Law.com

Are Law Firm EO Suits Headed for Supreme Court? Appeals Court Split May Set 'Roadmap'

Mon, 18 May 2026 16:33:29 EST

A three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit appeared “sympathetic and may uphold lower court rulings invalidating EOs against four law firms, attorneys said.

Jury Shoots Down Musk's Bid to Unwind OpenAI

Mon, 18 May 2026 15:32:15 EST

The advisory jury's unanimous verdict, and a federal judge's acceptance of it, removes a cloud that was hanging over OpenAI, clearing the way for the company to move forward with its IPO plans.

Hagens Berman Files First Tariffs Refund Suit Against Amazon, Claims Retailer Is Using Refunds to ‘Curry' Trump's Favor

Mon, 18 May 2026 13:32:36 EST

The case has been identified by Law.com Radar as the first seeking to force Amazon to reimburse customers for any costs they incurred stemming from President Donald Trump's illegally-imposed emergency duties.

How the Current AI Investment Boom Is Reshaping Commercial Contracts for Technology and Data Companies

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:42:11 EST

Businesses and investors are increasingly including AI-specific representations and warranties in commercial contracts and agreements, reassessing longstanding data strategies and sharpening their focus on protecting the rights in data that parties provide to one another.

Illinois' New AI-in-HR Rules Go Far Beyond Other States' Restrictions

Mon, 18 May 2026 11:40:32 EST

“Illinois, in the past, has been at the forefront of regulation in employment. I would not be surprised if other states follow suit," DarrowEverett partner Andrew Adams said.

Could Pa. Justice's Dem Party Exit Lead to Recusal Requests? Legal Observers Are Mixed

Mon, 18 May 2026 11:28:34 EST

"It's always jarring when there's a personal statement from a judge that suggests political views," a Penn Carey law professor said.

How I Founded a Law Firm: 'Have a Genuine Calling for the Work,' Says John Feder of Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn

Mon, 18 May 2026 10:59:59 EST

"Make sure you have a genuine calling for the work, because passion is what sustains you when the hours get long and the cases get heavy. (...) That passion has kept me going for more than 45 years, and I think it is the single biggest reason our firm has been able to build what we have built. Beyond that, invest in preparation above all else. That has been the foundation of our success since the day I walked through the door."

Amid Mass Recall, Litigator Explains Why Waymo Legal Claims Aren't Yet Ripe

Mon, 18 May 2026 10:05:35 EST

Despite a recent recall of more than 3,700 self-driving Waymo rideshares, products liability litigator Rebekah Cooper told Law.com legal claims are not yet ripe.

Big Law Real Estate Practices See More Momentum Amid Boom in Data Center Deals

Mon, 18 May 2026 05:59:59 EST

Amid some of the latest lateral moves, Latham & Watkins, Jones Day and Mayer Brown have all, in the last week, hired real estate partners, all of whom point to growing client activity in their practices.

Kirkland Takes 4-Partner Antitrust Team From Cleary in Brussels and London

Mon, 18 May 2026 05:54:31 EST

The highly-ranked team has worked closely with Google as well as other major clients and marks a move by Kirkland to expand its investigations capabilities in the EU and U.K.

Alternative Pathways to the Bar Exam Lead to Lower Bar Passage Rates, Research Suggests

Fri, 15 May 2026 18:39:09 EST

Individuals entering the legal profession using alternative pathways to take the bar exam have been less likely to pass the bar, less likely to find employment at law firms and more likely to later be professionally disciplined, according to a recently published study.

Report: Sex Abuse, Storage Fire Drove Last Year's 80% Jump in Seattle Tort Lawsuits

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:55:52 EST

A report this week from Lex Machina, a division of LexisNexis, found 2,698 tort actions filed in King County Superior Court in 2025 were associated with "non-traditional" torts, such as sex abuse cases against the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families and a local gynecologist.

Law Firm Disrupted: Big Law's AI Extremes (Both Logical and Illogical)

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:40:00 EST

What are the nearer-term, reasonable, repeatable KPIs when it comes to AI integration?

ABA Council Votes to Repeal Diversity Standard

Fri, 15 May 2026 15:17:19 EST

The American Bar Association Accreditation Council voted 10 to 4 during its meeting Friday to repeal Standard 206.

Fed. Jury Returns $49.5M Verdict Over Ethiopian Air Passenger's Death

Fri, 15 May 2026 14:30:18 EST

The eight-member jury deliberated for two hours before awarding the family of Samya Stumo $49.5 million in their suit against Boeing.

