Law.com

Legal AI Is Only as Smart as the System Behind It

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:31:33 EST

"When AI produces insights that you have to manually verify before being able to trust them, you've done the polar opposite of unlocking AI efficiency. You've added a verification burden on top of your existing processes," said Mark Ross, principal and growth and markets leader at Deloitte Legal Business Services.

Judiciary to Increase Pacer Fee to Fund Fast-Tracked System Upgrade

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:15:37 EST

“Unfortunately, without a modest increase in fees, we will not be able to collect enough money to cover the costs of delivering the case management system that the federal courts must have to continue to operate securely," said Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr., director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

How I Made Partner: 'Take Ownership of Outcomes and Building Authentic Relationships,' Says Colin Cloherty of Wiley Rein

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

"You have to become a partner before you make partner. That means taking ownership of outcomes, not just tasks, and building authentic relationships, not transactional ones. Identify the lawyers you respect, study how they operate, and start doing the same. Then, make it your own. The title will follow."

Supreme Court Declines to Review Trump's Appeal of $5 Million E. Jean Carroll Verdict

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:51:47 EST

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Donald Trump's appeal of a jury verdict finding him liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll, leaving intact a $5 million judgment against him. The decision closes one case while a separate defamation verdict awarding Carroll $83.3 million remains on appeal.

Google Maps Drivers' Wage and Hour Case Shows Evolving Misclassification Claims

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:43:11 EST

The case stems from Cognizant's contract with Google to update Google Maps. Cognizant, in turn, relies on staffing company Aceolutions, also a defendant in the case, to get drivers to verify Google Maps data. Google is not a defendant.

Ashurst Perkins Coie Merger Goes Live

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 18:59:59 EST

The newly combined firm is the latest in a series of transatlantic mergers.

Federal Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Lawsuit Over Law School Application Fees

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 19:16:31 EST

Judge John F. Murphy previously granted the Law School Admission Council's motion to dismiss in April, but gave the plaintiff a chance to file an amended complaint in the case, which was filed on behalf of law school applicants nationwide over application fees, alleging the organization has violated federal antitrust law.

Patriots Player's Digital Marketing Suit Cannot Be Punted to Florida Court, Fed. Judge Rules

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:14:13 EST

The former New England Patriots receiver claims he helped build a digital marketing company that sold for $50 million last year.

Capital Calls: Inside the Debate Over Outside Investment in Law Firms

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:59:59 EST

In this week's episode, Legal Speak examines the growing interest in outside investment in U.S. law firms and what it could mean for the legal industry.

AI Doesn't Rewrite Trade-Secret Law, but It Is Rewriting How Legal Departments Protect It

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:48:19 EST

"I think that courts are going to approach the question of the intersection between trade secrets and AI, and apply well thought out and well widely accepted basic trade secret law. They're not going to, at least initially, come up with any novel approaches to AI," Peter Toren, an IP and computer crime attorney and former federal prosecutor with the U.S. DOJ, said.

Litigation Trends to Watch: Suits Center on Cell Phone Listings, Cannabis Disputes and EtO Emissions

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:03:19 EST

Cell phone listings in online directories are driving a wave of privacy suits under Colorado's Prevention of Telemarketing Fraud Act.

The Legal Industry's Greatest Untapped Asset Is Hiding In Plain Sight. It's Neurodivergence.

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:27:12 EST

The legal profession prides itself on precision, rigor, and the relentless pursuit of the right answer. And yet, for decades, it has been structured in ways that quietly sideline some of the most precisely wired, rigorously focused, and creatively determined minds available. People who are neurodivergent.

We're ‘Representing a Hedge Fund That's a Reality': Inside the Defense Strategy That Won Out in a Novel Securities Trial

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:19:14 EST

During Manhattan's groundbreaking federal trial over whether hedge fund investors formed an "insider" group in a children's TV company, defense counsel had to be nimble. One of their challenges? Humanizing their hedge fund clients.

