The Legal Intelligencer

'Hencely v. Fluor': Fourth Circuit and High Court Address Wartime Lawsuit

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:03:59 EST

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit held that federal law preempts Hencely's suit based on a different rule: During wartime, all state-law claims against military contractors under military command arising out of combatant activities are preempted regardless of whether any conflict exists between the military's instructions and state law. The high court disagreed.

From Technical to Substantive: ICE Redefines Form I-9 Violations

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:05:59 EST

On March 16, 2026, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revised nearly 30-year-old guidance related to Forms I-9 when it issued an updated guidance fact sheet that exposes employers to monetary penalties over what, until recently, were mere paperwork errors.

Talking to Clients About Money: A Practical Guide for New Lawyers

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:05:59 EST

Handled well, money conversations can be trust-building conversations. Clients don't expect free legal services. But they do expect clarity, professionalism and honesty.

People in the News—June 4, 2026—Horn Williamson, Messa

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

Horn Williamson & Collins announced Janesa Urbano has joined the firm as a partner, further expanding the firm's construction and litigation capabilities and supporting its continued strategic growth by increasing its advisory and transactional bandwidth.

Warm Weather, Higher Stakes: Why Spring Driving Habits Put Pedestrians and Cyclists at Risk

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:29:59 EST

That gap between how people are moving and how drivers are thinking creates a dangerous and entirely predictable rise in collisions involving the most vulnerable road users.

Decision Day: How the Nebraska Arbitration Validated NIL Enforcement—and Set the Stage for a Broader Legal Battle

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:01:59 EST

While this ruling validates the CSC's enforcement framework, it also exposes major unresolved legal questions still plaguing the college sports landscape. And the Nebraska arbitration is not the end—it is the latest in a continuing current of litigation over control of college sports economics that shows no signs of slowing.

Thursday Public Notices/Calendars

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Wednesday Public Notices/Calendars

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:13:59 EST

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Disbarred Phila. Prosecutor Urges Third Circuit to Toss 'Unprecedented' Sanction, Citing Due Process Flaws

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:08:59 EST

The issue initially came to a head before the Eastern District in 2022, when then District Judge Mitchell Goldberg refused to let the District Attorney's Office concede the death penalty in Wharton on appeal.

Litigation Departments of the Year, Specialty Practice (Class Action) Finalist: Lynch Carpenter

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:01:44 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Litigation Departments of the Year, Specialty Practice (Labor and Employment) Winner: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:26:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Pennsylvania Legal Awards 2026: Q&As With Delaware Excellence Law Firm of the Year Finalists

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:48:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer is proud to recognize these finalists for our 2026 Delaware Excellence Law Firm of the Year award.

Litigation Departments of the Year, Specialty Practice (Insurance) Winner: Reed Smith

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:14:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

People in the News—June 3, 2026—Willig Williams, Barley Snyder

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

Pennsylvania labor, employment and workers' compensation law firm Willig, Williams & Davidson announced that partner Lauren M. Hoye has been selected to serve on the Pennsylvania Bar Association's section on labor and employment law.

Litigation Departments of the Year, Specialty Practice (Class Action) Finalist: Sauder Schelkopf

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:44:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules West Chester Stormwater Fee Is an Unlawful Tax

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:29:59 EST

This opinion serves as a timely and instructive reminder of a deceptively simple question that has long challenged local government law: when does a governmental charge qualify as a regulatory fee, and when does it cross the line into an unauthorized tax?

Litigation Departments of the Year, Specialty Practice (Class Action) Finalist: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:22:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Phila.-Based Claims Administrator Appoints New CEO, Replacing Founder Steven Weisbrot

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:12:03 EST

Carter, formerly CEO of American Lawyer Media, is stepping into the role as Weisbrot transitions to an executive chair position. The leadership change was established as part of private equity firm Renovus Capital Partner's 2024 majority investment into Angeion.

People in the News—June 2, 2026—Cohen Seglias, Marshall Dennehey

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman announced the addition of senior counsel Steve Toprani to the firm's construction group in Pittsburgh.