Litigation Trends to Watch: Claims Surge Over ‘Recyclable' Labels, Membership Auto-Renewals and License Plate Surveillance

Fri, 15 May 2026 14:06:21 EST

A new line of class actions alleges that Keurig beverage pods can't be recycled at most facilities.

Trump's Former Personal Lawyers Tapped to Circuit Courts Reveal Pay in Financial Disclosures

Fri, 15 May 2026 11:42:07 EST

Justin Smith is “one of the several personal attorneys to President Trump who's been rewarded for his loyalty with a lifetime appointment to the federal court, Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Illinois, said this week at a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting.

How I Made Partner: 'Be the Lawyer You Would Want to Hire,' Says Leslie Demers of Skadden

Fri, 15 May 2026 10:59:59 EST

"Take ownership of your work and your reputation from day one. Be the lawyer you would want to hire: responsive, reliable, creative, and always prepared. Don't just master the facts, anticipate what's coming next and think creatively about how you can solve problems for your clients and your team."

The New Media Landscape: Why Relationships Matter More Than Ever

Fri, 15 May 2026 08:29:21 EST

The media landscape has undergone a fundamental transformation over the past decade, and for law firm marketers and PR professionals in legal tech, the shift is particularly pronounced. Traditional playbooks built around press releases, broad media lists and transactional pitching are no longer sufficient. Today, influence is fragmented; editorial teams are leaner; and the competition for attention is fiercer than ever.

The Week in Data May 15: A Look at Legal Industry Trends by the Numbers

Fri, 15 May 2026 05:59:59 EST

Catch up on the latest data from across the Law.com newsroom, including the climbing collective valuation of the Am Law 100.

K&L Gates to Split from Singapore Partner Firm Straits Law After 7 Years

Thu, 14 May 2026 21:19:40 EST

The break-up of one of Singapore's rare financially integrated mergers signals growing challenges for international firms seeking local law capabilities in the city-state.

Wildfire Victims Petition Oregon Supreme Court in Case Challenging Class Trial Jury Instruction

Thu, 14 May 2026 18:46:16 EST

The petition comes after the Oregon Court of Appeals reversed the first of more than $1 billion in verdicts over the 2020 wildfires. "The result leaves Oregon trial courts without a workable framework for instructing class-action juries and threatens verdicts impacting thousands of fire survivors," it says.

FTC Maintains Stance on Noncompetes Whether Under Trump or Biden

Thu, 14 May 2026 17:18:49 EST

The FTC, in the Trump era, is wary of noncompetes it views as extreme, or those targeting lower-wage workers. But it sees a role for noncompetes for executives and others who have access to trade secrets or specialized training.

DOJ's Lawsuit Over Jeffrey Clark Discipline is ‘Fundamental Threat,' Ethics Lawyer Says

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:59:38 EST

“[The U.S. Justice Department's] core argument—that government lawyers are exempt from ethical oversight when giving internal advice—has no basis in the Rules of Professional Conduct, stated Hilary Gerzhoy, who chairs the D.C. Bar Rules of Professional Conduct Review Committee and serves on the D.C. Circuit's Advisory Committee on Admissions and Grievances.

Journalists, Podcasters Sue Alphabet, Google for Voiceprints in AI Trained Models

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:25:10 EST

The plaintiffs claim Google extracted their "voiceprints" from publicly available recordings without notice or consent and used these voiceprints to build commercial products that now compete with them in their own profession.

Legal-Ops Teams Turn Invoice Data Into Outside Counsel Strategy as AI Raises the Stakes

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:15:30 EST

Legal teams are moving invoice data beyond review and approval and using it to shape decisions, rate negotiations, benchmarking and risk analysis, said panelists at CLOC Global Institute in Chicago.

Meta Legal Ops Chief to Law Firms: It's Time to Ditch the Billable Hour—for Your Own Good

Thu, 14 May 2026 14:51:04 EST

Speakers on a CLOC Global Institute panel agreed that AI will force law firms to adopt value-based pricing.

Squaring Off Against Law Firms, DOJ Argues Trump Can Revoke Their Security Clearances

Thu, 14 May 2026 11:51:03 EST

While the case was squarely about the EOs against the four law firms, Trump's EO against Paul Weiss, and subsequent deal, was also of interest to the lawyers and panel of judges.

AI Transparency: Clear Explanations Matter More Than Disclosure

Thu, 14 May 2026 10:23:04 EST

As AI becomes embedded in everyday business and legal operations, organizations are confronting a new expectation: simply disclosing AI use is no longer enough. A critical shift is taking place in the legal industry: transparency is no longer just about disclosure; it's about comprehension.

Freshfields Appoints Next UK Managing Partner

Thu, 14 May 2026 07:42:41 EST

Mark Sansom steps down, but assumes the role of global client partner.

