The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced on November 13, 2025, that the deputy director of the enforcement division for the Northeast, who also previously served as the regional director of the New York office, will soon depart from the agency. This announcement highlights a significant change in the leadership within the SEC’s enforceable front…
The recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission v. Jarkesy has stirred significant discussion about the potential broader impact on state regulatory powers. The June 2024 ruling reaffirmed the Seventh Amendment’s jury trial right in federal administrative enforcement actions. This decision may soon ripple beyond its immediate federal context,…
In a recent announcement that holds significant implications for the evolving landscape of digital assets, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins articulated the agency’s forthcoming approach to cryptocurrency regulation. Addressing the need for clarity, Atkins emphasized the SEC’s commitment to delineating which crypto transactions will fall outside its regulatory scope. While this move…
The Law360 MVP Awards recently recognized the exceptional work of top attorneys from 76 prestigious firms across the globe, celebrating their contributions to various legal disciplines. This prestigious recognition highlights the efforts of legal practitioners who have made significant impacts in high-stakes litigation, complex global matters, and transformative transactions. Awardees hailed from leading law firms,…
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to decline the appeal of a former Texas energy executive accused of insider trading marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the interpretation of financial statutes. This refusal to hear arguments from the ex-executive, who contended that his convictions were based on unconstitutionally vague statutes, underscores the…
The potential shift in the litigation landscape for federal agencies is emerging as a point of interest, as former President Donald Trump suggests he may aim to curtail the litigation powers of these entities if he regains office. An unnamed official hinted at this possibility during discussions surrounding a recent firing case, highlighting an avenue…
In light of recent legal developments, corporations increasingly face challenges surrounding the use of former employees’ confidential witness testimony in litigation. Such testimony can significantly impact the outcome of cases, particularly in securities law. However, companies are devising strategies to negate the influence of these testimonies, aligning their legal responses with evolving jurisprudence. Confidential witness…
Lucas Moskowitz, the General Counsel of Robinhood Markets Inc., is navigating challenging waters with a calm and strategic approach. He faces crises with steadfast resolve, demonstrating a capacity for managing legal and compliance risks in a high-pressure environment. Moskowitz, who joined Robinhood amid regulatory scrutiny, is tasked with steering the company through its complex legal…
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has intensified its focus on Chinese and other foreign companies listing in the United States, signaling a heightened level of scrutiny aimed at ensuring compliance with American financial regulations. This increased oversight aligns with broader U.S. governmental concerns about the transparency and reliability of foreign entities operating within…
Investment management firms recently took their antitrust concerns to a New York federal court, urging the certification of a proposed class action against S&P Global and associated entities. The core of the dispute revolves around the alleged monopolistic control over the licensing terms of identification numbers critical to trading financial instruments. These firms are pushing…
Latham & Watkins has bolstered its Houston office with the addition of Michael Chambers, the former General Counsel of a prominent private equity firm. Chambers, who has an extensive background in handling complex legal matters for private equity, joins as a partner, bringing significant expertise in transactional law to Latham, which continues to expand its…
AMC Theatres has appointed Edwin Gladbach as its new General Counsel and Secretary. This strategic move comes amid significant challenges and transformations within the entertainment industry. Gladbach, who previously held positions at NBCUniversal and Herbert Smith Freehills, brings a wealth of experience in regulatory and transactional matters. Gladbach’s role will be pivotal as AMC navigates…
Dentons has expanded its capital markets team with the addition of Christopher Carey as a partner in Washington, D.C. Carey joins Dentons from another prominent law firm, where he has consistently demonstrated excellence in handling complex capital markets transactions. His expertise is expected to bolster Dentons’ capabilities in advising clients on key financial matters, including…
In a notable move within the legal sector, Paul Hastings LLP has strengthened its structured credit practice by recruiting partner Michael Picton in London. This strategic addition underscores the firm’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in the structured finance arena, particularly at a time when market demand for complex financial products is on the rise….
In a new twist for the digital age, emojis are increasingly playing a role in securities fraud litigation, impacting how intent and misrepresentation are interpreted in courtrooms. The growing legal recognition of emojis as potential evidence reflects the expanding ways digital communication is being scrutinized in legal contexts. According to a recent report, the use…
World Liberty Financial, a rapidly expanding player in the cryptocurrency sector, has announced the appointment of a new general counsel to fortify its legal framework. This move signals the platform’s intent to navigate the complex regulatory landscape governing digital assets. The newly appointed general counsel brings a wealth of experience in fintech law, ensuring the…
The evolution of stablecoins within the financial ecosystem has prompted significant discussions regarding their accounting treatment. The nuances of stablecoin regulation are critical as businesses and regulators grapple with their growing integration in financial transactions. However, addressing the stablecoin conundrum requires more than a mere play on semantics; it demands a robust understanding of both…
In a recent decision, the Third Circuit Court dismissed a malpractice claim against Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, closing a case that raised serious allegations concerning intellectual property theft. The suit accused the law firm of deliberately manipulating patent litigation processes to misappropriate a former Cornell University graduate student’s DNA sequencing technology. The…
In the competitive landscape of legal services, the 2025 Practice Footprint Ranking offers a comprehensive assessment of law firms’ reach and influence across various practice areas. This ranking evaluates firms based on their geographic presence, litigation volume, and involvement in significant public deals, providing a nuanced view of their operational breadth. One notable example is…
Texas is advancing a legislative plan to eliminate taxes on securities, which could enhance the state’s appeal as a preferred business destination. This proposal, involving a constitutional amendment, will be put to voters and aims to bolster Texas’s image as a business-friendly environment by removing the ad valorem taxes on certain intangible assets such as…
President Donald Trump has nominated Michael Selig, a former partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and current chief counsel for the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) cryptocurrency task force, to chair the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This appointment underscores the administration’s focus on cryptocurrency regulation and innovation. Selig’s nomination follows the withdrawal…
Steptoe & Johnson LLP has announced the addition of Brian Hahn as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office. Hahn’s expertise will bolster the firm’s white collar and compliance practice. His arrival is part of Steptoe’s strategic plan to enhance its capabilities in managing complex compliance issues and white collar defense matters. Hahn, with his…
The rapid rise of cryptocurrency has highlighted a significant legal conundrum: the application of a securities framework from the Truman era to modern digital assets. Decades after its establishment, the Howey Test, which determines what qualifies as a security in the United States, remains the touchstone for regulators. However, its adequacy in governing digital currencies…
President Donald Trump has nominated Michael Selig to serve as the new chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a move that underscores the administration’s commitment to positioning the United States as a leader in the digital assets sector. Selig, currently the chief counsel for the CFTC’s crypto task force, has been instrumental in…
In a notable decision that could impact the strategy of high-profile legal defenses, U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel Gorenstein ruled that Elon Musk’s legal team from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan cannot invoke the advice-of-counsel defense while withholding the underlying legal advice documents. This decision arises from Musk’s ongoing shareholder suit concerning his acquisition of Twitter…