News
Legal and legal technology news, distilled daily.
Feds Urge Second Circuit to Reinstate Hate Crime Aggravators in Buffalo Shooting
Federal prosecutors are appealing to the Second Circuit to reinstate hate crime aggravators in the Buffalo mass shooter’s trial, a move that could reshape federal hate crime prosecution strategies.
ICE Crackdown on OPT Fraud Puts Employers on High Alert
ICE has identified over 10,000 OPT fraud cases, triggering stricter enforcement and a DHS review of the program. Employers must prepare for increased compliance scrutiny.
Utah Federal Judge Blocks Early Class Discovery in TCPA Case
A Utah federal court denied plaintiff's request for early class discovery via bifurcation in a TCPA lawsuit, clarifying discovery limits for class actions.
Soros Foundation Commits $300M to U.S. Democracy Amid Scrutiny
The Open Society Foundations, led by Alex Soros, pledge $300 million over five years to support U.S. democracy and civil rights as attacks on nonprofits increase.
iManage Unveils New Features to Boost Legal Workflow Efficiency
iManage rolls out new features including secure collaboration, AI-powered contract analysis, and improved folder management to enhance legal knowledge management.
Jan. 6 Officers Challenge Legality of Trump’s $1.8B Settlement Fund
Capitol Police and DC officers sue to block Trump’s $1.8B IRS settlement fund, arguing it could compensate convicted Jan. 6 rioters. Case probes presidential power and public fund use.
US Rejects UN Migration Declaration, Imposes New Visa Restrictions
The US abstained from the 2026 UN migration review, rejecting its declaration and indefinitely suspending immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, signaling stricter immigration policy.
UK Fast-Tracks Data Centers, Limits Legal Challenges on Big Projects
The UK plans to restrict judicial reviews and speed up approvals for data centers and major energy projects. Legal teams must prepare for tighter windows to challenge decisions.
Barney Frank, Dodd-Frank Co-Author, Dies at 86
Barney Frank, co-author of the Dodd-Frank Act and longtime U.S. congressman, died at 86. His legacy continues to shape financial regulation and LGBTQ+ legal rights.
Harvey Unveils Command Center, Teams With DeepJudge for Legal AI
Harvey launches its Command Center and partners with DeepJudge to boost legal AI for knowledge management, aiming to streamline workflows for law firms and corporate legal teams.
Coalition Urges White House to Tighten No Surprises Act Arbitration
A coalition of 48 employer and consumer groups presses the administration to reform the No Surprises Act arbitration process, alleging conflicts and rising costs.
Legal AI Answers: Words May Be Right, But Substantive Errors Persist
Analysis reveals legal AI tools often produce correct terminology but inaccurate answers, with high error rates posing risks for legal practitioners relying on such systems.
White House Eyes 90-Day Early Notice Rule for Advanced AI Releases
A White House executive order could require AI developers to give 90 days' notice before releasing advanced models, setting stricter standards for legal and compliance teams.
House Democrats plot 2027 crackdown on AI in political ads
House Democrats pledge major AI ad regulation if they retake Congress in 2027, signaling new compliance burdens and legal oversight for political advertising.
BigLaw Firms Expand While Slashing Staff as Tech Transforms Operations
Major law firms like Foley & Lardner and Baker McKenzie are growing and adopting AI, but also laying off staff, signaling a shifting BigLaw business model.
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy Loses GOP Primary After Impeachment Vote
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy loses Louisiana GOP primary after voting to convict Trump in 2021, highlighting legal and political risks for lawmakers defying party lines.
TikTok influencer’s father charged in alleged $14K murder-for-hire plot
Los Angeles prosecutors charged TikTok star Gabriela Gonzalez, her father, and another man in a $14K murder-for-hire scheme tied to a heated custody dispute.
AI Innovators Turn to Trade Secrets Amid IP Uncertainty
As patent law lags behind AI advances, legal teams are turning to trade secrets to protect proprietary AI algorithms, data, and methods. Here’s how to secure innovations.
Federal Courts Refine When Chapter 93A Applies Over Out-of-State Laws
Massachusetts courts clarify how contract law provisions impact Chapter 93A's reach, offering in-house counsel new guidance on consumer protection and contract risk.
Nebraska Outlaws Noncompete Clauses for Healthcare Staffing Agencies
Nebraska passed a law banning noncompete clauses and employment fees for healthcare staffing agencies, signaling new requirements for staffing firms and hospitals by July 2027.