The Legal Intelligencer

Tuesday Public Notices/Calendars

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Pa. Supreme Court Rejects Petition to Extend Stay on Regulating Games of Skill

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:12:24 EST

A bipartisan group of state legislators requested an additional 120 days before the ruling would go into effect on Oct. 14, seeking additional time to advance legislation regulating the newly-defined gambling devices.

Best Practices for Entity Clients in Pre-Litigation Use of Gen AI

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:45:59 EST

Organizations should implement comprehensive policies addressing approved AI platforms, data retention, transcription controls, and privilege protection to harness AI benefits while mitigating litigation exposure.

People in the News—Oct. 9, 2026—Houston Harbaugh, Kleinbard

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:59:59 EST

Houston Harbaugh announced that R. Brandon McCullough, a director of the firm, has been admitted to membership in the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC).

General Counsel Are Underestimating the EU AI Act's Timeline

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:38:59 EST

The EU AI Act's timeline has been adjusted but not eliminated, with key obligations already in force and high-risk requirements phasing in through 2027-2028—meaning U.S. general counsel who assume they have ample time may be underestimating compliance urgency and exposure, especially since the act applies wherever AI outputs are used in the EU, regardless of establishment.

A Camera on Every Corner—and a Regulatory Gap

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 09:10:59 EST

While most state laws regulate government ALPR use, few address private deployment or what technology providers can do with aggregated data, leaving a significant regulatory gap that policymakers are beginning to address through frameworks governing both camera operators and data providers.

Friday Public Notices/Calendars

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Pa. Supreme Court Accepts Review of Opioid Public Nuisance Claims

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:45:48 EST

The City of Philadelphia claimed CVS, Albertsons and Acme perpetuated a local public health and safety emergency. The pharmacies objected to the claims, arguing they were individual injuries not constituting widespread harm.

Pa. Lawmakers Seek Decision to Extend Stay on Regulating Games of Skill

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:42:44 EST

Petitioners asked the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to extend a stay on its gambling-device ruling, arguing businesses need more time to adapt and lawmakers need time to pass a new statute.

People in the News—Oct. 8, 2026—Laffey Bucci, Buchanan

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:59:59 EST

Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich & Ryan announced that retired Judge Geoffrey W. Dlin has joined the firm as a partner and will lead its newly established workers' compensation practice.

'Waters of the United States' May Shrink Even Further

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:54:59 EST

The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers proposed further narrowing federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction to cover only traditionally navigable waters, year-round flowing waters connected to them, and wetlands with continuous surface water connections—excluding many wetlands with saturated soil but no surface water.

The Directed Trust Act—Further Eroding the 'Irrevocable' Trust

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:53:59 EST

The Directed Trust Act, effective Oct. 13, 2024, enhances flexibility for Pennsylvania irrevocable trusts by allowing settlors to appoint trust directors and protectors who can modify trust terms, manage investments, and handle distributions without requiring beneficiary consent or court approval. This legislation positions Pennsylvania more competitively with jurisdictions like Delaware and South Dakota by providing practitioners with additional tools to adapt trusts to changing circumstances while maintaining the benefits of a local trustee.

Speak Up: The Perfect Branding Activity Many Attorneys Dismiss

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:35:59 EST

Public speaking is one of the fastest and most effective ways for attorneys to establish authority and build trusted relationships, yet many avoid it despite their courtroom confidence. Attorneys can start with low-pressure formats like moderating panels, joining webinars, or partnering with peers to leverage their existing strengths while gaining valuable visibility and networking opportunities.

Thursday Public Notices/Calendars

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Kraft Heinz Legal Chief to Exit Less Than 2 Years After Joining Food Giant

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:23:02 EST

Angel Willis, Kraft Heinz's executive vice president, global general counsel and corporate affairs officer, is leaving the company effective Oct. 20 “to pursue other opportunities, according to a regulatory filing.

$15M Settlement Reached in Lawsuit Alleging Camp Grooming, Sexual Assault

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 11:08:10 EST

"The continuous failure at every level where intervention could have prevented this assault is why this case achieved the result that it did," said plaintiff's counsel Nadeem Bezar, partner at Kline & Specter.

