We’re in an age when deregulation hawks in just about every sector are getting what they’ve asked for. That includes environmental protection, something many of us have taken for granted, as we watch federal measures undergo a dramatic unwinding at a time when the scientific community agrees more should be done, not less, to safeguard the planet. Federal agencies are retreating from aggressive enforcement, states are asserting new authority, and courts—both state and federal—are emerging as decisive arbiters of climate and energy policy. The result is a patchwork of obligations and opportunities that lawyers, corporations, and communities must navigate with increasing urgency. This week’s developments underscore the trend.

The Department of Justice’s new Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program is reshaping how insider reporting is incentivized in fraud-related antitrust cases. In this CLE webinar, leading whistleblower attorney Julie Bracker and veteran antitrust litigator Dan Mogin explain how the program works, who qualifies, and what types of violations may lead to monetary awards of up to 30% of criminal fines. The session covers whistleblower protections, antitrust enforcement fundamentals, strategic considerations, and current DOJ priorities—offering essential guidance for counsel navigating this rapidly evolving enforcement landscape.

Maryland’s Child Victims Act has opened the door to a surge of revived abuse claims, raising significant challenges for institutions, insurers, and counsel. In this CLE webinar, Cameron Argetsinger, Brian Della Torre, Glen Feinberg, and Sean Gugerty examine the law’s key provisions, emerging litigation trends, and complex insurance coverage issues. The program explores liability risks for schools, nonprofits, and religious organizations, and offers practical guidance on locating historic policies, managing notice obligations, and navigating insurer defenses. Essential insight for anyone handling CVA-related litigation or insurance recovery.

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a powerful asset for modern trial teams. In this episode of the Emerging Litigation Podcast, litigator Adam Massaro breaks down how AI is reshaping trial preparation—from sharpening expert cross-examinations to streamlining evidence management and elevating witness preparation. He explains why structured data and precise prompts are essential to unlocking AI’s full potential, and how these tools can help attorneys evaluate case strength, refine strategy, and anticipate challenges long before entering the courtroom. A must-listen for anyone integrating AI into litigation practice.

The Ninth Circuit has rejected a religious accommodation claim from a healthcare worker who objected to weekly COVID-19 testing, holding that the employee failed to show a bona fide religious conflict and that the employer’s masking-and-testing accommodation was reasonable. The ruling offers valuable guidance for employers navigating post-pandemic accommodation requests. Read the full analysis for key takeaways.

California’s new AI hiring regulations take effect on October 1, 2025, requiring employers to conduct bias audits and increase transparency when using automated decision systems. With broad definitions of ADS and new FEHA liabilities, employers must prepare now to stay compliant. Read the full analysis to understand what steps your organization should take next.

A Montana District Court has awarded nearly $3 million in fees and costs to youth plaintiffs after their landmark constitutional victory recognizing a right to a stable climate system. The ruling highlights the societal importance of the case, the inequity of resources between the parties, and the critical role of private enforcement in protecting environmental rights. Learn more in the full article.

What happens when workplace discrimination claims come from members of majority groups? In this episode of the Emerging Litigation Podcast, attorney Leah Stiegler of Woods Rogers unpacks the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services. The Court’s ruling—eliminating the “background circumstances rule”—marks a major shift in how discrimination cases are evaluated, reinforcing that Title VII protects everyone equally. Leah shares insights from mock jury trials, explores how geography and community values affect verdicts, and breaks down what employers should know about evolving discrimination standards.