How We Made Office Managing Partner: 'Be Inclusive of Teammates' Ideas,' Say Jordan Klein and Brett Johnson of Winston Taylor

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

"Listen. You do not have the monopoly on good ideas. People are more willing to follow a plan they feel they've contributed to and have some ownership in. Bottom line—be inclusive of teammates' ideas and views even if you have the ultimate say. Leading is easier if people believe they've been heard in the process of making a plan."

A&O Shearman Sees Latest Exit as Global Fund Finance Co-Head Joins Weil Gotshal

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:44:58 EST

The firm has seen 17 partner departures so far this year, according to Law.com Compass data.

Courtroom Camera Bills Prompt Questions About AI-Driven Analyses of Judges

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 07:44:59 EST

“The more useful question isn't whether to allow cameras, it's whether we authenticate the record well enough that a genuine clip can always be told apart from a fabricated one," wrote attorney Michael McCready.

Bonuses Aren't Just More Flexible. For Some Firms, They're Also 'Less Personal'

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:59:59 EST

There are psychological and emotional benefits to firms increasingly leaning on and looking to pay partners via bonuses.

Justice Department Signals Big Change For Whistleblower Fraud Cases

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:01:36 EST

The move will require affected companies to adapt their compliance programs, attorneys say.

'Overdue Justice': Monsanto Praises SCOTUS Ruling, Roundup Lawsuits in Limbo

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:12:54 EST

Thursday's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court could wipe out tens of thousands of Roundup lawsuits, but some plaintiffs' lawyers remain optimistic some claims could survive.

Law Firm Disrupted: The World Cup Is Everywhere, Including These Firm Client Lists

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:57:35 EST

We dive into FIFA's outside counsel roster, where Paul Weiss has an outsized position.

Legal AI's Biggest Mistake: Treating All Workflows the Same

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:32:51 EST

Artificial intelligence is rapidly embedding itself into legal workflows, but much of the conversation treats all use cases as if they carry the same level of risk, even if they do not. The more useful question is not whether AI works, but where it can be safely applied and where it cannot.

The Repricing of Legal and the $30M Cost Shift Playbook

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:03:33 EST

Join us for a live panel with in-house legal leaders and experts sharing strategies to manage legal spend, align with Finance, and drive results.

Supreme Court Ends Mass Litigation Over Roundup Labels, Says Preemption Applies

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:54:02 EST

The ruling wipes out a $1.25 million Missouri jury award for plaintiff John Durnell, who alleges he contracted cancer after years of using Roundup. Monsanto also beat back a tide of litigation from other plaintiffs alleging significant health problems, including cancer, from regular exposure to the weed killer.

Partners Investing in PE funds is Widespread, Investigation Finds

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:12:12 EST

A swathe of the largest U.S.-based law firms discreetly operate in-house investment managers that allow their partners to invest in private equity, though none is prepared to speak publicly about it.

New Vermont Laws Underscore States' Bipartisan Embrace of Chemical Regulation

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 01:53:50 EST

Both the paraquat ban and baby food metals testing law fit into a recent pattern of states paying more attention to environmental and food contaminants—something that fits in with traditionally Democratic states' environmental and public health goals and with the more recent, Republican-aligned “Make America Healthy Again or MAHA movement.

'There's No Petitioning Activity There': Uber Fights Against Dismissal of Its RICO Case Against LA Firms

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:48:51 EST

At a Wednesday hearing, Uber attorney Michael Huston, of Perkins Coie, told U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett at a downtown Los Angeles hearing that the Noerr-Pennington doctrine, which protects lawyers under the First Amendment from being sued because they filed lawsuits, did not apply in this case.

New Mexico Exploring Alternate Pathways to the Bar to Address Legal Deserts

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:36:28 EST

Two New Mexico Supreme Court justices presented the “Rural Justice and Modernizing the Legal Profession in New Mexico report on Tuesday, proposing the New Mexico Skills-Based Assessment program.

How Fordham, DLA Piper and Corporate Legal Leaders Are Preparing In-House Lawyers for What's Next

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:21:25 EST

The Fordham Law DLA Piper In-House Counsel Institute returns this fall for its second year after attracting approximately 80 participants from the United States and abroad during its inaugural run.

