic maneuver aimed at strengthening its business litigation capabilities, King & Spalding has rehired veteran litigator Eric M. Creizman. Creizman, a former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforcement attorney, joins the firm’s New York office to bolster its litigation practice with his extensive experience in securities litigation and white-collar defense. His return to…
In a significant development unfolding in Texas, a new law targeting proxy advisers mandates increased transparency with the aim of safeguarding investors. This legislation, which came into effect recently, requires proxy advisory firms to disclose potential conflicts of interest, thereby ensuring that their voting recommendations are made with the utmost integrity. This change is poised…
In 2025, enforcement actions related to accounting and auditing by regulatory bodies saw a significant decline. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) both reported notable decreases in their enforcement activities over the past year. A substantial reduction in SEC settlements and PCAOB fines highlighted this downward…
In a striking shift, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) initiated only two cases related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) last year, a significant decline from the 40 cases recorded a year earlier. This downturn in American enforcement activity may suggest to some a retreat in…
O’Melveny & Myers LLP has further bolstered its capital markets capabilities with the addition of Jeremy Kennedy, a partner from Holland & Knight LLP, to its Houston office. This strategic move underscores O’Melveny’s focus on strengthening its presence in the vibrant Texas market. Jeremy Kennedy brings extensive experience in capital markets transactions, representing both issuers…
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has made a significant addition to its finance practice by recruiting structured finance expert Timothy S. Hia from Dechert LLP. This move underscores Simpson Thacher’s strategic commitment to bolstering its capabilities in structured finance, a field characterized by complex legal frameworks and multi-faceted transactions. Timothy S. Hia is well-regarded within…
In 2025, enforcement actions by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) against accounting and auditing firms declined significantly, reaching multi-year lows. This downturn coincided with leadership transitions at both agencies, suggesting a potential shift in regulatory priorities. According to Cornerstone Research, the SEC initiated only 10…