The Recorder

Orrick Hires Meta Lawyer in San Francisco

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

Nicole Lopez joins Orrick after working as global director of youth safety policy and global youth litigation strategy at Meta, formerly known as Facebook.

Bill to Block ICE Arrests in California Courthouses Advances

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:03:44 EST

Sheriffs, who provide security in many of California's courthouses, say the provisions in SB 873 will pin them between conflicting state and federal interests.

'Material Litigation Risk': Live Nation Antitrust Jury Trial Buoys State AGs

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:26:59 EST

"The state attorneys general aren't backup singers anymore, they are now headliners," an Armstrong Teasdale business litigation partner said after state AGs secured a monopolization jury trial verdict against defendants Live Nation and Ticketmaster, while a California federal judge ruled in favor of state plaintiffs in a case challenging the legality of the Nexstar-Tegna broadcast merger.

9th Circuit Blocks California Law Requiring ICE to Wear ID

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:03:39 EST

A district court judge previously blocked a 2025 law barring federal immigration agents form wearing masks.

5th Kirkland Partner Jumps to Simpson Thacher on Heels of Rainmaker Nemecek's Move

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:16:18 EST

San Francisco finance partner Katie Taylor is the latest Kirkland & Ellis partner to follow David Nemecek to Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, joining his capital structure solutions group. Meanwhile, Kirkland has been making hires of its own, including Wachtell's former restructuring head.

Eric Swalwell Placed on Leave From Maryland Law School Board of Visitors

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:45:47 EST

Eric Swalwell has been accused of sexual misconduct—charges he denies.

Suit Alleges Highly Personal Information Stolen in Mercor Data Breach

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:00:39 EST

A new lawsuit alleges an AI hiring platform's use of automated interviews and worker%E2%80%91monitoring tools turned a data breach into the exposure of full employment records. The case frames the incident as a consequence of broader AI hiring practices, not just a cybersecurity failure.

How I Made Law Firm Leadership: 'Develop Discipline, Resilience and Systems Early,' Says Michael Eisenbaum of Gray, Duffy, Eisenbaum & Lee

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:59:59 EST

"Billings, receivables, taxes, budgeting—those responsibilities don't go away simply because you're in trial. Firm leadership means thinking like both a lawyer and a business owner simultaneously. So my advice is this: develop discipline, resilience and systems early."

Wilson Sonsini Hires Chief Operating Officer From Baker McKenzie

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:29:59 EST

Kate Stonestreet is a longtime legal executive and had been with Baker McKenzie for more than 31 years before departing.

When AI Builds the Business, What Can Still Be Protected as a Trade Secret?

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:47:59 EST

Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses are created and operated. Entrepreneurs are increasingly relying on generative AI tools to develop marketing strategies, write code, design products, analyze markets, and even shape entire business models. But when major aspects of a company are built using AI systems trained on vast amounts of publicly available data, the fundamental question becomes — what, if anything, can still qualify as a protectable trade secret?

How Mark Lanier Used AI in the Social Media Addiction Trial

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:10:41 EST

“We were able to take a collaborative AI model that cross-pollinates across all the different large language models and infuse it with my brain, said W. Mark Lanier of his work with BoodleBox on the blockbuster trial.

Commercial Real Estate Data Giant CoStar Faces New Monopolization Claims

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:39:49 EST

"CoStar will vigorously defend against these baseless allegations and will prevail," CoStar's general counsel said after plaintiffs filed two antitrust class actions alleging defendant CoStar Group Inc. unlawfully monopolized commercial real estate data and information services.

Mega-Grant of Stock Serves as Fitting Finale for Retiring CLO Who Helped Script AppLovin's Storybook Run

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:23:48 EST

Victoria "Tory" Valenzuela is passing the legal reins to a top deputy, but she's sticking around to serve on the company's board.

Weinstein Defense Casts Third Rape Trial as a Matter of 'Consent, Choice and Regret'

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:32:20 EST

Harvey Weinstein's third sex crimes trial opened on Tuesday as prosecutors attempt to secure a conviction on a single count of third-degree rape. The defense told jurors the case is about consent, choice and regret, while prosecutors framed it as one of power and manipulation.