Why Law Firms Need to Consider Establishing Client Advisory Boards: Moving From Assumptions to Direct Client Insight

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:51:59 EST

Law firms that adopt and see value in advisory boards gain something difficult to get through other means: a clear view of what clients think about the firm, hot topics and the future of legal services.

Tuesday Public Notices/Calendars

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:27:59 EST

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Greenberg Traurig, Cozen O'Connor Continue South Florida Corporate Practice Growth with Partner Hires

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:23:18 EST

Greenberg Traurig has hired shareholder Cyrus Abbassi from Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, while Cozen O'Connor has hired member Raphael Rosenzweig from Seyfarth Shaw.

Defense Win in Phila.'s First Talc Trial Stands as Appellate Court Rejects Challenges

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:53:04 EST

Judge Mary Murray joined Ford Elliott, but Judge Maria McLaughlin dissented, saying she felt the trial court erred in having the jury disregard the testimony and would have ruled for a retrial.

Tyson & Mendes Combines With Pennsylvania-Founded Insurance Defense Firm Rebar Kelly

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:08:47 EST

Leaders say the merger—Tyson & Mendes's first—will help contribute to the insurance defense firm's ongoing national growth trajectory and also give it a leg up in the Northeast.

Proposed Class Action Against Cleo AI Narrowly Avoids Arbitration

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:57:27 EST

The plaintiffs accused Cleo, a New York-based company operating a lending app that provides cash advances for a monthly subscription fee, of misrepresenting its lending product as interest-free.

Nonprofit's Legal Malpractice Suit Against Phila. Law Firm Is Tossed

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:34:25 EST

The plaintiff, a nonprofit group known for challenging election results, sued Bruce L. Castor Jr. and van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim.

In-House Impact Winner: Laura Belmont, The L Suite (TechGC)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:29:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Pennsylvania Legal Awards 2026: Q&As With Litigation Departments, Specialty Practice (Appellate Law) Finalists

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:59:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer is proud to recognize these honorees for our 2026 Law Firm Innovators award.

Pennsylvania Legal Awards 2026: Q&As With Litigation Departments, General Litigation Finalists

Sun, 31 May 2026 23:59:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer is proud to recognize these honorees for our 2026 Law Firm Innovators award.

People in the News—June 1, 2026—Pashman Stein, Burns White

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

Pashman Stein Walder Hayden announced that Matthew S. Decker has joined the firm as an associate in the litigation and corporate and business law practices.

Litigation Departments, Specialty Practice (Appellate Law) Finalist: Duane Morris

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:59:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

The Shame of Post-Conviction Lawyering

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:41:59 EST

Lawyers were repeat offenders—they filed court documents claiming that they fully reviewed the cases but found not a hint of error, contentions that reviewing courts later disagreed with and sometimes ruled that the convicted individual was entitled to a new trial or freedom.

Litigation Departments, Specialty Practice (Appellate Law) Finalist: Marshall Dennehey

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:59:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Why US Companies Cannot Ignore Forced Labor in Supply Chains

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:49:30 EST

To avoid liability, companies should improve supply chain transparency, conduct due diligence, enforce strict policies and include strong labor standards in contracts. Proactive measures help prevent forced labor and legal risks.

Monday Public Notices/Calendars

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Litigation Departments, General Litigation Award Finalist: Reed Smith

Fri, 29 May 2026 14:29:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Litigation Departments, General Litigation Award Finalist: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:59:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Legal Battles Shaping Over Data Centers: Here's What to Expect

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:22:05 EST

"To some extent that's the truth about the data centers," attorney Stuart Lieberman said. "Nobody wants them, and yet everybody wants to use ChatGPT."

Litigation Departments, General Litigation Award Finalist: DLA Piper

Fri, 29 May 2026 12:59:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Timeline and Process for Closing Out an Estate and Paying Beneficiaries

Thu, 28 May 2026 23:59:59 EST

A key question (and ultimate end game) for every estate administration, from the outset, is how soon the beneficiaries will receive their inheritance. The answer varies by estate, but, typically, it can take between 18 months and two years before an estate administration can be completed and final distributions can be made to beneficiaries—although partial distributions can almost always be made much sooner.

The Clean Air Act Under the Trump Administration—What Has Changed?