The Week in Data May 14: A Look at Legal Industry Trends by the Numbers

Thu, 14 May 2026 05:59:59 EST

Catch up on the latest data from across the Law.com newsroom, including the 2026 Am Law 200 ranking by gross revenue.

No 'Rubber Stamp': US Judge Questions Proposal to End Musk Dispute with Twitter Investors

Wed, 13 May 2026 18:59:19 EST

"I am not going to rubber stamp this settlement," U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan said regarding a $1.5 million consent judgment that would resolve allegations Musk harmed Twitter investors with his belated disclosure of stock-ownership.

'I Can't Say It Without Gasping': Calif. Judge Blasts Class Counsel's $85M Fee Request in Google Settlement

Wed, 13 May 2026 18:35:17 EST

"The pyramids were built in less time than it took to litigate this case," U.S. District Judge James Donato, in the Northern District of California, told class counsel at an April 30 hearing.

In Big AI Copyright Case, Judge Salutes Susman Godfrey's Bet on a First-Year Associate

Wed, 13 May 2026 17:58:09 EST

Dylan Salzman, an associate in his first year at Susman Godfrey, caught the attention of U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar while arguing contributory infringement issues for authors against Nvidia Corp.

Anthropic Is Building a Legal Tech Ecosystem in Claude. Can Companies Adapt?

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:26:16 EST

Claude may be following in Microsoft's footsteps by becoming a legal tech ecosystem. But some question whether such interface consolidation is ultimately feasible for legal professionals.

Law Schools Sent Fewer Grads to Government, Public Interest Roles in 2025

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:20:33 EST

Law.com ranked the top 20 schools that are sending the most students into public interest jobs, government work and federal clerkships.

Ex-Brooklyn Supreme Court Judge Taken Into Custody in Federal Investigation

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:37:15 EST

Edward Harold King resigned from the bench in February while under investigation by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

How In-House Legal Teams Are Using AI to Cut Costs and Win Budget Approval

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:29:16 EST

Legal operations leaders at CLOC's Global Institute highlighted a growing tension inside legal departments: Firms are buying AI licenses, but many lawyers still are not using the tools regularly.

How I Made Law Firm Leadership: 'Talk Less and Listen More,' Says James Mizgala of Tucker Ellis

Wed, 13 May 2026 10:59:59 EST

"Talk less and listen more—like me, you know less than you think. You learn far more by asking questions and genuinely hearing the answers."

Critical Mass With Law.com's Amanda Bronstad: Virginia Bill Could Allow First-Ever Class Actions in State Courts, Uber's RICO Suit Accelerates Against Pennsylvania Lawyers

Wed, 13 May 2026 10:58:59 EST

This week: The Virginia governor is weighing whether to allow class actions in the state's courts. A Pennsylvania judge split with a California decision against Ford and greenlighted Uber's RICO case. Find out who stepped in to represent Lululemon in a class action over tariff refunds.

The Risk of Expiring NDAs to Trade Secret Status Under the DTSA

Wed, 13 May 2026 10:10:36 EST

At a recent trade secret conference, several speakers highlighted a problem with a common industry practice related to non-disclosure agreements. In particular, NDAs are often drafted such that they (and the confidentiality obligations therein) expire after a set term, but there is a very real risk that doing so may inadvertently destroy trade secret status of information disclosed pursuant to the NDA.

Corporate Risk Leaders Flag Mounting Threats Across the Board—And Aren't Ready for Most of Them

Wed, 13 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

A new AlixPartners survey of 500 legal and compliance executives finds preparedness gaps in nearly every risk category, from AI compliance and cybersecurity to financial crime and sanctions.

The 2026 European Legal Industry's Women Rising Stars

Tue, 12 May 2026 21:44:57 EST

Scores of top-quality entries from a wide variety of firms featuring women practicing in Continental Europe have been whittled down to the top 25 women under 40 expected to spearhead the next generation of leading partners.

After Surprise Resignation, John Quinn Is Focusing on Travel, Practice Growth

Tue, 12 May 2026 20:19:36 EST

In a statement to Law.com this week, Quinn explained his departure as “logical, adding that he “didn't really think about what day of the week it was when he decided to make his announcement.

Trump Taps US District Judges to Fill Vacancies on 8th, 10th Circuits

Tue, 12 May 2026 16:44:31 EST

In a pair of Truth Social posts, the president nominated U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota Judge Daniel Traynor to the Eighth Circuit and U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado Judge Daniel Domenico to the Tenth Circuit.

