The Legal Intelligencer

Monday Public Notices/Calendars

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

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The AI-Empowered Lawyer: Why Young Lawyers Are Best Positioned to Leverage AI in Their Practice

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:31:59 EST

As AI becomes embedded in legal practice, that obligation is no longer theoretical. The question is not whether to engage with these tools, but how to do so effectively and ethically.

People in the News—April 3, 2026—Babst Calland, Becker

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:59:59 EST

Kate W. Millikan recently joined law firm Babst, Calland, Clements & Zomnir's Harrisburg office as senior counsel in the corporate and commercial group.

High Court Addresses Notice Obligation of Sole Owner/Employee

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:30:59 EST

Failure of an injured employee to provide notice to the “employer normally results in compensation being disallowed. What about a sole proprietor?

Will the Executive Branch's New Cyber Strategy be a Watershed Moment in Combating Cybercrime?

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:03:59 EST

With the increase in cybersecurity breach costs, the private sector and insurance industry have been left to bear the costs of a cyber breach. However, the executive branch appears to be focusing its attention on this issue for 2026.

Friday Public Notices/Calendars

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Pro-Palestine Activist Asks Judge Emil Bove to Recuse in Immigration Case

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:51:58 EST

In a motion to recuse filed Wednesday, Mahmoud Khalil's attorneys said Bove's participation would create at least an appearance of a conflict of interest as he was acting deputy U.S. attorney general before joining the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

High Court Reaffirms Absence of Sovereign Immunity for State-Created Entities Where the Entity Is Formally Liable for Its Own Judgments

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:16:59 EST

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that NJ Transit is not an arm of the state of New Jersey and therefore was not entitled to sovereign immunity. The judgment of the New York Court of Appeals was affirmed, and the judgment of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court was reversed.

The New Eligibility Frontier: NIL, Revenue Sharing and the Strain on NCAA Waiver Rules

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:16:59 EST

Why are we suddenly seeing athletes compete in their seventh, eighth or even ninth seasons? Have NCAA waiver rules changed? Why are these cases appearing now, and why are some athletes being denied?

People in the News—April 2, 2026—Gawthrop Greenwood

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:59:59 EST

Gawthrop Greenwood announced that community association lawyer Rachel M. Sorokin has joined the firm as an associate, representing the needs of homeowners' and condominium associations in what has become the fastest-growing form of housing in Pennsylvania.

Qualified Domestic Relations Orders Play Key Role in Distribution of Retirement Assets in Divorce

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:56:59 EST

When it's time to allocate assets in a divorce, a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) is required to transfer assets from one spouse's retirement account to another without triggering penalties and taxes. Most individuals, and even some attorneys, are unfamiliar with the intricacies of QDROs.

Reservation of Rights Under an Insurance Policy

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:56:59 EST

It is becoming increasingly commonplace for insurers to raise coverage issues when presented with a claim. In that situation, an insured provides notice of the claim or tenders the defense of the lawsuit to its insurer. At that point, the insurer is required to assess the claim and advise the insured as to any potential coverage issues.

Construction Law Forecast for the Remainder of 2026

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:46:59 EST

Although some of us are still adjusting to using “2026 when dating documents, 2026 has already offered substantial developments that impact the construction industry—including to the evolving tariff landscape and introducing new classification rules—which are worth monitoring in the months ahead.

Changing Direction—Reflections on Early Career Pivots and Building a Practice That Fits

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:44:59 EST

Practicing law is a privilege, and while the work will always be demanding, it should still feel like a path you chose—not a cage you can't leave.

Thursday Public Notices/Calendars

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Employment Firm Awarded $300K in Fees for Leading Minimum-Wage Class Action Settlement

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:57:17 EST

The court approved an award of $295,350 for attorney fees, costs, and claims of administration expenses.

Fox Rothschild's Pennsylvania Education Group Jumps to McNees Wallace

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:16:14 EST

The 18-attorney group "was just a natural fit for us when we became aware of the opportunity last fall," said McNees chair Brian Jackson.

Demand and Head Count Growth Drove Cozen O'Connor's Double-Digit Financial Gains in 2025

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:45:32 EST

The firm's strategy is guided by investing in talent and technology, and firm chairman and CEO Michael Heller emphasized the importance of long-term growth rather than short-term performance spikes.

People in the News—April 1, 2026—Pietragallo Gordon, Tucker Arensberg

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:59:59 EST

Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti announced the addition of two new associates to the firm's Pittsburgh and Philadelphia offices: Hannah M. Franke and Michael T. Sweeney.

Back to the Courtroom: Practical Implications of Philadelphia's New Discovery Motion Directive

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:53:59 EST

The court's directive requires in-person argument on discovery motions and the submission of paper copies of filings directly to the assigned judge, signaling a clear shift away from the largely remote—and often more flexible—motion practice that has defined discovery disputes in recent years.

Wednesday Public Notices/Calendars

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Pa. Courts Could See Increase in Resentencing Following Landmark Ruling

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:10:31 EST

State lawmakers have around 115 days to decide how to interpret the state Supreme Court's ruling that struck down mandatory life-without-parole sentences for second-degree murder.

