DEI Programs as a Source of Liability for Law Firms and Other Businesses
Two recent cases against international law firms point to an emerging trend in litigation that could have wide-spread implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The author, William "Billy" Jones examines these recent cases filed against the law firms for their DEI fellowships and the potential impacts for law firms and other private businesses.
What DEI Changes Mean for Employers Featuring Patice Holland
As political and public scrutiny of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs grows, employment attorney Patice Holland of WoodsRogers joins the Emerging Litigation Podcast to explain how employers—especially federal contractors—can reassess DEI initiatives while staying compliant with discrimination laws, navigating shifting enforcement priorities, and managing legal, operational, and reputational risk. Tune in now!
Injunction against Trump’s DEI executive orders unlikely to stem massive wave of ‘reverse discrimination’ lawsuits
Justin Ward examines the recent federal court injunction against President Trump’s executive orders targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. While the ruling temporarily halts enforcement of these orders, legal experts suggest it’s unlikely to slow the growing wave of “reverse discrimination” lawsuits. Since the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admission v. Harvard, more than 100 claims alleging discrimination against majority groups have been filed. Additionally, state legislation and an upcoming Supreme Court case, Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, could further lower the bar for such claims, potentially fueling even more litigation.
AI and the Law: A Year-End Retrospective 2025 and Beyond | Webinar for CLE Credit
Artificial intelligence continues to reshape the legal landscape, bringing new litigation risks, evolving regulatory obligations, and complex governance challenges. In this CLE webinar, Abigail Damsky, Jamie O'Neill, and Seán McCabe of Anderson Kill examine the legal developments that continue to influence AI-related litigation and compliance, including privacy and biometric claims, copyright disputes, AI washing, algorithmic discrimination, product liability, antitrust concerns, and the expanding global regulatory framework. Gain practical insights into the cases, trends, and governance considerations that remain highly relevant for legal professionals advising clients on AI risk.
What Has Happened to Law Firms with Mark Zauderer
How did law firms evolve from professional partnerships into large business enterprises? In this episode, Mark C. Zauderer reflects on five decades of change in the legal industry, examining the rise of centralized management, the decline of mentorship, growing profitability pressures, and the influence of political and social forces on modern law firms.
One Size Fits None in Modern Employment Law with Jerry Maatman
In this episode of the Emerging Litigation Podcast, Tom Hagy speaks with employment law expert Gerald L. Maatman, Jr. about how remote work, ADA compliance, workforce reductions, arbitration, DEI policies, and AI are reshaping modern employment law. The conversation highlights practical strategies for managing risk, ensuring compliance, and building defensible workplace policies in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
FTC Warns Law Firms About Diversity Certifications – This Time Alluding to Antitrust
The FTC has warned major U.S. law firms that participation in diversity certification programs could raise antitrust concerns, framing coordinated diversity efforts as a potential labor-market competition issue. This article examines the Commission’s cautionary letters regarding the Mansfield Certification program, the broader pattern of executive branch pressure on law firms and media organizations, and recent court decisions addressing discrimination claims and government retaliation. It also explores how antitrust enforcement, free speech concerns, and regulatory scrutiny are converging to reshape the legal and media landscapes. As political pressure and enforcement intensify, firms must reassess collaborative initiatives while preserving independence and competitive integrity.
Unraveling “Reverse Discrimination” with Employment Attorney Leah Stiegler on the Emerging Litigation Podcast
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.
Pixel Litigation Tests Old Privacy Law
New litigation alleging violations of the Video Privacy Protection Act -- which came well before online video streaming -- demonstrates how plaintiff attorneys are creatively applying traditional causes of action to litigate modern privacy issues in the absence of a federal law. Listen now for insights.
Medical Monitoring for Modern Times with Ed Gentle
Medical Monitoring for Modern Times: Attorney and court-appointed neutral Ed Gentle shares his vision for a new paradigm for mass torts. Marissa, a resident of a small town in Kentucky, learned that for some time her drinking water may have been contaminated with so-called "forever chemicals" or PFAS. It's really a collection of chemicals used in products like fire-suppression foam, cookware, stain-resistant sprays, and food packaging. A local public radio reporter covering the story asked Marissa for her reaction. "I was never informed," she said. "And now I'm worried, like, I hope I don't have issues [...]