Covington's Client Base Shifts as Tech Sector's Legal Needs Mount

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:30:01 EST

“Six out of the 10 largest clients of the firm are tech industry companies, and we represent 15 out of the top 20 largest tech companies globally by market (capitalization), including four out of the top five," said James Garland, a member of Covington & Burling's management and executive committees.

Evergreen Pastures: CEMA Claims Gain Momentum One Year After 'Brown'

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:49:59 EST

With statutory damages creating massive exposure and dormant state laws being dusted off, the financial incentives are clear.

Supreme Court Won't Review Order Certifying Cities' $12B Antitrust Suit Against Big Banks

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:20:51 EST

By refusing to hear the banks' appeal, the Supreme Court cleared the way for the case to proceed in the Manhattan federal court, which allowed Philadelphia, Baltimore and San Diego to pursue their $12 billion antitrust case as a class.

'An Inflection Point': 13 Lawyers Apply to Lead Talc MDL's Next Phase

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:37:36 EST

The applications by lawyers including W. Mark Lanier, Mikal Watts and Christopher Placitella come after a federal magistrate judge disqualified Beasley Allen, whose principal, Leigh O'Dell, had served as co-lead counsel for 10 years.

Electric Air Taxi Maker Archer Doubles Pay for Legal Chief

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:59:06 EST

Eric Lentell's pay boost coincides with his promotion in July from general counsel to chief strategy and legal officer.

Nexstar Seeks Appellate Relief After Judge Blocks Tegna M&A Integration

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:35:02 EST

"We will appeal," defendant Nexstar Media Group Inc. said after a California federal judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking Nexstar from consolidating and integrating its newly acquired subsidiary Tegna Inc. pending a final ruling on the merits of high-stakes antitrust complaints filed by plaintiff DirecTV and several state plaintiffs.

California High Court Reverses Death Sentence, Questions Defendant's Ability to Act as Own Attorney

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:25:59 EST

The unanimous decision marks the second time this month that California's high court reversed a death sentence. The justices, however, upheld the underlying murder conviction of Jeffery Lee Hronis.

Jury Awards $5K Verdict in Second Uber Sexual Assault Bellwether Trial

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:05:51 EST

A North Carolina federal jury awarded the verdict in a second bellwether trial in the sexual assault multidistrict litigation against Uber.

Justices Appear Skeptical of Challenge to SEC's Disgorgement Power, but Press Feds on Where the Money Goes

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:47:11 EST

The case concerns the SEC's ability to force white collar defendants to disgorge their gains in cases where regulators can't clearly identify victims or quantify the money lost. Although several justices seemed to lean in favor of the SEC, others wondered how much disgorgement the government is keeping for themselves.

King & Spalding, Adams & Reese, Ogletree Deakins Are Expanding Their Real Estate Footprint in 3 Cities

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:21:08 EST

King & Spalding has expanded in downtown Los Angeles by 80%. Adams & Reese signed a new lease to grow in its existing Nashville, Tennessee, office, while Ogletree plans to move into a new, larger office in Washington, D.C., next year.

The Legal Research Renaissance: What's Behind the Explosion of New Startups?

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:26:06 EST

New legal startups are launching at a fortuitous time, and owe their growth to more than just technology advances.

Trump's Latest Anti-DEI Order Gives Contractors Plenty to Sweat Over

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:23:59 EST

"The executive order authorizes each government agency to investigate contractor compliance, so contractors should prepare for potential investigations.” said Cara Crotty, a partner at Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete.

New Uber Sexual Assault Trial Underway in North Carolina Federal Court

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:55:57 EST

Sarah London of San Francisco's Girard Sharp is leading a plaintiff's team that includes Williams Hart & Boundas, Anapol Weiss, Chaffin Luhana, Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise and Simmons Hanly Conroy.

'It's Going to Happen': Harvey CEO Details Why AI Is Here to Stay in the Legal Industry

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:59:30 EST

Harvey CEO Winston Weinberg joined Maria Glover, a professor at Georgetown Law, and Tobey Scharding, a professor at Rutgers Business School, for a keynote conversation Friday at NYU Law's "Charting the Future of Litigation Finance" event in lower Manhattan.