Legal Impact of 2 Social Media Verdicts: 'A Road Map to Beating the Big Tech Companies'

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:00:50 EST

Last week's $375 million verdict against Meta Platforms in New Mexico, and $6 million jury award against Meta and YouTube, owned by Google, were the first to use new legal theories to blame social media on harm to children.

Pa. CROWNS New Hair Protections: Hair-Based Discrimination Rules for Schools and Workplaces Take Effect

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:29:59 EST

In enacting this law, Pennsylvania follows the lead of more than half the states in the country, which have adopted the same or similar protections.

People in the News—March 31, 2026—Marshall Dennehey, Montgomery McCracken

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:59:59 EST

Products liability attorney Ronald J. Richert has joined Marshall Dennehey's Pittsburgh office as special counsel in the firm's casualty department.

OIG Advisory Opinion 26-02: Lab Ownership, Management Entities and the Absence of Remuneration Under the AKS

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:08:59 EST

In contrast to many advisory opinions where the OIG evaluates whether remuneration exists but poses sufficiently low risk, here the OIG concluded that the arrangement does not generate remuneration at all under the AKS. Accordingly, the OIG issued a favorable opinion, reinforcing a critical compliance principle: where no remuneration flows, directly or indirectly, to referral sources, the AKS is not implicated.

Tuesday Public Notices/Calendars

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Pittsburgh's Burns White to Launch Baltimore Office

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:20:02 EST

Health care attorney Courtney Barbacane will split time between Philadelphia and the new office, the firm's 15th nationwide.

'No Forewarning Necessary': Divided 3rd Circuit Weighs Discipline for Attorney's Use of AI Hallucinations

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:44:03 EST

The dissenting judge said that the majority doesn't need to warn attorneys to use artificial intelligence responsibly, opining that "[n]o forewarning is necessary when it is clear what standard the attorney was required to follow."

People in the News—March 30, 2026—Barley Snyder, Babst Calland

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:59:59 EST

Barley Snyder announced that attorney Jonah P. Markle has been elected to the board of directors of Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania.

California Cracks Down on Competition—State Law Expansion to Monopolistic Behavior

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:48:59 EST

This change, while seemingly slight, has sweeping consequences. If passed, AB 1776 would extend the current law's reach to prohibit individual companies from engaging in monopolistic behavior.

It's Not a Noncompete Or Is It? The Expanding Reach of Nonsolicitation Restrictions

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:32:59 EST

While nonsolicitation agreements can be an effective tool, employers may be surprised to learn that, as with noncompetes, a variety of nuances affect their enforceability and scope.

Morgan Lewis Adds 4 Partners From Baker McKenzie in Past Week

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:59:59 EST

Morgan Lewis brought on a four-person tax team in New York from Baker McKenzie including three partners on Monday, days after it hired a employment litigator from the firm in Miami.

Reed Smith Adds Baker Botts Energy Litigation Partner in Houston

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:59:59 EST

Baker Botts partner Jason Newman, who joined Reed Smith in Houston, focuses on handling litigation for oil and gas clients as well as advising on transactions.

Phila. Plaintiffs Firm Sues Ex-Name Partner, Alleging Fraud, Inappropriate Relationship With Client

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:36:20 EST

Brian Kent was fired from the firm formerly known as Laffey Bucci & Kent two years ago over allegations that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a client whom he represented in a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology.

Seeing Financial Growth in 2025, Eckert Seamans Aims to Rejoin Am Law 200

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:15:10 EST

"Firms are like organisms," Eckert Seamans CEO Scott Cessar said in an interview. "They have good periods, not-so-good periods, and great periods, and I think people feel really good about being here.”

Holland & Knight Hires White and Williams Commercial Litigation Head in Philadelphia

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:23:31 EST

Since Polsinelli raided Holland & Knight's Philadelphia office to launch its own location, Holland & Knight has hired on 22 attorneys to replenish its ranks, with Siobhan Cole serving as the latest arrival.

Bankruptcy Court Establishes Multi-Factor Test for Appointment of Creditors' Committee in Subchapter V Cases

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:59 EST

In Cinemax, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida denied a creditor's motion seeking the appointment of an unsecured creditors' committee, concluding that the movant failed to establish sufficient cause for such an appointment, especially in light of the limited complexity of the case and the oversight already provided by the Subchapter V trustee.

When Governments Become Supply Chain Disruptors: A New Agenda for Legal, Compliance and Risk

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:58:17 EST

When new tariffs are imposed or sanctions are expanded, the first calls often go to the general counsel. Boards want to understand exposure. The business needs clarity on continuity. In certain cases, regulators demand answers. What was once viewed as a compliance screening issue can quickly escalate into a governance and operational challenge.

People in the News—March 27, 2026—Klasko, Rawle & Henderson

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:59:59 EST

Klasko Immigration Law Partners announced the expansion of its litigation practice with the addition of Ilana Snyder to the team, further advancing the firm's strategy to strengthen its capacity for strategic litigation and government advocacy.

Will Big Cannabis Outwit the IRS?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:07:59 EST

Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code precludes state-licensed cannabis companies from taking any tax deduction or credit other than “cost of goods sold, which, through denying ordinary and necessary business expense tax deductions renders them vastly more expensive, and dramatically less profitable, to operate.