People in the News—Oct. 7, 2026—Antheil Maslow, Holland & Knight

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 10:59:59 EST

Antheil Maslow & MacMinn announced that business attorney Samuel J. DeStefano was a panelist for a continuing legal education presentation on business succession planning for solo practitioners, small law firms, and small businesses during the Bucks County Bar Association's 2026 Bench Bar Conference at Resorts World Catskills.

Skill Games Are Out of Luck: With No Legislation in Place, The Gig Will Be Up Soon

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:58:59 EST

For several years, skill games have operated in a disputed legal gray area while courts debated their legality. During this period, they generated revenue for bars, restaurants, gas stations, social clubs, convenience stores, and other establishments, but also drew litigation, regulatory scrutiny, and legislative debate. Now, however, the issue is now clearly black and white. Unless the General Assembly acts to legalize these games, they will be categorically illegal when the Supreme Court's order goes into effect on Oct. 14, 2026.

Fox Rothschild Names New Tech C-Suite Leaders

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:31:00 EST

Mark McCreary, Fox Rothschild's new chief data and artificial intelligence officer, has been with the firm for 28 years while newly named Chief Information Officer Barry Rozen joined four years ago.

Wednesday Public Notices/Calendars

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Attorneys Don't See 'Freilich' as the End of Challenges to Pa. Damages Cap

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:37:29 EST

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a 5-2 opinion upholding the state's $250,000 cap on damages brought against the state, justifying the legislature's constitutional right to implement it while urging the state to redress it to be more just.

Fee Fight: Blank Rome Sued Over $100K Price Tag for JAMS Arbitration

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:28:42 EST

The arbitration clause, allegedly "buried" in Blank Rome's standard engagement letter, requires a three-member JAMS panel sitting in New York, billing $2,825 to $3,474 per hour—payable in advance, the suit claims.

Pa. High Court Revives Religious-Freedom Challenge, Rejects 'Substantial Burden' Requirement

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:17:16 EST

"The Supreme Court's recent decisions indicate that a violation of the Free Exercise Clause may occur only when an individual's religious exercise is simply burdened," said Justice Daniel McCaffery, who authored the opinion.

People in the News—Oct. 6, 2026—Fox Rothschild, Faegre Drinker

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:59:59 EST

Fox Rothschild welcomes Megan D. Attisano to the Pittsburgh office as counsel in the litigation department.

Preview of the US Supreme Court's 2026 October Term

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:48:59 EST

The U.S. Supreme Court's new term will address critical constitutional and statutory questions across criminal law, First Amendment rights, gun ownership, civil procedure, intellectual property, labor law, and immigration, with additional significant cases expected to be announced in early 2027.

Pa. Superior Court Limits Real Estate Agent Liability and Seller Disclosure Claims

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:19:59 EST

The Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled that real estate agents are not liable for undisclosed property defects based solely on neighborhood familiarity, and held that claims under the state's real estate seller disclosure law must be filed within two years of settlement—a deadline that cannot be extended by reframing the claims under alternative legal theories.

Across the Am Law 200, the Leadership Carousel Keeps Turning

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:59:59 EST

Crowell & Moring, Mintz, Morgan Lewis and Carlton Fields were among the firms announcing or completing leadership transitions in the last week, and at all four, the locus of power is moving to a new city.

People in the News—Oct. 5, 2026—Capehart Scatchard, McNees

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:59:59 EST

On Sept. 24, Capehart Scatchard attorneys Giovanna Carlino and Kenneth Chiarella, presented a continuing legal education (CLE) session titled ”Women's Legal Rights from the Age of Helen of Troy to Hillary Duff: A Story of Ebbs and Flows Throughout History.”

'In Re Newman'—Possible Clarification of 'Brunner' Standards for Student Loan Discharge

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:14:59 EST

The decision highlights the evolving and uncertain landscape of student loan discharge in bankruptcy, particularly regarding courts' use of equitable powers to grant partial relief rather than an all-or-nothing outcome.

When a University Knows There Is a Risk, What Does It Have to Do About It?

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:59:59 EST

A former Cornell student alleges she was sexually assaulted at a fraternity house and claims the university failed to act on known risks involving drugs and sexual misconduct in Greek life. The case highlights broader questions about institutional accountability when organizations have information about ongoing problems but fail to adequately protect students.

