Emerging Litigation Podcast
The Long and Brawny Arm of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act with Mark Bini and Tom Suddath
Hey! Corporate corruption costs $5 trillion a year! In this episode two former prosecutors talk about the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the government’s leading weapon in its global war on corporate crime. They also talk about the new statute on the block, the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act, and the many complexities of this fascinating area of the law. Check out our interview with Reed Smith attorneys Mark Bini and Tom Suddath. They know this area of the law inside and out.
False Claims Act, Health Care Whistleblowers, and Whistling in the Wind with Justin Lugar
In this episode, we discuss How whistleblower cases come about, the benefits of rewarding whistleblowers, how things are done differently outside the U.S., what’s driving the acceleration of this area of law, and best practices when your company is served with guest Justin Lugar of WoodsRogers. Drawing on his background as both public servant and private practitioner, Justin walks through these issues and others.
President Biden’s Critical Infrastructure Cyber Memo and CrowdStrike’s Whoopsie Daisy with Elizabeth Burgin Waller
In this episode, we discuss our nation's critical infrastructure in the context of cybersecurity, addressing President Biden's recent National Security Memorandum on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience and its implications for sectors like energy, water, and transportation, with guest Elizabeth Burgin Waller of WoodsRogers. Beth also comments on a recent global system glitch that underscores the vulnerability of the networks behind many of our most critical services. We're talking CrowdStrike and Microsoft Windows.
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Emerging Litigation Journal
22 States Sue New York Over Climate Fund, Calling It an ‘Unconstitutional Shakedown’
Tim Zyla examines the high-stakes legal battle between New York and a coalition of 22 states, led by West Virginia, over the state’s newly enacted Climate Change Superfund Act. The law requires energy producers to pay $75 billion over 25 years to fund climate damage recovery efforts. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, argues that New York’s law is unconstitutional, overreaches state authority, and unfairly targets out-of-state energy companies. Plaintiffs claim the Act violates multiple constitutional provisions, including the Commerce Clause, Due Process, and Equal Protection Clauses, as well as federal environmental law. Meanwhile, a pro se West Virginia resident has filed a motion to dismiss the case, defending New York’s actions as necessary for public health and climate accountability. Zyla highlights how this case could set a major precedent for state-level climate initiatives and corporate liability for environmental damage.
When Litigation Financing Goes Wrong, Who Pays?
The bankruptcy of Houston's AkinMears LLP highlights the risks of relying too heavily on third-party litigation financing and the broader implications for transparency, regulation, and financial sustainability in mass torts. The firm filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy citing more than $200 million in debt owed to litigation funding companies Virage SPV 1 and Rocade Capital. According to Bloomberg Law’s U.S. Bankruptcy Tracker, AkinMears LLP was the only U.S. law firm filing for bankruptcy in January 2025 with $50 million or more in liabilities. In total, 12 large law firms declared bankruptcy in January 2025, up from seven in January 2024 but slightly below the 17 cases recorded in January 2023. Read our report by guest contributor Jennifer Holmes.
Mexico Bans Imports of Foreign Textiles: Does My Insurance Policy Cover That?
Diana Gliedman, Dennis Nolan, and Fiona Hogan examine the impact of Mexico’s recent presidential decree banning certain foreign textile imports through the IMMEX program and increasing tariffs on textile products. The ban has disrupted operations for textile companies and third-party logistics providers, leading to unexpected costs, rerouting challenges, and supply chain delays. The authors outline how businesses may find relief through insurance policies such as Supply Chain Insurance, Business Interruption, Contingent Business Interruption, and Marine Cargo/Stock Throughput Insurance. They emphasize the need for swift action to review coverage, notify insurers, and document losses to maximize potential claims.
HB Webinars on CeriFi LegalEdge
Forever Chemicals: Insurance Recoveries for PFAS Liabilities
Take this CLE webinar and gain a better understanding of the evolving legal, regulatory, and insurance landscape surrounding PFAS ("forever chemicals") and their growing impact on businesses and insurers. We feature experienced insurance recovery attorneys Bob Horkovich and Cameron Argetsinger and environmental experts Arthur J. Clarke and Walker Prentke from J.S. Held. Take it now or when you're ready. It's on demand!
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.
Post-Hurricane Coverage and Claims Adjustment Issues
Take this CLE webinar and gain a better understanding of ey insurance coverage issues arising from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, including business interruption claims, deductibles, flood sublimits, and strategies to address delays in the claims adjustment process. We feature experienced insurance recovery attorneys Dennis Artese, Marshall Gilinsky, Joshua Gold, and Grant Brown of Anderson Kill, P.C. Take it now or when you're ready. It's on demand!
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