$1.8M Is Not Too Much for a Broken Pinky, Georgia Court of Appeals Rules

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:50:06 EST

In plaintiff-appellee counsel Max Thelen's view, the development "reiterates Georgia law that pain and suffering damages are entrusted to the jury's determination, and such an award should not be disturbed absent extreme circumstances."

Perplexity AI Launches Computer for Counsel, Powered by Legal Tech Integrations

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:59:59 EST

Perplexity's legal offering, emerging from its own legal department's use of its AI agents, come weeks after Anthropic expanded its AI capabilities for legal professionals.

‘Gotcha' No More? NJ Fed Court Considers Early Test for Affidavit of Merit Disputes in Med Mal Suits

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:53:27 EST

The proposed Local Civil Rule 16.1 amendment would eliminate the current language on affidavits of merit in negligence and malpractice litigation.

How I Made Partner: 'Be Kind to Yourself,' Says George John of Hogan Lovells

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

"Be kind to yourself. A law practice is exactly that a practice. It takes time to develop confidence and efficiency. None of it ever becomes perfect. Accepting that reality makes it easier to keep improving without surrendering."

Critical Mass With Law.com's Amanda Bronstad: Doe Run Settles Long-Running Lead Case, Two Plaintiffs' Lawyers Sanctioned for MDL Protective Order Violations

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:58:59 EST

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The Week in Data June 24: A Look at Legal Industry Trends by the Numbers

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:03:51 EST

Catch up on the latest data from across the Law.com newsroom, including the largest firms in Washington, D.C.

'We Got It Wrong': Mass. Top Court Throws Out Rent Control Initiative in Latest Election Ballot Ruling

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:32:16 EST

The seven-judge court held that Initiative Petition 25-21, which would have limited annual rent increases statewide, violated Article 48 of the Massachusetts Constitution because it exempted dwelling units in facilities operated solely for religious purposes.

Inside Kirkland's Billion-Dollar Investment Fund

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:58:21 EST

A Law.com investigation reveals how Kirkland & Ellis has quietly built a major in-house investment operation, channeling partner cash into private equity deals alongside its clients for decades.

'They Needed a Texas Lawyer': Gibson Dunn's Journey to Landing the SpaceX IPO

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:38:27 EST

“Gibson Dunn was selected for the deal because we were unique in our ability to execute on it, said capital markets co-chair and Houston office co-leader Hillary Holmes.

Kirkland Taps Quinn Emanuel Appellate Co-Chair to Lead Supreme Court Practice

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:59:59 EST

Christopher Michel, former co-chair of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan's national appellate practice, will lead Kirkland's Supreme Court and appellate practice.

Doe Run Settles Long-Running Case Over Lead Exposure in Peru

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:57:32 EST

A trial set to begin Tuesday in Missouri against Doe Run and Chairman Ira Rennert would have featured claims by five residents who alleged they suffered lead poisoning from its smelting complex in Peru.

How Foley Hoag Became the 'Anti-Trump' Big Law Firm

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:20:32 EST

"When things started in January of 2025, we were already there, said the firm's managing partner. “It's just that the circumstances changed to help us take advantage of it."

Complaint Lodged with Attorney Grievance Committee Against Acting AG Todd Blanche

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:59:13 EST

The 69-page complaint asks the Attorney Grievance Committee for a Manhattan-based appeals court that governs disciplinary matters to look into alleged violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Winston Taylor's Paris Head on Integrating with the Wider Firm Post-Merger

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:22:14 EST

As Winston Taylor's Paris office looks to integrate its lawyers within the larger firm, the goal is to “mirror the larger London office.

Deadline Extended: New England Legal Awards for 2026

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:34:53 EST

Law.com is accepting nominations for the fourth annual New England Legal Awards, celebrating legal professional excellence in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.

How Are AI-Equipped Associates Spending Their Time?

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:17:34 EST

Everyone seems to agree that AI gets rid of rote work. But what that means for recruitment, development, and the actual work being done seems to be up for debate.

Winston Partners Continue to Depart in Texas

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:00:59 EST

While well more than a dozen partners have jumped from Winston & Strawn's Texas offices to other firms this year, the departures may not be directly linked to the firm's recent merger with U.K. firm Taylor Wessing.