Women Still Earn Less—and That Puts Employers at Risk

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:34:50 EST

For the first time since the 1990s, the gender pay gap grew slightly in the U.S. in 2026, providing a wake-up call to employers and litigators. But on the local level, some states with pay-transparency laws—and others with no such laws—have succeeded in closing the gap.

Pa. Supreme Court Strikes Down Mandatory Life Sentences for 2nd-Degree Murder

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:10:58 EST

The state's highest court held that Pennsylvania's sentencing violates the state constitution by failing to account for individual culpability.

Dispelling the Myths of a State False Claims Act

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:32:59 EST

Implementing a state FCA is not the right move for Pennsylvania. While masquerading as a good government reform bill, it really is just a huge gift to the trial bar and plaintiffs attorneys who are constantly seeking to expand liability in the commonwealth for their own financial gain.

Coach's Corner: Lawyers Don't Like Rewards. We Just Respond to Them.

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:10:59 EST

Rewards are not childish. It is part of how human motivation functions at every age.

People in the News—March 26, 2026—Eastburn and Gray, Buchanan Ingersoll

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:59:59 EST

Eastburn and Gray announced that John P. McShea IV has been elected a shareholder of the firm effective Jan. 1.

Taking a Plaintiff's Case to the Next Level, Part II: It Does Not Always Take Two—Why Naming Individuals as Defendants Is Not Always the Best Strategy

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:33:59 EST

While suing individual owners, officers, or directors alongside their corporate entities can work to a plaintiff's advantage, this strategy carries a distinct risk: juries may personalize the corporate defendants, leading to smaller verdicts.

Noncompete vs. Nonsolicit Agreements: Key Considerations for Pennsylvania Lawyers

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:30:59 EST

On Feb. 18, 2026, in First National Trust v. English, the Pennsylvania Superior Court issued a nonprecedential opinion that serves as a one-stop shop for all things Pennsylvania restrictive covenant law.

Key Pennsylvania Tax Changes Businesses and Individuals Should Understand for 2026

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:09:59 EST

This article highlights key Pennsylvania tax developments and other timely issues taxpayers and practitioners should keep in mind.

Pa. Superior Court Splits on MCARE Patient-Safety Privilege Case

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:01:33 EST

The case centered on whether internal hospital documents tied to the mishandling of fetal remains are shielded from discovery under state and federal law.

Free Speech vs. Patient Safety: 3rd Circuit Grapples With NJ Telehealth Licensing Restriction

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:30:44 EST

An attorney for out-of-state doctors argued that telemedicine conversations are constitutionally protected speech and not “treatments that New Jersey can reserve for in-state physicians.

Los Angeles Jurors Find Meta and YouTube Liable for Youth's Mental Health Problems, Award $6M

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:20:04 EST

Jurors also found Meta and YouTube acted with malice, oppression and fraud and awarded $3 million in punitive damages.

Maryland Child Support Law in 2026: A Guidelines System Adapts to Blended Families

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:44:59 EST

An overview of the state's child support “landscape, including the Multifamily Adjustment Law.

Dechert Welcomes Two IP, Patent Litigators From Paul Weiss

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:49:16 EST

Anish Desai and Priyata Patel join Dechert in New York City and Washington, D.C., respectively. The two were drawn to their new firm due to its wide-reaching platform and collaborative culture.

People in the News—March 25, 2026—Faegre Drinker, McNees

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:59:59 EST

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath partner Jessica Natali was recognized by Temple University Beasley School of Law as the 2026 Women's Law Caucus Leadership Award honoree on March 19.

Think Hard When Selecting a Geographical Name for a Product

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:33:59 EST

One should consider local laws when naming a product after a geographical place.

Who is Robert Frazer? And What Will His Appointment Mean For New Jersey?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:28:10 EST

After months of turmoil over the failed effort to install Alina Habba as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, hopes are high that Robert Frazer's appointment to the job will bring some much-needed stability.

Pa. Bankruptcy Judge Tosses Trusts' Chapter 11 Cases, Clears Path in $15M Foreclosure

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:01:56 EST

“There's probably 15 to 20 opinions over the last 40 years about this question of what is a business trust, and she did a really good job of going through those opinions and coming up with a test to apply in this case to decide whether these were business trusts," said Matt Hamermesh of Hangley Aronchick, representing one of the parties in the action.

A Phila. Lawyer Is Forcing Examination of Sports Policies Under State Anti-Discrimination Laws

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:43:01 EST

A Philadelphia attorney helped bring a group of suits in New Jersey and New York to pit local laws against sports groups' policies on transgender athletes.

FTC Secures $17M Settlement Against Xponential Fitness for Franchise Disclosure Violations

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:18:59 EST

This enforcement action underscores the critical importance of compliance with franchise disclosure requirements and serves as a cautionary tale for both franchisors and prospective franchisees.

People in the News—March 24, 2026—Lamb McErlane, Stradley Ronon

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:59:59 EST

Lamb McErlane announced that attorney Dennis C. Vondran Jr. has been elected a partner of the firm.