Only 2 States Prohibit Class Actions in State Courts, but a Virginia Bill Would Change That

Tue, 12 May 2026 16:41:13 EST

A bill before Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger would allow class actions to be filed in Virginia's state courts for the first time.

‘The Bigger Action Will Be on Appeal': Importers Battling Trump's Tariffs Face Tougher Fight in Federal Circuit

Tue, 12 May 2026 16:36:17 EST

Trade experts found this second set of duties to be more similar to the tariffs that came out of the first Trump administration—which have largely withstood legal scrutiny—than to the emergency duties that courts recently rejected.

Ex-New Jersey Judge Suspended Over Drunken Sexual Advances at Office Party

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:05:53 EST

The Disciplinary Review Board said stricter punishment was warranted in light of his position as a judge at the time the misconduct took place.

Anthropic Announces Legal Practice Plug-Ins for Claude, Legal Tech Integrations

Tue, 12 May 2026 12:59:59 EST

The plug-ins focus on a range of practice areas for firms, in-house counsel, law students and more. Claude also now integrates with Harvey, Free Law Project and Thomson Reuters, among others.

OSHA, States Step Up Scrutiny of Workplace Exposure to Heat Hazards

Tue, 12 May 2026 09:08:11 EST

An OSHA rule proposed under President Joe Biden has stalled, but the agency is using its existing powers to issue more fines. And a growing number of states are jumping into the fray.

To Merge or Not to Merge: How Leverage Could Be the Deciding Factor

Tue, 12 May 2026 06:32:31 EST

A Law.com analysis of leverage data reveals the firms that have fewer tools at their disposal to increase revenue-per-lawyer and profit margin, and why, for some, a merger might be an economic necessity.

'Shot Across the Bow': Insider Trading Scheme May Prompt Changes in Big Law

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:59:59 EST

The misappropriation of confidential M&A data from six top law firms may lead to changes in firms' controls over client data, ex-SEC and white-collar defense lawyers said.

Supreme Court Helps Alabama Revert to Challenged Congressional Map

Mon, 11 May 2026 22:00:50 EST

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday evening lifted a court order requiring Alabama to use a congressional map that included two majority-Black districts, allowing the state to revert to an old one found to discriminate against by Black voters by a federal district court.

Temple Snags University of Tennessee Dean as Beasley Law's Next Leader

Mon, 11 May 2026 19:03:06 EST

Lonnie Brown Jr., the dean of University of Tennessee Winston College of Law since 2022, will become the Kean Family Dean of Temple University Beasley School of Law on Aug. 1.

Trump Administration Rule Removes Conservation as Public Land Use

Mon, 11 May 2026 18:20:48 EST

Conservation leaves land “idle while it should be used for commercial purposes, the U.S. Interior Department stated.

Judge Finds Cook County Liable for Unconstitutional Property Tax Sale System

Mon, 11 May 2026 17:33:17 EST

"The county did not need to receive an engraved notice to understand that its actions—taking private property without providing just compensation—constituted a 'classic' violation of the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause," a federal judge said.

Trump Taps Ex-Personal Attorneys for Bench, Raising Recusal Questions

Mon, 11 May 2026 17:29:18 EST

“Considering the kind of representation that you've provided President Trump ... I would say that in any case involving President Trump's personal interests, you should recuse yourself, because it is very clear where your loyalties lie, Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, told judicial nominee Justin Smith.

Class Counsel in $7.25B Roundup Settlement Ask for $675M in Legal Fees

Mon, 11 May 2026 17:22:22 EST

The fee request, which is 9.3% of the settlement fund, is "quite modest," according to class counsel Eric Holland.

AI Platform's ‘Expert' Workforce Draws Misclassification Suit

Mon, 11 May 2026 14:09:30 EST

A class action against Mercor.io Corp. claims the AI hiring startup misclassified lawyers, doctors, engineers and other subject-matter experts as independent contractors while exerting employer-like control over their work. The case could test how traditional employment law doctrines apply to the white-collar gig workforce behind AI training and evaluation.

Lit-Funder Burford Capital Asks Supreme Court to Shield It From Discovery

Mon, 11 May 2026 13:45:15 EST

Third-party litigation funder Burford Capital has turned to the high court to prevent document discovery related to its financing of antitrust claims against German truck manufacturers.

My AI Agent Killed My Annoying Neighbor

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:41:27 EST

AI is an eager summer intern with a puppy-dog disposition, programmed to please. It doesn't know it is not OK to kill your annoying neighbor in its quest to be helpful.