Ashurst Reports 11% Revenue Boost Just Weeks Ahead of Perkins Coie Merger

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:34:36 EST

It is the firm's last financial results before its merger with U.S. firm Perkins Coie goes live.

Bill to Speed Up First Union Contracts Would Transform Labor Relations, Experts Say

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:38:04 EST

Currently, first contracts often take as long as two years to negotiate. The new bill aims to accelerate that process drastically, giving unions greater leverage in the process.

Bayer Taps Litigation Head Max Thu mmel as Group General Counsel

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:33:36 EST

The Longtime Bayer lawyer and global litigation head steps into top legal role after predecessor's departure.

Mass. Top Court Allows All-Party Primary System Proposal on November Ballot

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:26:44 EST

The lawsuit challenged an initiative petition that would eliminate separate party primaries and instead place all candidates on a single primary ballot; it would allow the top two vote-getters to advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.

Community Leaders, Alumni Urge UNM Not to Renew Law Dean's Contract

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:24:15 EST

Community leaders, alumni and students have been publicly urging that the University of New Mexico not renew UNM Law Dean Camille Carey's contract.

Plaintiffs' Lawyers Sanctioned in Two MDLs For Violating Protective Orders: 'For Me, Professionally, This Was a Big Deal'

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:54:12 EST

U.S. District Court Senior Judge Denise Cote, in the Southern District of New York, sanctioned Ashley Keller last month in the multidistrict litigation alleging prenatal acetaminophen use cause autism and ADHD. Keller told Law.com, 'Pointing to the existence of confidential documents is not using confidential information.'

Fed. Court Suspends Pa. Attorney for AI-Hallucinated Citations

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:04:09 EST

The federal court sanctioned and suspended a Pennsylvania plaintiffs attorney despite his claims that the errors were inadvertent and tool-driven.

New Legal Chief at Jack Daniel's Parent Gets Double Shot of Pay

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:48:26 EST

Brown-Forman Corp. General Counsel Michael Carr earned $5 million in fiscal 2026, twice that of its predecessor, thanks partly to a bonus for evaluating two bids to acquire the company.

Supreme Court Wants Trump Administration's View on New Jersey State Bar Association's DEI Program

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:22:13 EST

The U.S. Supreme Court has called for the views of the solicitor general about whether private groups, such as the New Jersey State Bar Association, have a First Amendment right to set aside seats for members of underrepresented groups to promote diversity.

Work-for-Hire Issue in Litigation Over 'Goosebumps' Musical

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:20:18 EST

A current work-for-hire dispute over rights to the musical adaptation, cast album compositions and sheet music based on the children's horror novel Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium explores the inter-relationship of work-for-hire and copyright-ownership language in agreements signed both before and after the Goosebumps play was created.

How I Made Partner: 'Figure Out What Your Strengths Are and Capitalize on Them,' Says Wendy LaManque of Pryor Cashman

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

"Your personality and your unique strengths are your superpowers. Figure out what they are and capitalize on them. Any lawyer can read and analyze a case. Any lawyer can write a motion to dismiss. Only you can bring your particular set of skills and abilities to the table."

Lackluster AI Performance Tests Talent Retention, Client Satisfaction

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:59:59 EST

Mid-career lawyers and other professionals are considering leaving their organizations in the next two years out of disillusionment with AI, potentially impacting the trajectory of junior professionals and their learning, according to Thomson Reuters' 2026 Future of Professionals report.

From Bonus Committees to Black Box Pay, How Law Firms Are Easing Comp Concerns

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:26:24 EST

Law firms are evaluating changes that could alleviate concerns from pay cuts, including reduced pay-system transparency and separate “bonus committees to further distinguish base wages and those tied to annual performance.

Chinese Firms Enter New Expansion Cycle Driven by Industrial Shifts and Global Compliance Demand

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 17:30:00 EST

From Hefei to Hanoi, firms are expanding into China's emerging economic centers and key overseas markets as client demand shifts toward cross-border regulatory and compliance advisory work.