Litigation
Major court decisions, class actions, landmark rulings, and significant procedural developments
Undisclosed AI Use in Federal Bid Evaluations Heightens Protest Risks
Federal agencies’ undisclosed use of AI in contract evaluations raises transparency and legal protest challenges for contractors, with GAO and courts issuing clarifications.
California Jury Awards $105M in Workplace Harassment Retaliation Case
A San Diego jury awards $105 million to a former Acadia Healthcare employee for retaliation after reporting workplace harassment, signaling greater employer risks.
Fifth Circuit Reverses Sanctions Mandating Religious Training for Southwest Lawyers
The Fifth Circuit reversed sanctions forcing Southwest Airlines' lawyers to attend religious training, limiting courts' power over personal belief-based sanctions.
Fifth Circuit Upholds Rahimi Standard for Gun Bans on Heroin Traffickers
The Fifth Circuit reaffirmed that heroin traffickers can be disarmed under the Rahimi dangerousness standard, impacting federal gun possession laws nationwide.
Trump Pardons Ex-Rep Stephen Buyer for Insider Trading Conviction
On June 5, 2026, President Trump pardoned ex-Rep. Stephen Buyer, convicted of insider trading related to T-Mobile's merger.
Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Trump’s Targeting of Law Firms
Judge Nathaniel Gorton dismissed Larrabee v. Trump for lack of standing, impacting suits against alleged political targeting of law firms.
Grossman’s Husband Testifies on Family Wealth in $176M Hit-and-Run Trial
New testimony on Rebecca Grossman’s family wealth surfaces in $176M civil trial for fatal 2020 hit-and-run, influencing punitive damages phase.
Ninth Circuit Denies Qualified Immunity to San Francisco Cops in Evidence Fabrication Case
On June 6, 2026, the Ninth Circuit denied qualified immunity to SF police officers accused of fabricating evidence, impacting civil rights litigation.
Insurers Adopt Clear AI Exclusions in Liability Policies by 2026
By 2026, insurers added explicit AI exclusions to liability policies to clarify coverage and reduce litigation risks from AI-related claims.
Ex-IBM VP’s 2020 Suit Claims IBM Hid 56,000 Cyberattacks by China
Ex-IBM VP William Barlow’s 2020 lawsuit alleges IBM concealed 56,000 cyberattacks, raising legal compliance issues for federal contractors.
Federal Judge Blocks Trump-Era Immigration Freeze for 39 Countries
Judge McConnell rules Trump's 2025 immigration freeze unlawful, citing misuse of national security claims affecting asylum applications from 39 countries.
Supreme Court Rules Generics Not Liable for Pharmacists' Prescribing
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that generic drugmakers can't be held liable for pharmacists' prescribing decisions, limiting liability in pharma patent cases.
Court Rejects $1.41B Suit Over Notre Dame Law Clinic Amicus Brief
Court dismisses $1.41 billion lawsuit, ruling plaintiffs lack standing to sue Notre Dame Law Clinic over amicus brief on Uyghur genocide claims.
Texas Court Restricts Senior Life’s Duty to File Agent Appointments and Policy Records
A 2026 Texas ruling limits Senior Life Insurance's obligations to file agent appointments and policy records, reshaping insurer compliance and litigation risks.
New Guidance Clarifies Bad Faith Claims Against Insurers in North Carolina
Overview of unfair trade practices claims under North Carolina law, helping policyholders and risk managers navigate litigation risks.
Supreme Court Backs SEC’s Power to Seek Disgorgement in Fraud Cases
On June 4, 2026, the Supreme Court affirmed the SEC’s authority to impose disgorgement without proving direct investor losses, impacting enforcement and compliance.
Louisiana Appeals Court Affirms Murder Conviction Despite Children’s Testimony
Louisiana appeals court upheld a murder conviction despite minor children's incriminating testimony and vacated life sentence due to absent counsel at resentencing.
Illinois Court Lets MAC Biometric Privacy Suit Move Forward
A federal court ruled that MAC Cosmetics can face class action under Illinois' strict biometric privacy law BIPA for alleged facial scan violations.
Hawaii Supreme Court to Rule on Use of Sobriety Test Refusals in DUI Cases
Hawaii Supreme Court will decide if refusal of roadside sobriety tests can imply DUI guilt, influencing legal strategies statewide and beyond.
Amsterdam Court Lets Greenpeace's Anti-SLAPP Suit Against Energy Transfer Move Forward
The Amsterdam District Court permitted Greenpeace to proceed with its anti-SLAPP lawsuit against Energy Transfer, underscoring protections for environmental activists.