Recent Decisions Reshape Copyright Liability for AI Platforms and Their Users

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:55:17 EST

Legal cases show that AI and copyright law are evolving. The Supreme Court's Cox ruling makes it harder for copyright owners to hold AI companies liable unless they induced or facilitated infringement. Courts have also generally ruled that training AI on copyrighted works, including pirated content, can be fair use. As a result, copyright holders may need to target licensees—businesses using AI—rather than the AI companies directly. Companies should strengthen licensing agreements with strong indemnity clauses to protect against infringement claims.

Firms Need Capital to Pay for AI Tools. Could PE Investment Be the Solution?

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:59:59 EST

Several factors will go into a law firm's willingness to embrace private capital as a solution to cash reserve woes, and experts say there's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to private equity.

Federal Circuit Tosses $17.3M Verdict in Penile Implant Trade Secret Case

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:18:35 EST

A federal appeals court threw out most of an $18.3 million jury verdict against doctors accused of stealing trade secrets related to a penile implant, ruling the ideas were already public through existing patents.

State Senate Wants More Budget Money for Judgeships, Courthouse Construction

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:36:27 EST

While Gov. Gavin Newsom has talked about the need for budget cuts, Senate Democrats want billions of dollars for building courthouses and creating 26 new judgeships.

Cyandia Scores Patent Victory Over SAP in Texas Federal Court

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:54:47 EST

The jury awarded $17 million in running royalties for software patent infringement.

John Eastman, Anti-Vax Doctors See Potential Lifeline in Recent Supreme Court Ruling

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:25:55 EST

"That's a very favorable sort of broad interpretation of rights under the First Amendment," said a lawyer for John Eastman. "We can probably extrapolate from that."

California Law School Leaders Join Call for ABA to 'Retain and Strengthen' Diversity Accreditation Standard

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:05:03 EST

Stanford Law Professor Richard Thompson Ford wrote that repeal of the standard "would signal a craven capitulation to the lawlessness of the Trump administration when the nation desperately needs the legal profession to stand up for the rule of law."

Netflix CLO's Raise May Again Make Him Nation's Highest-Salaried Legal Chief

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:17:04 EST

Despite receiving a 33% salary increase, David Hyman, the company's legal chief for 24 years, saw his total compensation decline.

'My Mind Exploded': The Day ChatGPT Rewired a Lawyer's Career

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:48:25 EST

It is “like being in the rocket while you're building the rocket, the former Cuatrecasas partner-turned-legal tech innovator said after joining Harvey.

Newsom Nominates Two Appellate Court Justices, Names Seven Trial Court Judges

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:46:26 EST

Gov. Gavin Newsom chose two superior court judges to fill vacancies on the Fourth District Court of Appeal.

Data Breach, Consumer Protection Claims Fuel 10-Year High for Class Action Filings, Report Says

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:17:05 EST

A new report by legal analytics platform Lex Machina has found that class actions nationwide surged to a 10-year high in 2025 "after nearly a decade of stability," driven by a dramatic spike in consumer protection claims—particularly those involving data breaches.

9th Circuit Judge Seems Wary of Prediction Markets' Bid to Avoid State Gambling Rules

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:33:25 EST

During oral arguments in San Francisco, Ninth Circuit Judge Ryan Nelson questioned whether Congress, when it amended the Commodity Exchange Act in 2010, clearly intended to prevent states from applying their gambling laws to prediction market contracts.

GC Who Brought Starz Public Last Year Exiting With $2M Payout

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:41:13 EST

Audrey Lee was legal chief for eight years, a span when Starz evolved from being a premium cable channel into a standalone streaming service.

'Significant Increase in Productivity' Drove Loeb & Loeb's Net Income Up 44% Last Year

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:14:53 EST

The firm's revenue grew nearly 18% to cross the $500 million mark.

Freshfields Doubles Down on US Ambitions With Partner Class Weighted Toward US

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:31:16 EST

Around half of the promotions are women, and more than half are concentrated across the U.K. and U.S. offices.

Manatt Sees Profits Rise Nearly 16% Following Growth in Several Key Practices

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:33:44 EST

Manatt's gross revenue in 2025 was up 11.8% to $509.7 million.

AI Is Outpacing the Systems Built to Govern It, Stanford Report Finds

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:09:03 EST

Stanford's 2026 AI Index report documents surging investment, rising safety incidents, and a closing U.S.-China performance gap, with direct implications for employment lawyers, compliance officers and corporate counsel.

