The Global 200 ranking for 2023 provides a look at the largest law firms by head count, revealing stark differences in operational size, range, and geographical distribution. The ranking reveals a striking breadth in firm size, spanning from a high of 14,336 full-time equivalent lawyers to 514 at the lower end. Additionally, the ranking details…
Rudy Giuliani, former New York City Mayor and personal lawyer to ex-President Donald Trump, is facing a claim of over $1.36 million in unpaid legal bills. This claim arises as a result of outstanding invoices from his legal representation during the criminal probe into the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and other…
In the world of brand protection and advertising law, recent updates have made the spotlight on Madison Reed, a hair color company. A case against the company, alleging that it crafted deceptive claims about its hair dye products is slated to continue, enduring a motion to dismiss. Madison Reed allegedly misrepresented the safety and quality…
On February 7, the Division of Examinations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Division”) released its 2023 Examination Priorities (the “Exam Priorities”). These priorities appear to spotlight registered investment advisers (“RIAs”) and, more specifically, private fund advisers. The document underscores areas where heightened staff scrutiny is expected, one such area being the Marketing Rule….
Welcome to the rundown of what’s new in the legal realm of artificial intelligence (AI). It’s been an engaging September as a kaleidoscope of events and legislation continues to frame the trajectory of AI and its role in our society. This month’s developments encapsulate an array of areas, from Congress to the Oval Office, and…
A North Carolina federal judge recently admonished both Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls and members of the state Judicial Standards Commission for statements deemed to be “inflammatory”. The remarks in question have been made in connection to a lawsuit brought by Justice Earls against the commission itself. The suit alleges that the commission is actively…
In light of recent developments, legal professionals may be given pause to examine their social media habits. A high-profile case has emerged in which plaintiff attorney Mike Rafi’s social media discourse led to the annulment of a $1.5M verdict. It is an unnerving testament to the role and power of social media in modern legal…
August 2023 has brought forth an intriguing case in the world of corporate law. In particular, a bounty hunter plaintiff has sought to enforce California’s Proposition 65, otherwise known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. This law mandates, amongst other things, sellers of products to furnish a “clear and reasonable…
In the rapidly evolving field of medical technologies, it’s no less than crucial to remain informed about legal issues and manufacturer responsibilities that involve medical device warranties. One person who provides valuable insight about these matters is Dennis C. Gucciardo, an adviser to medical device manufacturers during product lifecycles within the US Food and Drug…
With a notable shift in focus toward food safety and product integrity, significant changes in the food and beverage industry’s regulatory landscape are taking shape. One such instance can be seen in California where an amended Food Additive Bill is advancing towards the Governor’s desk. The California Senate has passed a revised version of a…
The North Carolina General Assembly’s recent one-day session ended in frustration, as anticipated votes on the final state budget proposal were disappointingly not brought to the floor. This outcome stood in stark contrast to the hopes that had been stirred during a House session the previous week. House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) had previously stirred…
In a significant recent ruling, the Federal Circuit stated that differences in expiration dates among a patent family due to Patent Term Adjustments (PTAs) are allowable grounds for an Obviousness-Type Double Patenting (ODP) invalidity challenge against those members with later expiration dates. This element of patent law is not often in the spotlight, but can…
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has recently published an issue spotlight on the assessment of tap-to-pay technology, in the context of contactless point-of-sale (POS) purchases on mobile devices. The review expounds on the significant roles that mobile device operating systems have, via tap-to-pay technology, in an open banking ecosystem. This insightful directive delineates the…
In recent years, Twitter has emerged as an unlikely source of legal advice, often to the peril of those who choose to follow armchair advice. A deep dive into this and other legal issues reveals several important points to keep in mind for today’s legal professionals. In one striking statistic, a recent survey revealed that…
In a case that almost seems ripped straight from a Shakespearean drama, a court has ordered technology giant, Samsung to pay millions of dollars in arbitration fees. Allegedly, Samsung has violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), leading approximately 50,000 customers to file individual arbitration demands with the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under the…
The legal world of Philadelphia is dotted with a series of interesting developments this week. The week was marked by the sudden withdrawal of a judge from the ballot. Though details remain scarce, this unexpected move is expected to stir up the local legal scene, shifting dynamics ahead of the upcoming elections. In other news,…
As the annual Latinx Heritage Month ensues from September 15 to October 15, we commemorate the invaluable contributions and rich history of individuals with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. This month-long observance is not only a celebration of diverse cultures, but it also plays a crucial role in highlighting the…
Recently, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) shone the spotlight on tuition payment plans provided by colleges and universities, in a fresh report, elaborating on existing understanding of norms and parameters garnishing these programs. A significant finding of the report, as detailed in an article by JD Supra is that a sizable 98% of colleges…
In the rapidly advancing digital age, mobile devices have propelled themselves to become an indispensable aspect of our business and personal lives. More so, they now hold a key role in areas such as legal hold, corporate governance, and internal or government investigations. The EDRM – Electronic Discovery Reference Model discusses the untold potential of…
The Supreme Court term for 2022 concluded this June, followed by justices taking their respective summer vacations and breaks. Some ventured on holidays, while others opted to teach in various locations, both in and outside the USA. Despite the justices being on break, it transpires that attention was also given to establishing ethical guidelines for…
With a view to offering a more bespoke and competitive approach, various Am Law 50 firms have started to interact directly with students even before the traditional on-campus interview process begins. The emerging practice promises certain benefits but it also brings its own challenges into the spotlight. In the conventional On-Campus Interview (OCI) procedure, all…
The second week of September brought crucial developments to the legal landscape involving Government Contracts and Commercial Businesses. Cinching the spotlight, the Department of Defense (DOD) faced a wake-up call with a pivotal report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) regarding its service contracts. In a report submitted on September 7, 2023, The Government Accountability…
On September 5, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that it had charged five registered investment advisers (RIAs) with violations of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, including Rule 206(4)-2, better known as the “Custody Rule”. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of client funds and securities, reducing the risk…
Google’s chief legal officer, Kent Walker, has found himself under the spotlight due to a recent trial, as noted in a report from Law.com. Known for his high-powered position amongst American lawyers and his inherently reputable persona, Walker may be the archetype of the legal professional, as per a profile in The New York Times….
In a recent decision that could have significant implications for antitrust lawsuits, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit dismissed an appeal for a new trial presented by supermarket chain Winn-Dixie against the Eastern Mushroom Marketing Cooperative (EMMC). Winn-Dixie had alleged that EMMC, its individual mushroom farmer members, and certain downstream distributors conspired…