How I Made Law Firm Leadership: 'Build Relationships Inside and Outside the Firm,' Says Charity Schiller of Best Best & Krieger

Mon, 11 May 2026 10:59:59 EST

"Equally important is building relationships inside and outside the firm. If you hope to lead people one day, you need to know them, and they need to know you. Find out what motivates them, what they care about, and what they value, and share what you care about and value with them."

Consolidation, Cost-Cutting in Indy TV Market Offers Peek Into Pain Ahead for Broadcast Newsrooms

Mon, 11 May 2026 10:23:10 EST

The owner of WISH-TV Channel 8 makes no apologies for laying off nearly the entire 60-person news team at WRTV-TV Channel 6 after buying the station in March.

Is Hamburg Big Law's Weakest Link in Germany?

Sun, 10 May 2026 04:59:59 EST

With Clyde & Co partners spinning off into an independent firm, questions are being raised about whether further exits will follow—and if Hamburg even remains viable for international firms.

C.R. Bard Wins Defense Verdict in First Bellwether Trial Over PowerPort Device

Fri, 08 May 2026 19:46:49 EST

The trial, which began on April 21, is the first of about 3,000 cases in multidistrict litigation alleging Bard's PowerPort devices are defective, leading to blood infections, thrombosis or fractures.

ASU Law Alum Gives Back to Support Struggling Students

Fri, 08 May 2026 17:29:25 EST

Jordan Greenman graduated with his J.D. from ASU Law in 2021 with less than stellar grades, so he wants to support other students to show grades aren't everything.

Law Firm Disrupted: Are Associate Ranks Headed for a 'Course Correction'?

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:27:01 EST

Some corporate clients only want to use a law firm when it's partner-level work, noted one New York recruiter. How will that shape the future of associate legal work?

Suits in 5 Nations Allege Apple Quashed "Watch Room" Competition

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:21:32 EST

Apple said it removed Rave from its App Store based on allegations that it hosted pornographic and pirated content and users complained about child sexual abuse materials. Rave replied that those allegations were baseless and extraordinary and that it has zero tolerance for unlawful or exploitative content.

Litigation Trends to Watch: Cases Center on Multilevel Marketing, Supplement Serving Sizes and OnlyFans Disputes

Fri, 08 May 2026 15:21:42 EST

Vitamin and supplement companies are accused of manipulating serving sizes.

Family-Owned Bourbon Distiller That Competes With Titans Elevates Deputy GC to Top Post

Fri, 08 May 2026 14:31:15 EST

Heaven Hill Brands co-president Allan Latts said incoming general counsel Matthew Hamm "leads in a way that builds trust and clarity."

EPA's New Focus on Microplastics Could Be Start of Long Regulatory Road

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:59:31 EST

Companies may want to ask themselves: “Do we have a dog in the fight? Do we make plastic? Do we have something to do with plastic?" said James Aidala, a former EPA official who's now a consultant.

Big Law's Next Competitive Edge: Building the Internal Culture Engine

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:19:48 EST

The growth firms are enjoying right now has expanded the cost base — talent, technology, real estate — faster than the operating model has adapted to support it. That gap is not closed by another lease, another mandate, another lateral, or another tool. It is closed by deliberately rebuilding the operating system for the firm that actually exists, rather than the one that existed in 2019.

How I Made Partner: 'Be Someone Who Clients and Colleagues Trust,' Says Peter Salzler of Braverman Greenspun

Fri, 08 May 2026 10:59:59 EST

"Be someone who clients and colleagues trust. Being responsive, anticipating issues and needs, and thinking creatively to improve both work product and firm practices is of great value to both clients and your firm."

DOJ Investigates Northern Virginia Prosecutor Over Alleged Preferential Treatment of Undocumented Immigrants

Fri, 08 May 2026 10:05:26 EST

"This investigation will uncover whether this prosecutor is putting the community at risk in offering sweetheart deals to illegal immigrants charged with serious crimes," the Trump administration's top civil rights enforcer said of Commonwealth's attorney Steve Descano of Fairfax County, Virginia, who faces a federal probe by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Outside Counsel Takes Legal Reins of Six Flags as Merger Fallout Mounts

Fri, 08 May 2026 06:29:32 EST

Christopher Bennett will serve as chief legal and compliance officer, part of a new management team trying to turn around the company after an $8 billion merger went off the rails.

How Six Big Law Firms Lost Confidential M&A Data to a Global Insider Trading Scheme

Fri, 08 May 2026 05:59:59 EST

Alleged perpetrators in some cases accessed material non-public information on deals in which they weren't staffed, charging documents show.

Norton Rose Fulbright Appoints New Australia Head

Fri, 08 May 2026 04:32:37 EST

Marshall Bromwich will replace incumbent Alison Deitz.