'Deeply Regret Past Support': Big Law Donors React to Swalwell's Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:32:43 EST

"It seems like he did the right thing in terminating his gubernatorial campaign and resigning from Congress," a Susman Godfrey partner said of former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell after several women accused the California Democrat of sexual misconduct.

NYC Law Forcing Delivery Apps to Share Data With Restaurants Scrutinized by Appeals Court

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:58:26 EST

New York City has asked the court to revive a law requiring DoorDash, GrubHub and Uber Eats to share customer information with restaurants. The panel seemed disinclined to do so, with one judge asking why the restaurants couldn't obtain that information through other means.

California Supreme Court Orders John Eastman Disbarred

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:56:15 EST

In a simple docket entry, the California Supreme Court approved the recommended disbarment of the attorney who argued that Vice President Mike Pence could stop the electoral vote count that would make Joe Biden president.

Inside an 'AI-Native Law Firm' Started by Cooley, Fenwick and Thomson Reuters Veterans

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:45:30 EST

General Legal co-founder and chief technology officer Javed Qadrud-Din discusses building an AI-native law firm and the challenges traditional firms face in adopting AI.

Who Got the Work: Swalwell Represented in NY Investigation by Clayman Rosenberg Kirshner & Linder

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:51:55 EST

Swalwell retained Thomas Rotko and Isabelle Kirshner as he faces an investigation into allegations of sexual assault by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

Sheppard Cracks $3M in PEP, Sees 13.7% Revenue Growth in a Year of Sustained Demand

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:49:12 EST

The firm's gross revenue was up 13.7% to roughly $1.4 billion in fiscal 2025.

NYC's Law Forcing Delivery Apps to Share Info With Restaurants Faces Headwinds in US Appeals Court

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:30:06 EST

New York City had asked the Second Circuit to revive a measure requiring DoorDash, GrubHub and Uber Eats to share customer information with restaurants. The panel seemed disinclined to rescue the law, with one judge asking why the restaurants couldn't obtain that information through other available means.

Live Nation Acted as Illegal Monopoly in Ticketing Market: Jury Verdict

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:24:12 EST

The verdict was a victory for 34 state attorneys general, and the D.C. AG, who took the case to trial after the U.S. Department of Justice settled its claims in March. But Live Nation, which has denied monopolization charges, is saying the jury verdict is not the end of the matter.

DOJ Challenges Order Pausing Pentagon's Media-Escort Policy

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:21:56 EST

The request "is just another attempt by the department to evade compliance with the district court's rulings and keep independent journalists out of the Pentagon, said Theodore “Ted Boutrous Jr., a partner at Gibson Dunn in Los Angeles.

Morrison & Foerster Hires Deputy Attorney General in San Francisco

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:20:36 EST

Lief Dautch was most recently chief of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California's organized crime strike force for almost six years.

AB 1383 Could Reshape How Attorneys Advise Public Sector Clients on Pension Costs

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:59:59 EST

If enacted, it could materially change how attorneys advise public agencies and unions on bargaining strategy, long-term cost exposure, cost sharing, and the risks that accompany pension commitments that may prove difficult to reverse.

Greenspoon Marder Expands in LA With 10 Lawyers From Dissolving Boutique

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:58:57 EST

The new arrivals from Resch Polster & Berger handle litigation and transactional work. With their arrival, Los Angeles will become the third largest office for the Florida-founded firm.

Freshfields Defends Meta in Italian Class Action Over Massive Data Scraping

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:49:33 EST

Freshfields is consolidating its role as a leading defender of major corporations amid a surge in mass class actions, as Meta finds itself at the center of a global wave of lawsuits.

In First Year, NFL Legal Chief Faces Test That Could Upend League's Business Model

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:54:53 EST

A Justice Department antitrust probe into the NFL's streaming deals has put Ted Ullyot at the center of a fight over a 65-year-old law that experts say may no longer mean what the league thinks it does.

Special Report: Stock Grants to Woo GCs Aboard Blow Past Old Norms

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:46:01 EST

When Jennifer Newstead left Meta for Apple, she received a stock grant valued at $77 million—far more than a legal chief had ever earned in a single year.

Antes Raises $4.6M to Bridge Legal and Engineering Software

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:18:19 EST

The AI startup is building software to help complex manufacturers ensure their products meet legal and regulatory requirements.