Fri, 29 May 2026 11:29:59 EST

Through the combination of formal rulemaking, guidance, and public policy announcements, the Trump administration has indeed reshaped the CAA regulatory landscape. And while the CAA continues to have a broad reach over industrial sources, its scope has been recalibrated and more changes are almost certainly forthcoming. Hailed by some and decried by others, here is a brief look at some of the most impactful actions.

People in the News—May 29, 2026—Quatrini, Faegre Drinker

Fri, 29 May 2026 10:59:59 EST

Quatrini Law Group attorneys Casey Seaman and James Miller were elected to the Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA) Young Lawyers Division Council.

Pennsylvania Legal Awards 2026: Q&As With Law Firm of the Year Finalists

Fri, 29 May 2026 10:34:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer is proud to recognize these finalists for our 2026 Law Firm of the Year award.

'Check Your Work' Guidance Stands the Test of Time, Even With AI

Fri, 29 May 2026 10:14:59 EST

Now that artificial intelligence (AI) has become the latest tool, there is no reason to think the “check your work guidance has fallen by the wayside.

Law Firm of the Year Finalists: McEldrew Purtell

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:04:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Law Firm of the Year Finalists: Troutman Pepper Locke

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:02:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Law Firm of the Year Finalists: Reed Smith

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:02:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Pennsylvania Legal Awards: 2026 Lawyers on the Fast Track (Small/Mid-Size Firms)

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:00:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer is proud to recognize these honorees for the 2026 Lawyers on the Fast Track (Small/Mid-Size Firms).

Pennsylvania Legal Awards: 2026 Lawyers on the Fast Track (Large Firm)

Fri, 29 May 2026 06:59:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer is proud to recognize these honorees for the 2026 Lawyers on the Fast Track (Large Firm).

Law Firm of the Year Finalists: Fox Rothschild

Fri, 29 May 2026 06:59:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Friday Public Notices/Calendars

Fri, 29 May 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Renowned Phila.-born Civil Rights Attorney Clarence B. Jones, 95, Dies in California

Thu, 28 May 2026 16:34:37 EST

As the personal attorney to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Clarence B. Jones was heavily involved in some of the key moments of the Civil Rights Movement. He is credited with smuggling pages of King's “Letter from Birmingham Jail out of his cell and helping write King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.

Saul Ewing Expands Footprint in Minneapolis With Move Into Wells Fargo Center

Thu, 28 May 2026 15:35:35 EST

The Philadelphia-founded firm signed a 10-year lease for roughly 13,000 square feet of office space. The move takes the firm only about a block from its previous location in the city.

Obermayer Launches Appellate Practice, Citing Rising Demand

Thu, 28 May 2026 14:12:11 EST

The inspiration behind the group and its approach stems from the number of attorneys who have called on the firm over the years to ask for assistance when embarking on the appellate process, managing partner Mathieu Shapiro said.

The Importance of Youth Criminal Defense Attorneys

Thu, 28 May 2026 13:40:59 EST

Youth crime defense is not simply about legal outcomes. It is about preserving the possibility of a future that has not yet been written.

Associated Builders and Project Labor Agreements

Thu, 28 May 2026 13:30:59 EST

The line between an illegal PLA that discriminates against nonunion contractors and a legal PLA that merely favors unions has been narrowed over the years, most recently in Associated Builders and Contractors, Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter v. Bucks County Community College. Associated Builders continues a recent shift in Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court jurisprudence and raises questions about the future enforceability of PLAs.

Young Lawyers Take Note: 'I Left a Firm to Go Solo and Came Back a Better Lawyer'

Thu, 28 May 2026 11:53:59 EST

My experience as a solo practitioner has made me a more deliberate and effective lawyer in my day-to-day practice.

People in the News—May 28, 2026—Klehr Harrison, Duane Morris

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:59:59 EST

Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg announced that Katherine T. Kopecki has joined the firm as director of recruitment.

Franchise Finance and Guarantees: The Rights of Franchise Brand Owners, Franchisees and Lenders

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:35:59 EST

Understanding these complex arrangements enhances the ability to grow the franchise industry.