As CRE Maturity Wave Rolls, Lenders Look Beyond Extend and Pretend

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:18:59 EST

As $875 billion in commercial real estate loans mature in 2026, lenders are moving beyond simple extensions to comprehensively reunderwrite credits, address valuation gaps through fresh capital injections and enhanced guaranties, and structure negotiated restructurings that preserve asset value while protecting against risk.

Monday Public Notices/Calendars

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 05:59:59 EST

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People in the News—Oct. 2, 2026—Barley Snyder, Cohen Seglias

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 10:59:59 EST

Barley Snyder shared that partner Jeff Lobach received the Lifetime Advocate Award from the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center (PIRC) in recognition of his role in the organization's founding, his efforts to help build PIRC and his continued support of immigrant access to justice.

The Inadequacy of Safety Standards Protecting Motorists in Rear-End Collisions: A Public Safety Crisis

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:55:59 EST

Although the NHTSA acknowledged the standard's inadequacy decades ago and announced plans for revision in 2024, no new regulations have been issued, leaving products liability litigation as the primary mechanism to force safer seat designs.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Upholds $250K Cap on Tort Claims Against State

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:53:07 EST

The court struck down arguments that the cap was a violation of the right to a jury trial and remedy, asserting that the cap is within the power of the legislature to enact. The dissent argued the caps are facially unconstitutional.

3rd Circ.'s AI Copyright Ruling Signals Traditional Fair Use Rules Still Apply

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:38:22 EST

"Under ROSS's framing, this case appears to concern the future of AI legal technology. But appearances can be deceiving. In truth, this is no more than an ordinary copyright case," said Judge Tamika Montgomery-Reeves for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, who authored the opinion.

Third Circuit Scraps Longstanding Rule for Evaluating Securities Fraud Claims

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:22:19 EST

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit scrapped a decades-old rule for identifying what kinds of securities fraud is materially misleading.

Archer & Greiner Names Ex-City Solicitor Shelley Smith to Lead Philadelphia Office

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:37:47 EST

Shelley Smith has been practicing with Archer & Greiner since 2016. She came to the firm after eight years as Philadelphia's city solicitor.

Crossing the Delaware: What Lawyers Need to Know About Navigating Between Pa. and NJ Appellate Practice

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:26:59 EST

In this article, the authors outline key procedural differences between Pennsylvania and New Jersey appellate practice, focusing on timing, court structure, issue preservation requirements, and paths to supreme court review that lawyers must navigate when handling appeals across state lines.

Court Clarifies Personal Comfort Doctrine, Holds Worker Suffered Compensable Injury While on Break Too Short for Autonomy

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:27:59 EST

The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court held that a worker injured during a mandatory 15-minute break while retrieving food remained within the course of employment because the break was too brief to provide true autonomy, clarifying that employers cannot avoid workers' compensation liability simply because an injury occurred during a short, employer-controlled break off premises.

For Saul Ewing's New Atlanta Team, a Chance to Build Something Fresh

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:17:25 EST

Lawyers from Squire Patton Boggs, Holland & Knight and Arnall Golden Gregory lawyers joined two Saul Ewing veterans to help introduce the firm to Georgia.

People in the News—Oct. 1, 2026—Holland & Knight, Stradley Ronon

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 10:59:59 EST

Holland & Knight's Philadelphia office participated in a 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance by packing meals, marking 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks.

What's the Deal With Private Equity Investing in Law Firms?

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:12:59 EST

Private equity investment in law firms through managed services organizations (MSOs) has emerged as firms seek capital to fund technology and compete effectively, while investors are attracted to law firms' positive cash flow and profit margins. The MSO model addresses ethical restrictions on fee-sharing by separating nonlegal business functions into a management entity while the lawyer-owned firm retains control over legal services and professional judgment.

Disagreeing With Dignity: A Young Lawyer's Guide to Respecting the Court

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:02:59 EST

Lawyers must learn to disagree with dignity by showing respect for judges, court staff, and the judicial process, even when facing adverse rulings or difficult situations. This essential skill strengthens the legal system through professional courtesy, thoughtful criticism, and maintaining decorum both inside and outside the courtroom.

'Bold Ambitions': Incoming Morgan Lewis Chair Plots Out Firm Strategy

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:59:59 EST

David McManus has announced his global leadership team, retaining Tony Licata as firm COO and appointing Christina Melendi, Bart Basett and Steven Reed as managing partners of strategy, talent and performance, respectively.