Judge Permits Testimony on Prior Uncharged Assault in Weinstein Retrial

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:32:09 EST

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Curtis Farber has ruled that jurors in Harvey Weinstein's retrial can hear evidence of an alleged sexual assault not charged by prosecutors, over defense objections. The decision comes as jury selection begins in Weinstein's third sex crimes trial.

$17 Million: IBM Settlement Shows Risks and Cost of DEI

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:40:01 EST

The IBM case is the first to be resolved under the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche claims is a means to stop violations of civil rights laws by government contractors and other recipients of federal funds.

Covington Team Leads Gilead Sciences $5B Acquisition of German Biotech

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:50:27 EST

Covington M&A partners Henning Bloss and Ingrid Rechtin, together with Amanda Austin in Boston, are taking the lead on Gilead's acquisition of cancer biotech Tubulis.

Prompters vs. Pretenders: The New Legal AI Class Divide No One Is Talking About

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:29:59 EST

In an era of limitless access to powerful AI, the resource creating the class divide is not the tech itself. It is the knowledge to wield it with precision.

Davis Polk Adds Skadden LA Leader, Opening New Southern California Office

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:32:05 EST

Jason Russell handles complex litigation and had been at Skadden for over 30 years.

Two Attorneys Face Disciplinary Charges, Third Agrees to License Suspension for AI Misuse

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:10:49 EST

The three California-barred attorneys are accused of using fake or nonrelevant, AI-generated case citations in state and federal filings.

Appellate Justice Wiley Talks Opinion Crafting, Posner and Avoiding 'Plain Vanilla' Prose

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:25:11 EST

"My lawyers all know, after much experience, that not only do I tolerate heavy editing, I demand it," said Associate Justice John Shepard Wiley Jr., of the Second District Court of Appeal. "They know it's their responsibility to give me the bad news."

White & Case Fights IT Worker's Anonymity in Suit Over Naked Photos

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:14:41 EST

The law firm said the worker filed his complaint to maximize public exposure for his allegations, which the firm argues runs counter to the point of anonymity for such lawsuits.

DLA Piper Did Not Discriminate Against Pregnant Associate, Jury Finds

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:08:20 EST

The jury found that a senior associate failed to prove that the firm was liable for discrimination under the New York City Human Rights Law. The panel also said the firm was not liable for interfering with their Family Medical Leave Act Rights.

UC Berkeley Law Extends Dean's Contract Beyond Second Term

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:54:19 EST

Erwin Chemerinsky's second term was set to end in 2027, but has been extended to 2029.

Intel Shareholder Litigation Removed to Federal Court

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:58:48 EST

April 10 filings from the federal government, which is a defendant in the shareholder action, said the litigation meets all four requirements required to give jurisdiction to a federal court in the Third Circuit.

Anthropic GC Joins Chorus of Lawyers Predicting Demise of Billable Hour

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:21:15 EST

“Now we've got a technology that's going to eliminate the sorts of things that allow people to become wealthy off of tedious work, said Jeff Bleich, general counsel of Anthropic.

Owners Must Pay Their Contractors or Face Significant Penalties: Ignore at Your Own Peril

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:25:53 EST

This article outlines the key technical provisions of Section 8850 and their practical implications for construction owners, general contractors, subcontractors and their attorneys.

Leaving Big Law: Attorneys Finding Opportunity with Tighter Focus

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:02:37 EST

Barton LLP's successes include a precedent-setting reversal won last month in the Ninth Circuit, defending software company Modernizing Medicine in an employment discrimination dispute.

I Rode in a Waymo With a Litigator: Here's What I Learned

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:45:21 EST

Georgia products liability attorney Rebekah Cooper talks law after riding in a self-driving Waymo rideshare in Atlanta with Law.com senior litigation reporter and Legal Speak podcast co-host Cedra Mayfield.

Confirmation Appears Likely Even Though ABA Rated Ex-Jones Day Associate 'Not Qualified'

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:34:06 EST

"The Committee's rating of Ms. [Kathleen] Lane is based on issues with her experience, which is an important component of competence, not her temperament or integrity," the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary wrote in a letter explaining why the ABA rated Lane "not qualified" to serve as President Donald Trump's pick for a Montana federal judgeship.