The Governance Gap: Effectively Managing Employee Use of AI in the Workplace

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:14:59 EST

This article discusses the risks posed by the unmanaged use of generative AI (GAI) by employees and provides guidance on how organizations can begin mitigating those risks through well-designed workplace practices, protocols, and policies.

Delaware Excellence Law Firm of the Year Finalist: Reed Smith

Thu, 28 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Delaware Excellence Attorney of the Year Finalist: Sharon Morgan, Fox Rothschild

Thu, 28 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Delaware Excellence Law Firm of the Year Finalist: Potter Anderson & Corroon

Thu, 28 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Delaware Excellence Law Firm of the Year Finalist: Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan

Thu, 28 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Jewish Students Urge 3rd Circuit to Revive Title VI Antisemitism Lawsuit Against UPenn

Wed, 27 May 2026 18:31:48 EST

Amit Vora, arguing for the plaintiffs, responded the students must show that the university knew of the harassment and responded inadequately. They need not show that Penn itself harbored discriminatory animus in how it responded to antisemitic incidents, he added.

Dechert Hires Fourth Restructuring Partner From McDermott in Past Month

Wed, 27 May 2026 16:52:05 EST

Partner Jerry Hall joins the firm in New York roughly three weeks after it brought on McDermott restructuring partners Marcus Helt, Debbie Green, and Jack Haake in Dallas.

Pa. Judge Rebukes Counsel's 'Kitchen Sink' Litigation Approach in Discrimination Suit

Wed, 27 May 2026 15:37:33 EST

"[C]ounsel must 'stop, think, investigate and research' before including causes of action or filing any paper with the court."

Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree: Judge Edward Cahn, Blank Rome

Wed, 27 May 2026 11:00:03 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

People in the News—May 27, 2026—Kleinbard, Stradley Ronon

Wed, 27 May 2026 10:59:59 EST

Kleinbard announced that Jonathan Rava has joined the firm as an associate in the litigation department.

Fox Rothschild Attorneys Sustain 'Non-Life-Threatening' Wounds in Shooting Outside North Carolina Courthouse

Tue, 26 May 2026 14:03:49 EST

The suspect made her first court appearance Tuesday morning in Raleigh after being charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

OIG Advisory Opinion 26-09: Free Orthodontics, Charitable Care and AKS/Beneficiary Inducement Risk

Tue, 26 May 2026 11:39:59 EST

Due to the specific facts and safeguards presented, the OIG issued a favorable opinion even though the OIG concluded that the arrangement could generate prohibited remuneration under both the AKS (if the requisite intent were present) and the beneficiary inducements CMP.

People in the News—May 26, 2026—McNees, Marshall Dennehey

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:59:59 EST

McNees Wallace & Nurick announced the appointment of Jeff Lagana as chief information officer.

AI-Related Issues in Securities Cases: Privilege Pitfalls and ‘AI Washing' Claims

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:58:59 EST

Law firms and their clients increasingly rely on AI to draft disclosures, summarize documents, and prepare for litigation. Given this widespread use and popularity, AI-related issues have unsurprisingly begun to feature prominently in recent securities cases. These issues range from allegations of “AI washing and overstated AI capabilities to disputes over whether clients' use of generative AI tools can be shielded by the attorney-client privilege.

Pennsylvania Legal Awards 2026: Q&As With Law Firm Innovators Finalists

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:29:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer is proud to recognize these honorees for our 2026 Law Firm Innovators award.

Law Firm Innovator Finalist: Joseph Tate, Barnes & Thornburg

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:06:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Law Firm Innovator Finalist: Jessica Kozlov Davis, Troutman Pepper Locke

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:02:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Law Firm Innovator Finalist: Rocco Cozza, Cozza Law Group

Tue, 26 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Law Firm Innovator Finalist: Ashton Batchelor, Blank Rome

Tue, 26 May 2026 09:54:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Law Firm Innovator Finalist: Susie Cirilli, Spector Gadon Rosen Vinci

Tue, 26 May 2026 09:51:53 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Pennsylvania Legal Awards 2026: Q&As With Lifetime Achievement Award Winners

Mon, 25 May 2026 10:32:59 EST

The Legal Intelligencer is proud to recognize these honorees for our 2026 Lifetime Achievement award.